The Importance of
Well Rehabilitation

What is well rehabilitation?

Well rehabilitation is a general term used to describe the cleaning of a groundwater well. Various methods exist for this process, and each well presents unique issues necessitating distinct approaches. Well rehabilitation serves several purposes, including but not limited to addressing issues such as loss of flow, reduced production, or diminished groundwater quality.

Throughout a well’s lifespan, bacteria can start to grow in the formation surrounding the well, the screens, or even the casing, gradually causing blockages. Minerals such as manganese, calcium, carbonates (hardness), iron, and others can also contribute to the clogging of these spaces. Increased levels of bacteria and minerals in a well can lead to a deterioration in water quality over time. Regular maintenance, specifically the cleaning of these pathways, is essential to help preserve a well's functionality over many years.

Why should a well be cleaned?

Cleaning of any well is extremely important, whether there's a decline in production, a deterioration in water quality, or as a preventive maintenance measure. The replacement cost for a fully-equipped production well can be exceedingly high, involving engineering, drilling a new production well along with monitoring wells, well testing, well equipment, and more. Well rehabilitation, when conducted appropriately, can extend the lifespan of a groundwater well and restore its previous efficiency. In most cases, performing a well cleaning proves to be a fraction of the cost compared to full replacement. Following proper procedures not only extends the well's life but can also enhance the safety for water users by eliminating harmful coliforms. In any case, working on a groundwater well poses significant hazards to aquifers and anyone relying on groundwater. In British Columbia, well owners are required to hire a certified professional to perform this type of work.

Who is capable of such work?

Central Interior Pumps has been performing well rehabilitation on wells throughout British Columbia for many years. Our team includes certified Well Pump Installers with substantial experience in executing well cleanings and servicing water well systems. Possessing both expertise and specialized equipment, our company is capable of undertaking rehabilitation projects on nearly any well within our region. We use a range of mechanical and chemical treatments to address diverse contaminants, utilizing industry-leading techniques like surge blocks, air tools, well brushes, sediment bailers, and more. Given the inherent risks associated with these tasks, our crew is fully equipped with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and undergoes comprehensive training to ensure safe operations. Prior to initiating any well cleaning, we take meticulous steps to determine and employ the appropriate methods.

How does this process work?

In order to carry out well rehabilitation, our crew requires specific information about the well. This may include results from well flow testing, down-hole camera inspections, water analysis, and more. We have the equipment to perform such procedures, including a 1000-foot down-hole inspection camera with down/side view capabilities and all required equipment to perform flow testing. We recommend conducting camera inspections and flow testing both before and after a well cleaning. A comprehensive water analysis aids us in determining the suitable chemicals for each well. If there is no recent raw water analysis available, it is essential to conduct one to ensure proper procedures are established before initiating the project. Additionally, we suggest taking a second raw water sample after the completion of the process. To execute a well cleaning, our crew will remove all well equipment and inspect for wear and damage. Prior to reinstallation the well equipment will be disinfected to prevent contamination of the ground water. The duration of the rehabilitation process can vary.

How long will this process take?

During the cleaning process, the well will be unusable. The duration of time the well remains offline depends on various factors. Factors such as the well's depth and casing size, the application of chemical treatments, and the purging process all contribute to the overall duration of the rehabilitation, among other considerations. Typically, a standard well cleaning entails approximately 5 days of the well being offline, though depending on the specific procedure, this timeframe may extend up to 2 weeks. Before commencing such a project, we strongly recommend implementing water use restrictions for the consumers. It is advisable to ensure all reservoirs are maximally filled, with contingency plans in place for backup water sources. In instances of extreme need, having a water truck on standby is a good idea in case reservoir levels decrease significantly.