Improving Water Well Management: Pulling It All Together

Regardless of region, water supply and water quality are affected by many common site characteristics and land use patterns. Most fouling within well systems occurs as a result of biological and mineral accumulations, usually involves some level of physical blockage, and is frequently a result of site specific and regional characteristics. Common well problems exist due to the character of the source water, well design, and usage patterns. Water monitoring and site assessment can be valuable tools to identify changes. Knowledge of some interrelationships between land use, its effect on groundwater and surface water interaction, and its impacts on aquifer recharge may assist water managers in anticipating stressors and demands on their water systems. Case studies will highlight commonalities induced by well location, well usage, and land use related to agriculture and urbanization.