Well characteristics
By Upper Midwest Water Science Center
2018 (approx.)
Detailed Description
This illustration compares the construction characteristics of two water wells. Note that the distance from the top of the well screen to the confining unit, or aquitard, is much shorter for the well on the right, as is the length of the screen in the underlying aquifer unit. Placing a well screen farther beneath the confining unit and/or using a longer-length screen, as shown for the well on the left, can decrease the likelihood of elevated arsenic concentrations in domestic well water.
Credit: Modified from Figure 1 in Erickson & Barnes, 2005, reprinted with permission.
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.
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Related Content
Arsenic in Minnesota groundwater—Occurrence and relation to hydrogeologic and geochemical factors
Geologic-sourced arsenic is common in Minnesota groundwater. Drinking-water managers, well owners, and well contractors need to know where and why high arsenic in groundwater is likely to occur in wells in order to take measures to protect public health. The USGS is assessing the spatial distribution of high arsenic groundwater in Minnesota, and identifying factors affecting arsenic mobilization.