How to Sample Groundwater in Monitoring Wells

How to Sample Groundwater in Monitoring Wells is the heart of our business! Waterra is a specialist in groundwater monitoring equipment. We currently carry four different systems or devices that could be used to collect samples of groundwater from exploratory or reconnaissance piezometers and monitoring wells. We can sample from as little as 0.5 inch (13 mm) inside diameter (ID) up to 4 inch (10 cm) ID monitoring wells. As always, a Waterra technician would be happy to help configure a system to your specific application.

Here are the four Options of systems or device that you could use to sample your well.

A Waterra Pump is a simple, inexpensive way to sample a monitoring well. A Waterra Foot Valve is attached the bottom end of a length of Waterra Tubing. The Tubing – Foot Valve Combo is inserted into the well, Foot Valve first, until the valve is submerged beneath the water table. The tubing is then oscillated up and down over a short range of motion either by hand or with a Waterra Tubing Actuator. The Tubing – Foot Valve Combos are often dedicated to wells due to their low cost and to avoid cross-contamination or de-conning issues.

How to Sample Groundwater in Monitoring Wells and Piezometers can also be addressed by using an eco Bailer. This is an excellent option where a pump is not suited or available for sampling. Bailers are very simple devices that can be used to collect water samples from almost any size well and are suitable for most contaminated environments. Waterra offers both PVC and polyethylene bailers in a four diameters and various lengths with weighted and non-weighted options too. These disposable bailers are inexpensive and can either be dedicated to wells or disposed of after use.They are individually packaged; each with a bailer emptying spout.

Waterra carries Submersible Pumps that are another alternative for collecting groundwater samples. These pumps are portable and easy to operate. These pumps can be used to purge and sample monitoring wells 2″ or larger. A range of these products are available that can provide lifts of up to 90 feet. These units require a 12 Volt and Waterra Low Flow Tubing. Flow rates will vary with the lift, increasing lift decreases flow rates.

If you are within suction lift capabilities of a peristaltic pump, generally 24 feet  (7.3 m)or so, you may want to consider a Peristaltic Pump. Lift capability is better at lower elevations where atmospheric pressure is higher. A rotating mechanism squeezes the Waterra Peristaltic Tubing and rolls forward creating a lower pressure zone behind the roller which basically sucks water up the sample tubing in the well.