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Clogging of groundwater abstraction wells is acommon phenomenon, so common that it is oftenconsidered inevitable. However, by determiningwhether the clogging is chemical or mechanical,and by using operation procedures specific to eachtype of clogging phenomenon, groundwaterabstraction can be significantly more reliable andcost-effective. This article examines how to diagnoseand to mitigate screen slot (chemical) cloggingand well bore (mechanical) clogging.Screen slot clogging is evidenced by increasingentrance resistance, the difference in headbetween the abstraction well and the observationwell in its gravel pack. Continuous operation ofthe well will prevent this problem. Well bore cloggingis evidenced by an entrance resistance thatdoes not increase over time. Alternating well operationand idle periods will prevent clogging inthese instances. Applying the results and recommendationsof this research can help water providersavoid the extra costs associated withclogged wells, which the authors estimate can beup to $6,500 per well for monitoring, regeneration,and replacement. Includes 26 references, table, figures.

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Edition: Vol. 101 - No. 4 Published: 04/01/2009 Number of Pages: 10 File Size: 1 file , 1.3 MB