Water Well Journal
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/629532
In this ISSUE T he February issue of Water Well Journal focuses on ground source heat pumps and contains a feature article and guest editorial on the subject. The feature article was authored by freelance writer Jennifer Strawn. "Avoiding Common Pitfalls" on page 20 details how a thermal conductivity test can help contractors avoid errors that can prevent them from installing a properly designed geothermal system. A thermal conductivity test provides designers the actual average heat transfer rate for the boreholes for that specific site instead of relying on a broad set of values. They take the guesswork out of system design, which can save costs as well as ensure optimum performance. Strawn details how to perform a test as well as goes over how to make sure the test will yield accurate results and common errors to avoid in testing. The guest editorial is authored by National Ground Water Asso- ciation Government Affairs Director Lauren Schapker. Titled "End-of-Year Tax Package Provides Additional Support for Geothermal Heat Pumps" and beginning on page 10, it goes over how NGWA and allied organizations are working to extending tax credits that incentivize the use of geothermal heat pumps before they expire in December of this year. Shapker detailed everything NGWA and other groups were doing in 2015, what is happening now, and three other issues that will be highlighted when NGWA has its 2016 Groundwater Fly-In, February 22-23 in Washington, D.C. Along with the tax credits, groundwater professionals will discuss the National Ground-Water Monitoring Network, drought legislation, and the Water Supply Cost Savings Act. A new column focusing on the irrigation market is debuting in the February WWJ. "Irrigating Our Future" by Mike Allen will ap- pear in WWJ on a quarterly basis. Allen was employed for Western Land Roller/Ingersoll Rand/Ingersoll Dresser, now Flowserve, for 30 years—the last 20 years as the sales and marketing manager for groundwater development for North America. The debut column, "Being a Resource," is on page 38. Allen covers the new industry technology that has emerged in his career, how communication skills are still vital today, why training is critical to the next generation of product engineers, and the sophistication of the irrigation market. The latest installment of the Safety Matters column is titled "Safe Use of Fiber and Wire Ropes" on page 34. Author Jerome E. Spear, CSP, CIH, goes over condi- tions and how to inspect and care for both types of rope that are used in the ground- water industry. Spear points out with wire ropes wear, metal fatigue, abrasion, corrosion, kinks, and improper reeving are more important in dictating the life of the rope—more so than its breaking strength when new. He adds the strength and useful life of fiber rope can be shortened considerably by improper care and provides tips to help prolong the life and strength of the rope. He also points out conditions to look for with fiber rope that, when spotted, would immediately have the rope removed from service. Senior Editor Mike Price recaps the 2015 NGWA ® Groundwater Expo and Annual Meeting in the feature article "Staying Strong" on page 28. The 67th Expo took place December 15-17 in Las Vegas and drew 4886 attendees from 30 different nations, in addi- tion to the United States. It was the 10th largest Expo. Concern about Expo being the week before Christmas was dispelled after seeing the crowd in the exhibit hall on opening day. More than 300 exhibiting companies showcased the latest wares of the groundwater industry on 78,200 square feet of exhibit space. Price speaks with attendees, exhibitors, and NGWA staff on what they thought of the groundwater industry's largest event. Disclaimer Water Well Journal and the National Ground Water Association provide information for guid- ance and information purposes only. This publi- cation is not intended to provide investment, tax, or legal advice. The information contained herein has been compiled from sources deemed reliable and it is accurate to the best of our knowledge and belief; however, Water Well Journal and the National Ground Water Association cannot guarantee as to its accuracy, completeness, and validity and cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions. All information contained herein should be independently verified and confirmed. Water Well Journal and the National Ground Water Association do not accept any liability for any loss or damage howsoever caused in reliance upon such information. Reader agrees to assume all risk resulting from the application of any of the information provided by Water Well Journal and the National Ground Water Association. Trademarks and copyrights mentioned within Water Well Journal are the ownership of their respective companies. The names of products and services presented are used only in an edu- cational fashion and to the benefit of the trade- mark and copyright owner, with no intention of infringing on trademarks or copyrights. No endorsement of any third-party products or services is expressed or implied by any infor- mation, material, or content referred to in the Water Well Journal. Subscriptions/Back Issues For questions, changes or problems with your subscription call Carol Clark. Subscriptions: Water well contractors and other qualified groundwater industry personnel in U.S. and Canada — free; others in U.S. and Canada — $115 per year; $15 per copy. International: $150 per year; $35 per copy. Subscriptions available through NGWA offices only. We re- serve the right to refuse subscriptions to any- one not directly engaged in the groundwater industry. Claims for missing issues must be made in writing within three months of publi- cation and will be subject to the availability of back issues. Advertising Disclaimer Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for all content (including text, repre- sentation, and illustrations) of advertisements printed and also assume responsibility for any claims arising therefrom made against the pub- lisher. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising that it believes is not in keeping with the publication's standards or is deemed unsuitable or misleading. waterwelljournal.com 8 February 2016 WWJ Mike Allen Mike Price Lauren Schapker