August 2011

Page 1

JOURNAL

August 2011

A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION

Flooding in the Southeast Series on groundwater in the United States begins with flood impacts, page 21

Also inside: Groundwater treatment, page 30 Hydraulic analysis—hydrostatics, page 36

®

Your reputation hangs in the balance with every drop of water you deliver. Today, customers want more than just water. They want quality water — free of minerals, bacteria and contaminants. And when you give them a water treatment solution, it better work. And it better last. Real pros can deliver the right water every time, all the time, with Water-Right as their water quality partner. We’re the perfect, single-source solution for all your water testing and treatment needs. Here’s why: • • • • •

Proven, innovative water treatment products In-depth training to help make you the expert Expert consultation always available Cost-effective “problem water” solutions Fast and accurate water testing through our state-certified lab

Make quality an important part of your reputation. Partner with the water quality pros at Water-Right. Circle card no. 47

800-777-1426 www.water-right.com

We’ve added what’s been missing to your water — depth and breadth. ®

Southwire is pouring it on. As the leading manufacturer of wire and cable, Southwire offers you more capacity, greater control of inventory turns, breadth of product offerings, and custom packaging with unmatched experience in the wire and cable industry. Since 1950, Southwire has supplied the power industry with innovation, service and dependability.

Call us toll free at 1-877-636-9473 or email at OEM_Division@southwire.com www.southwire.com

Circle card no. 44

Circle card no. 46

JOURNAL

Vol. 65, No. 8 August 2011 www.ngwa.org

A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION

FEATURED ARTICLES 21 Groundwater Issues in the United States Part 1: Flooding in the Southeast By Mike Price

The 2011 Mississippi River floods wreaked havoc in states along the waterway and in the process potentially endangered groundwater. 25 Strategies to Boost Your Business By Lana Straub

Part 1: Reevaluate your business and plan for the future. 28 Delta Screens By Mike Price

Founded in 2010, Delta Screens is a new wedge wire screen company that serves the water well, water treatment, oil and gas, industrial, and architectural markets.

Page 21

DEPARTMENTS Your Feedback In This Issue Industry Newsline The Log Web Notes Coming Events State Watch Newsmakers Featured Products Downhole Humor Classified Marketplace Index of Advertisers Closing Time

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 Editor’s Note What’s Your Brand? 19 WellGuard Reflect for Safety 11 st 20

Augu

NAL JOUR

7 8 10 17 18 52 54 56 58 63 64 75 76

ON LICATI A PUB

WATER UND GRO NAL NATIO OF THE

IATION ASSOC

About the cover Floodwaters rise around a home in Georgia. To find out more about the impact of flooding on groundwater, go to the first installment of a series on groundwater in the United States on page 21. ®

Member of BPA Worldwide. The Water Well Journal (ISSN #0043-1443) is published monthly by the National Ground Water Association, 601 Dempsey Rd., Westerville, OH 43081. Printed and mailed at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, and additional mailing offices. Postal acceptance: Periodical (requester subscription circulation) postage paid at Westerville, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Water Well Journal, 601 Dempsey Rd., Westerville, OH 43081. Canada Post/ Publications Mail Agreement #40739533. Return address: 4960-2 Walker Rd., Windsor, ON N9A 6J3.

Twitter @WaterWellJournl

Water Well Journal August 2011 3/

JOURNAL A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION

Advancing the expertise of groundwater professionals and furthering groundwater awareness. Executive Director Kevin McCray, CAE NGWA President Art Becker, MGWC

kmccray@ngwa.org

Director of Publications/Editor Thad Plumley tplumley@ngwa.org Associate Editor Mike Price

mprice@ngwa.org

Copyeditor Wayne Beatty

wbeatty@ngwa.org

Production and Design Janelle McClary jmcclary@ngwa.org Advertising Shelby Fleck Vickie Wiles

