Well Development
HydroFracturing & Well Rehabilitation
Development and re-development of wells to increase or restore yields to those satisfactory of our clients' water needs.
Restoring Your Well's Performance
Low yields from wells can be the result of the drilling process in new wells or the bio-fouling of the aquifer's formation in pre-existing wells. Ogden Wells is well versed in the development and re-development of wells to increase or restore yields.
In New England's fractured bedrock, water enters a well through cracks and fissures in the rock. Over time, these openings can become partially blocked by mineral deposits, bacterial growth, or fine sediment. When that happens, the well produces less water — sometimes dramatically less.
We first examine the cause of the problem through flow testing and, when needed, down-hole video inspection. Then we design and conduct one of the following procedures to increase the yield of the well:
Development Methods
Hydro-Fracturing
The process of cleaning the borehole with high pressure and high volumes of water. This is one of the most popular methods for the development of low-yield bedrock wells. High-pressure water is pumped into the well at volumes that exceed the well's natural yield, forcing water outward into the surrounding rock formation. This action cleans existing fractures and can open new pathways for groundwater flow.
Surging & Pumping
Performed with a cable tool drilling rig by running surge blocks in an up-and-down pattern within the borehole to force water in and out of the aquifer. Most common in gravel wells, but also works on bedrock wells where nearby wells could be affected by hydro-fracturing. The surging action pulls fine material out of the formation and into the well, where it can be pumped to the surface.
High Pressure Jetting
High-pressure water jets are directed at the borehole wall to remove scale, mineral deposits, and biological buildup from pre-existing wells, or to develop newly installed gravel wells. This method is effective when buildup has reduced flow through the well screen or casing perforations.
Chemical Agitation
Chemicals are introduced into the borehole, then agitated to dissolve and remove iron bacteria, mineral scale, or slime buildup that may be restricting water flow. After treatment, the well is thoroughly flushed to remove all chemical residue before returning to service.
When to Consider
When Is Well Rehabilitation Needed?
Several common situations indicate that your well may benefit from development or rehabilitation work.
New Well with Low Initial Yield
Some newly drilled bedrock wells don't immediately produce adequate water. The drilling process can pack fine cuttings into fractures, reducing initial flow. Hydrofracturing can clear these blockages and significantly increase yield.
Declining Production in an Existing Well
Over time, mineral deposits (iron, manganese, calcium) and biological growth (iron bacteria) can coat fracture surfaces and clog openings, gradually reducing water flow. Well rehabilitation can often restore production without drilling a new well.
Seasonal Water Shortages
If your well runs low during dry summer months or when multiple fixtures are in use, the well may benefit from development to access additional fracture zones and increase the overall yield.
Before Drilling a New Well
If your existing well is underperforming, hydrofracturing or rehabilitation should be evaluated before committing to the cost of a new well. In many cases, we can restore adequate production at a fraction of the cost of new construction.
What to Expect
Every well rehabilitation project begins with an evaluation. Here's the general process:
We measure your well's current yield with a flow test and review the well's construction records.
If needed, we perform a down-hole video inspection to visually assess the condition of the casing and borehole.
Based on findings, we recommend the most appropriate development method for your situation.
After treatment, we retest the well to document the improvement in yield.
Low Water Yield?
Don't drill a new well until you talk to us. We can often restore your existing well's performance at a fraction of the cost.