National Ground Water Association

(WESTERVILLE, OH — January 12, 2012) Routine water well system inspection is vital to assuring proper operation of the well, prolong its operational expectancy, and monitor the quality of the groundwater it supplies, according to the National Ground Water Association. In addition, just as important as the inspection itself, are the qualifications of those hired to perform the inspection.

To this end, NGWA’s recently issued Water Well Systems Inspection Best Suggested Practice serves as a guide to well owners, water systems managers, regulators, contractors, and pump installers, as well as those who perform and depend upon well inspections.

This “best suggested practice,” or BSP, recommends that any individual or group hired to conduct groundwater system inspections possess the following skills and experience to operate within the following parameters:

• Knowledge of local, regional, state, and federal code and regulations relative to water well construction, well inspection, pump installation, electrical systems, groundwater quality, etc.
• Safety protocol awareness for situations applicable to the work being conducted
• Basic understanding of natural and anthropogenic threats to drinking water quality
• Technical awareness of pump and related electrical systems.

The BSP also lists items a qualified inspector should perform including, but not limited to:

• Determining the water well use parameters such as its purpose, e.g., human consumption, irrigation, industrial; estimated groundwater usage per day; any known water quality issues
• Visually inspecting the wellhead to ensure proper siting
• Visually and physically inspecting the water well system components including testing the pump, checking valves, and conducting electrical testing
• Visually inspecting any other equipment such as pressure tanks, storage tanks, water heaters, softeners, filtration equipment, and the like
• Documenting for the well owner/manager the system specifications observed, any suggested recommendations for remedial work, and a recommended schedule for future routine inspection, testing, cleaning, and rehabilitation.

Click here to download NGWA’s Water Well Systems Inspection BSP (PDF). To learn more about NGWA’s many other BSPs, visit the “industry best practices” section on our Web site or call 800 551.7379 (614 898.7791).

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NGWA, a nonprofit organization composed of U.S. and international groundwater professionals — contractors, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, scientists, and engineers — is dedicated to advancing groundwater knowledge. NGWA’s vision is to be the leading groundwater association that advocates the responsible development, management, and use of water.

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