sfleck@ngwa.org vwiles@ngwa.org

Contributing Writers Ed Butts, PE, CPI; Donald W. Gregory; David T. Hanson; William J. Lynott; Michelle Nichols; Christine Reimer; Al Rickard, CAE; Jill Ross; Ron Slee; Stuart A. Smith, CGWP; Lana Straub; and Jennifer Strawn Publishing Oversight Committee Chairman Theodorosi Toskos Patricia Bobeck Richard Clarke Paul C. Johnson, Ph.D. David Larson Karen Madsen Brent Murray Deborah Post Michael Salvadore Frank Schwartz, Ph.D. Editorial, Advertising, & Publishing Offices 601 Dempsey Rd., Westerville, OH 43081 (800) 551-7379 Fax: (614) 898-7786 Selected content from Water Well Journal is indexed on Ground Water On-Line™ at www.ngwa.org/gwonline ©Copyright 2011 by the National Ground Water Association. All rights reserved.

Page 25

FEATURED COLUMNISTS 30 Engineering Your Business by Ed Butts, PE, CPI Groundwater Treatment Part 1. General Considerations

36 The Water Works by Ed Butts, PE, CPI Engineering of Water Systems Part 9—Hydraulic Analysis: Hydrostatics

42 Safety Matters by Jack Glass, CIH, CSP, QEP, CHMM Protection from Falling Objects 46 The After Market by Ron Slee Labor Efficiency and Standard Times These are the absolutely critical foundations to providing value to customers.

48 Savvy Selling by Michelle Nichols Cultivating Your Turf Making your company distinct in your customers' minds can be tricky. Here's how to do it.

Our circulation is audited, ask for a statement today.

An APEX award winner nine consecutive years with 21 total awards, most in the groundwater industry.

50 Your Money by William J. Lynott Caution Ahead Investors heavy in bonds should know that the future could contain risks. The views expressed in the columns are the authors’ opinions based on their professional experience.

4/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

waterwelljournal.com

How does A.Y. McDonald create the waterwell industry’s

Best Built Pumps? By constructing all of our pumps to the Highest Quality Standards in the industry! We start with the heaviest motor adaptor and a staging plate machined into the casting for durability. 7/16� stainless steel shaft and over-sized motor coupling for stability. Impellers and diffusers that are injection molded in our own factory and designed to endure low water and abrasive conditions. Attach it to the most reliable motor available, then performance test for flow, pressure, & amp draw.

A.Y. McDonald Pumps have the Best Performance and Reliability. We won’t put our name on anything less.

š :\ITLYZPISL ‹ /PNO -SV^ :\ITLYZPISL ‹ :\ITLYZPISL ;\YIPUL ‹ 1L[ ‹ )VVZ[LY :\TW ‹ >HZ[L^H[LY ‹ +L^H[LYPUN ‹ ;YHZO ‹ 7VY[HISL 7 < 4 7 : c > (; , 9 > 6 9 2 : c 7 3 < 4 ) 0 5 . =( 3= , : c . ( : =( 3= , :

A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co. Circle card no. 1

c -(? c W\TWZ'H`TJKVUHSK JVT c ^^^ H`TJKVUHSK JVT

EDITOR’S

NOTE

What’s Your Brand?

I

was all set as the exhibit hall to Geo Drilling 2011 opened at the East of England Showground on June 7 in Peterborough, England. The National Ground Water Association booth that I was staffing was set up, free copies of Water Well Journal were on a table, and a cheat sheet of answers to potential questions was stuffed in my pocket. I also had my explanation of what NGWA is and how it can aid those in attendance memorized and ready to recite. I had to use the brief talk at times as some of the attendees, who were mainly contractors in a variety of drilling professions, wondered why an American association was at an event 75 miles north of London. But my exercise of putting together the explanation was a healthy one. It’s also something you should do as much as possible. I’m not saying to imagine selling your wares in England. Essentially my talk was a description of the NGWA brand and its mission—and being able to describe your company’s brand without hesitation is exactly what you should practice. Brands can evolve; missions can change. Has yours? Or better yet, should yours? The world we live and work in has evolved dramatically in recent years. It is critical that your business change with it. The eyes of some people glaze over instantly at the mention of a mission statement. Others think the word “branding” is simply a marketing guru’s

