Application of Sodium Silicate in the Rehabilitation of Water Wells
Presented on Thursday, December 17, 2015
Theresa Jehn-Dellaport, P.G.1 and Ray Newmyer, MGWC2, (1)Quantum Water & Environment, Lakewood, CO, (2)NWP, Drilling and Consulting Inc., Bennett, CO
Water well systems can deteriorate over time, and therefore require periodic maintenance. Biofouling of water wells is a significant problem in the U.S. If biofouled wells are left untreated, there can be significant decreases in water production, decreases in water quality and public health concerns.
The use of a sodium metasilicate for biofouling mitigation has proven extremely effective in removing bacteria from both the well and aquifer. A controlled study site was used to determine the amount of use of the product, and diffusive properties. A monitoring well network was installed around a pumping well. Aquifer properties were obtained and water level data over time was collected. Fluorescence dye was also used to determine the groundwater flow rate. These data were used to determine the diffusive properties of the product.
In addition, the sodium metasilicate has been used effectively to rehabilitate wells that were inadequately developed from use of mud drilling techniques. This talk will discuss the results of these studies and the potential for this product in the water well industry.
Theresa Jehn-Dellaport, P.G.
Quantum Water & Environment, Lakewood, CO
Theresa Jehn-Dellaport brings more than 26 years of experience in groundwater and surface water evaluations, feasibility studies, large municipal water well design, aquifer storage and recovery, surface and groundwater rights studies, plans for augmentation, substitute supply plans, surface water hydrology studies, aquifer pump test analysis, monitoring well and water well design, construction and testing, and specification preparation for large municipal and domestic water supply wells. She also has extensive experience in directing large multidisciplinary technical staff, subcontractors, and consultants.
Ray Newmyer, MGWC
NWP, Drilling and Consulting Inc., Bennett, CO
H. Ray Newmyer is a physicist, NGWA Master Ground Water Contractor, and licensed driller in Colorado and New Mexico. He has been a driller for over 45 years and has drilled wells with all types of rigs in all types of formations. He served two terms on the Colorado State Board of Examiners, has developed college curricula, and taught courses on drilling and ground water worldwide. He has performed humanitarian work in many developing countries - Haiti, Mozambique, Nigeria, Zambia, among others.
