Stacking of ASR Wells in Multiple Aquifers

Locating suitable sites for ASR wells and wellfields is proving to be increasingly difficult nationwide, reflecting land use and environmental constraints, setback requirements, competing groundwater production, aquifer contamination and other constraints.  Where suitable well sites are located, it is important to gain as much storage volume and production capacity as possible. At an increasing number of ASR wellfield locations, “stacking” of ASR wells is being implemented, storing water in two or more aquifers at the same location and using separate ASR wells for each aquifer.  This reduces land acquisition requirements and also reduces the complexity and cost of wellhead facilities.  Case histories will be discussed for Orangeburg, South Carolina, which will complete construction in December 2009 and will begin cycle testing in January 2010, and for the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, Wilmington, North Carolina, for which construction will begin in February 2010.