Wednesday, 9 November 2005
4

Beyond Traditional Wellhead Inspections with a Down-Well Camera.

Paul F. Vendrell1, Tina Pagan2, Mark Risse2, and William Thom3. (1) University of Georgia, Ag and Environmental Services Labs, 2300 College Station Road, Athens, GA 30302, (2) University of Georgia, Bio and Ag Engineering, Athens, GA, (3) University of Kentucky, Agronomy, Lexington, KY

Approximately 95% of Georgia's rural residents get their drinking water from private water wells; therefore it is critical that these wells function properly and are free of pollutants. Over the past two years, the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service has been using a down-well camera to gain a better understanding of private drinking water wells. Wells were inspected in nine counties across Georgia and the Jackson Purchase Area in Kentucky where a water analysis identified a concern. Concerns consisted of the presence of bacteria (total coliform or E. coli), severe corrosion, organic matter, nitrate, tannin, and BTEX. The down-well camera captures footage that allows a specialist to look for likely causes or entry points for contamination. Images collected are categorized into three groups consisting of organisms, foreign material, and leaks & holes. Down-well videos can identify avenues for contamination and are an effective step beyond traditional wellhead inspections. Complex hydrogeology and well engineering principals are easily conveyed. This visual information has a place in education programs for protecting groundwater resources.

Handout (.pdf format, 1720.0 kb)

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