buzzword. Both, though, are critical to the success of a company. Ask yourself if your company’s mission statement is truly still accurate. Then ask if you really know your company’s brand. Finally, consider these questions. Has your competition changed in recent years? Are there services you offer different than a few years ago? If so, your brand has changed. And if you can’t describe it in 30 seconds or less, you can’t truly sell it. It may surprise you, but I didn’t tell those who I met in England that NGWA was an American association with some international members. I pointed out that we were an association of groundwater professionals simply headquartered in the United States, one that has international members, WWJ readers, Expo exhibitors and attendees, and authors for our technical publications, Ground Water and Ground Water Monitoring & Remediation. That instantly made our attendance at the conference understandable. It also worked. When I left, NGWA had a few more members, WWJ had a few more readers, and the Expo had a few more attendees. Your company can have the same success too—and fortunately for you, yours will come without a four-hour layover in Detroit.

Thad Plumley is the editor of WWJ and director of publications at the National Ground Water Association. He can be reached at tplumley@ngwa.org and on Twitter @WaterWellJournl.

Advertise your products and services to the groundwater industry’s most influential readership. Call Shelby Fleck and Vickie Wiles in the NGWA sales department at (800) 551-7379. ● ● ● ●

Approximately 25,000 readers every month. More than 19,000 are groundwater contractors. Approximately 4000 reside in professions also allied to the field. Readers reside in every state, Canada, and other international locations. Circulation is audited by BPA Worldwide. Ask for a statement.

6/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

Shelby Fleck

Disclaimer Water Well Journal and the National Ground Water Association provide information for guidance and information purposes only. This publication is not intended to provide investment, tax, or legal advice. The information contained herein has been compiled from sources deemed reliable and it is accurate to the best of our knowledge and belief; however, Water Well Journal and the National Ground Water Association cannot guarantee as to its accuracy, completeness, and validity and cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions. All information contained herein should be independently verified and confirmed. Water Well Journal and the National Ground Water Association do not accept any liability for any loss or damage howsoever caused in reliance upon such information. Reader agrees to assume all risk resulting from the application of any of the information provided by Water Well Journal and the National Ground Water Association. Trademarks and copyrights mentioned within Water Well Journal are the ownership of their respective companies. The names of products and services presented are used only in an educational fashion and to the benefit of the trademark and copyright owner, with no intention of infringing on trademarks or copyrights. No endorsement of any third-party products or services is expressed or implied by any information, material, or content referred to in the Water Well Journal. Subscriptions/Back Issues For questions, changes or problems with your subscription call Sharren Diller. Subscriptions: Water well contractors and other qualified groundwater industry personnel in U.S. and Canada — free; others in U.S. — $105 per year; $15 per copy. Canada – $120 per year; $24 per copy. International: $140 per year; $35 per copy. Subscriptions available through NGWA offices only. We reserve the right to refuse subscriptions to anyone not directly engaged in the groundwater industry. Claims for missing issues must be made in writing within three months of publication and will be subject to the availability of back issues. Advertising Disclaimer Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for all content (including text, representation, and illustrations) of advertisements printed and also assume responsibility for any claims arising therefrom made against the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising that it believes is not in keeping with the publication's standards or is deemed unsuitable or misleading.

