DRILLING TERMS

OBSERVATION WELLS

This style of well can be 2-inch diameter to 4-inch diameter.  This type of well is to allow access to the aquifer body for water level measurements.

PUMPABLE PIEZOMETER

This is a 4.5-inch hole that we use to verify target formation, evaluate the distribution of particle size in the cuttings, confirmation of depth, and relative quality of the water in the formation. We use his mudded hole to run an Elog into the mudded hole (with out casing).  Then install a 4-inch diameter PVC casing with slotted screen.  Our minimum footage is 100ft. 

MUD ROTARY TEST HOLE:  

This is a 4.5-inch hole that we use to verify target formation, evaluate the distribution of particle size in the cuttings, confirmation of depth, and relative quality of the water in the formation. We use this mudded hole to run an Elog into the mudded hole (with out casing).  Our Elog runs SPR, SP and Gamma.  This logging evaluates the best potential for water supply with measurements to the inch.  It allows for the greatest accuracy so screens can be places to yield the greatest quantity of water.  Our minimum footage is 100ft.  We drill this with the intent of using this test hole and ream it into the well.

5 INCH DIAMETER PVC WELL: 

This style of drilling requires the use of a rotary bit of about 8 inches and circulating drilling fluid to reach deeper depths than most shallow formations, and it has increased drill speed.  We strictly use the best materials on the market.  We use a man-made silica sand to fill the screen annulus creating a better filter cake.  5-inch ID 250 telescopic casing and 5 inch ID stainless steel screens.  Average Saskatchewan pump rates are between 3-8 gal per min.  Wells 3gal per min or less, we recommend the use of a small holding tank to help elevate high water usage and low water usage throughout the day.  In some cases, a holding tank is a better option than opting to dig to a substantially deeper target.

DRY AUGER TEST HOLE

This is a hole that is free of driller mud, where the geology sample is augured to the surface.  It provides a sample of the potential available water.  Our minimum charge is up to 100ft.  This can be done in a few test holes or all the footage in one hole. Elogging is not utilized in this style of test hole.

WHAT IS A PUMP RATE?

• A pump rate of 3 gals per minute and higher is generally sufficient for a home, if the water system is designed properly.

• In some areas, it can be rare for wells to produce more than 3 gal per minute, then a holding tank can be installed with a pump and timer system for the well.

• The pump and pressure system can be installed in the holding tank and the home can have a normal pressure and flow for all needs including livestock, and yard irrigation.

WHAT ARE AQUIFERS?

Aquifers are formations from which water can be removed. Although water moves through an aquifer, it is not an underground river. Typically, aquifers are made up of sediments with relatively large and connected pore spaces that permit water movement. The larger the pore, the more movement.  The smaller the pore, the slower the movement.  Aquifers are most commonly composed of sands and gravels, but in some areas, may be formed large blanket bodies of ultra fine silt or by cracked or fractured coal or shale.

Aquifers can be found between confining layers (aquitards), which are soil and rock formations like clays and silts that permit slower movement of groundwater. Although these materials can be saturated with groundwater, they are not able to yield sufficient water to a well. This type of material may allow for a small amount of water, then once pumped away it may not recharge or recharge extremely slowly.  Flow within aquitards is limited within small areas, but regionally they may transmit significant volumes of water. Aquitards can therefore significantly affect the flow and quality of water. 

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