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(905) 238-5242
sales@waterra.com

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR GROUNDWATER MONITORING SINCE 1985
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SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR GROUNDWATER MONITORING SINCE 1985

How to Sample collapsed or obstructed wells

Use Waterra Pumps, Peristaltic Pumps or EcoBailers

How to sample collapsed or obstructed wells? Piezometers or wells that have lost their original diameter as a result of collapse or obstruction by other equipment can still be sampled. Waterra has three systems or devices that can be used to sample these types of wells or piezometers. The depth to water and the size of the remaining opening affect the choice of equipment and as always, a Waterra technician can help you select the best option from the list below.

Waterra SS-10 Stainless Steel Foot Valves showing Micro Flow HDPE and LDPE Tubing

How the Waterra Pump works

Option 1

Sampling collapsed or obstructed wells with a Waterra Pump

Openings as little as 0.5 in (1.25 cm) can be sampled using the Micro Flow System which has an outside diameter of 0.375 inches (10 mm). Because the Waterra Tubing is semi rigid, it can be pushed past obstructions. Of course, if the opening will accommodate a larger diameter system than the Micro Flow System then perhaps that should be used.

The Micro Flow System usually consists of: an SS-10 Foot valve, a length of Micro Flow Tubing and is usually pumped by hand.

Learn more about the Waterra Pump System

Procedure for sampling collapsed or obstructed wells with a Waterra Pump

  • Thread the SS-10 Foot Valve securely into the Micro Flow Tubing
  • Insert the tubing into the well valve first
  • Work past the narrowing to the screened interval
  • Begin pumping by hand by oscillating the tubing and foot valve assembly up and down in the monitoring well
  • Sample when your pre-sampling protocol is complete

Waterra Words of Wisdom

The Waterra micro flow system is an exceeding inexpensive and effective way to sample collapsed or obstructed wells.

You May Need

  • Waterra Pump Micro Flow System
  • Waterra LDPE Micro Flow Tubing

    Waterra LDPE Micro Flow Tubing

    $USD 20.99$USD 101.28
    This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Waterra HDPE Micro Flow Tubing

    Waterra HDPE Micro Flow Tubing

    $USD 20.99$USD 100.28
    This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Waterra  0.45 Micron (FHT & FMT) Groundwater Filter
    This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Option 2

Sampling collapsed or obstructed wells with a Peristaltic Pump

Spectra Field-Pro Groundwater Sampling Peristaltic Pump

If you are within suction lift capabilities of a peristaltic pump you can try using a narrow diameter tube to get down past the obstruction to the water level.  This type of pump can lift 24 feet (7.3 m) or so. Waterra carries the Spectra Field Pro Peristaltic Pumps .

Learn more about Peristaltic Pumps

Procedure for sampling collapsed or obstructed wells with a Waterra Peristaltic Pump

  • Open the pump head and insert a length of Waterra Peristaltic Tubing into the pump head
  • Feed the Waterra sample tubing down the well past the obstruction to the desired depth
  • Insert the appropriately sized sample tubing into the peristaltic tubing sufficiently so that is secure and won’t fall down the well
  • Turn on the pump making sure that the rotation is pumping from the well
  • Sample according to your protocol

Waterra Words of Wisdom

  • Peristaltic pumps have a limited lift depending on your altitude; usually 24 feet (7.3 m) or so
  • HDPE Waterra Tubing is stiffer than LDPE if you need to push past a narrowing to sample collapsed or obstructed wells.

You May Need

  • Waterra Peristaltic (Silicone) Tubing

    Waterra Peristaltic (Silicone) Tubing

    $USD 102.85$USD 120.70
    This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Waterra  0.45 Micron (FHT & FMT) Groundwater Filter
    This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Spectra Field-Pro Peristaltic Pump

Option 3

Sampling collapsed or obstructed wells with an EcoBailer

Eco Bailer Groundwater Sampler

EcoBailers are available in 0.5 and 0.7 inch (12 and 18 mm) outside diameters and in PVC and polyethylene. These can be lowered down narrow or obstructed wells but the bailer can not be forced down. Narrow diameter EcoBailers are suitable for most contaminated environments. These disposable bailers are low cost and eliminate cross contamination. They are individually packaged; each with a bailer emptying spout.

Learn more about Ecobailers

Procedure For Sampling Collapsed Or Obstructed Wells With A Waterra Bailer

  • Attach a cord or rope to the top loop of the bailer
  • Lower the bailer into the monitoring well by means of the cord or rope.
  • Allow the bailer to sink to the screened portion of the well
  • Pull the bailer up out of the well
  • Remove the sample from the bailer with the use of a bottom emptying device or it can be poured from the top of the bailer by carefully tipping it

Waterra Words of Wisdom

  • Bailers gravity drop and you can’t really push it down past the narrow section
  • Bailers can potentially get stuck below the collapse or obstruction
  • Bailer work can be labour intensive depending on what you are trying to accomplish

You May Need

  • Waterra  0.45 Micron (FHT & FMT) Groundwater Filter
    This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Graduated Tether – 3000 feet
  • Clear PVC eco Bailer Groundwater Sampler

    Clear PVC eco Bailer Groundwater Sampler

    $USD 79.00$USD 174.30
    This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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