Vickie Wiles

waterwelljournal.com

YOUR

FEEDBACK

Sponsored by former

Static Water Level Measurement

Living His Dream

employer A. O. Smit h Corp., Tom my Gainey

I

is fulfilling

a goal of play ing professio nal

Introducing the new Well Sounder 2010 PRO The Most Advanced, Easiest to Operate and Least Expensive sonic meter on earth.

n his soft, golf. yes sir, no sir, “I’m country as it BY MIKE PRIC collar upbri drawl, Tommgets� South Carolina nging in E y Gainey’s small-tow ity and perso n Bishopville South Caro tional PGA game screams unco nal, “He deser nvenlina, 50 miles Tour golf ever achie ves every accolade east of Colu profession The distin ves that al. mbia. His harder than because nobody work he humblenes his baseball-lict twang in his accen s—not typihim,� says t to s ke golf younger broth cally seen swing to playTommy’s ing with two in er ego-driven today’s “Two Glov gloves that led to his Outside of and best friend, Allen , look-at-me es� nickn talent, luck, . ame, Gain a circle of sports world living proof or hard work ey is supp —is both that being , ily and frien orters composed honest and in profession different work of famrefreshing ds is critic . It’s of a profe al to the succe trait of Gain knock a man al golf. Yes, you can’t s ssion ey’s that runs yet another for backed Gain al golfer. Many have ss grain. “God gave staying true to form against the ey financially . his father, talent to put me this ability and He is stead , including Tommy Sr., this it to good fast in sayin his 401(k who dippe fame will things, and use and do g money ) savings neve d into that’s my great to keep his ing closer plan,� says “If that happ r change him, admi and 35-year-ol son inchto reaching d whose playi the tting ens, I’ve lost. the PGA Tour. have fun with continuing And now I just try to to ascend. ng career is it. That’s wants more that he has arrived, about.� what it’s all Humility Gainey . makes up this 6-foo Sponsored It was neve t, 180-pound a large part of Smith Corp by former employer or being seen r about huge payc golfer. It was profession hecks ., a global A. O. al manufactu residentia on television by millions of view make it on born from his strug l and comm rer of ers gles to the PGA Tour . No, what ercial wate ing equip loving but and his bluement, Gain r heatdetermine drove the funey d his he was 15 Gainey ever is vying to first PGA was simp win Tour since The le: to beco fessional Masters Tour event and qualify Mike Price me a progolfer. for is the associ nament. editor of Water “Hopefully ate They say one Well Journ dream becau one day he’ll get to do so. Gain needs talent and In addition al. his to luck se life is abou sibilities, Price his WWJ responTommy Sr. when it came ey can attest to that, t dreams,� says. but to making newsletters produces NGWA’s reality, he his dream and contri preferred butes the tried and a saying that It’s the mid- � � � scientific publicto the Association’s true “any quarte 1990 ation. He can thing in rly s, and Gain working at having is mprice@ng be reached ey is worth work life worth A. O. Smit wa.org. at ing for,� a h’s engineerin lab, testin ingrained g hot lesson by g pany’s plant water heaters at textile mill parents who labored 52/ June 2011 the comindustry. in the in McB Water Well He soon move ee, South Caro Journal lina. s to wrapping tion aroun insul d the tanks on the assem ably Twitter @Wa terWellJourn l

• • • •

Nothing to Lower into the Well No Contamination No Cleanup NO TAPES!

Gainey Is Good

• • • • • •

Static water level in seconds Straight or crooked wells to 2000ft Built-in data logger Unsupervised drawdown testing Data downloads with USB cable Compatible with flow meter

Everything you need for only $995.

Mike, I always enjoy reading the Water Well Journal. I especially enjoyed the article in the June issue on PGA golfer Tommy Gainey (“Living His Dream�). Thanks and keep up the good work.

LIMITED TIME OFFER: FREE accessory splitter with every flow meter order. For more information, ask your local distributor or contact us at: Phone: (910) 778-2660 Toll Free (888) 803-3796 www.enoscientific.com

Jayme D. Campbell, PE Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Welland, Ontario, Canada

Circle card no. 10

WANT TO KNOW WHAT BAKER WATER SYSTEMS IS GIVING AWAY AT NGWA?

MAD E THE IN USA

DE MA HE T

IN A US

What will Baker Water Systems be giving away this year as a contractor thank you at NGWA? Use the card to request more information or send us an e-mail with your contact information; DQG \RX ZLOO EH RQH RI WKH ĂŠ UVW to know when we make our announcement!

Send e-mail to jbecker@baker-mfg.com; include your company name, address, and phone number Give away will be open to any contractor who purchased product from Baker Water Systems (Campbell, 0RQLWRU 0RQRĂ€ H[ LQ 2IIHU ZLOO QRW EH DYDLODEOH WR GLVWULEXWRUV PDQXIDFWXUHUÂśV UHSUHVHQWDWLYHV RU HPSOR\HHV RI %DNHU :DWHU 6\VWHPV 'HWDLOV RQ SURPRWLRQ ZLOO EH VHQW RXW QR ODWHU WKDQ 6HSWHPEHU

Twitter @WaterWellJournl

Circle card no. 3

Water Well Journal August 2011 7/

IN THIS Water Well Journal Wins Awards

T

he August issue of Water Well Journal focuses on water quality and treatment. It contains feature stories, columns, and departments that will keep you up to date on the latest in the groundwater industry.

Water Well Journal won two 2011 APEX® Awards from Communications Concepts, a national company that provides educational resources for communicators. EDITOR’S

Editor Thad Plumley won an Award of Excellence for Regular Departments and Columns for the Editor’s Note column in the March 2010 issue titled “A Better You and a Better Business.” It focused on improving your health so you can better accomplish goals at your company.

NOTE

A Better

You and a

Disclaime r

Better Bus

iness

deemed unsuitable

Associate Editor Mike Price won an Award of Excellence for Feature Writing for the December 2010 article titled “Lending a Hand.” It detailed the groundwater industry coming to the rescue of the 33 trapped Chilean miners.

Columnist Ed Butts, PE, CPI, begins a five-part series on water treatment in his latest installment of Engineering Your Business. “Part 1. General Considerations” starts on page 30 and covers the basic chemistry affiliated with water treatment. Butts details pH, alkalinity, and ionic/anionic bonds. He points out that knowledge of pH and alkalinity and the relationship between the two is critical for a complete understanding of corrosion control in a water system. He adds that balancing the relationship of pH and alkalinity, along with using the appropriate chemicals, is crucial for optimum water system performance. Ed Butts, PE, CPI

Water Well Journal Water Associatio and the National n provide informati Ground guidance

and informati on for t was a coincide on publication nce is not intended purposes only. This of the most ment, tax, to provide unfortuor legal investThe biggest nate kind. The informati advice. baggy pants, change, though, I received compiled from on contained herein isn’t the a phone has been sources deemed brand-new loose shirts, or even call from is accurate someone reliable smaller belt the to the I It’s the energy work with I wear now. belief; however, best of our knowledg and it to gained. e and about a healthtell me National GroundWater Well Journal With each Water Associatio and the guarantee energy—to passing week, I have were having. issue they n cannot as to its accuracy, get more more and validity done, to accomp the call was The gist of completen and cannot lish my normal or better yet, that they needed be held liable ess, errors or omissions better. back their tasks even for any to scale workload . All informati herein so they could should be on what had on contained Have you independe focus gain ever wished confirmed ntly verified their health. to be their No. 1 priority— . you could an edge and Water Well In today’s on your competition? Journal and Incredibly, ultra-co Ground the this National mpetitive Water Associatio followed the tiniest days earlier market, liability for n do not accept thing can from someon a call a few any loss or be the differen between a with telling e else I work damage howsoeve any caused in job gained me reliance or one lost. ce r were having. about a health issue The answer Reader agrees upon such informati on. to assume too was the Yes, the gist of that they not be a new to achieving such from the applicatio all risk resulting may call need for this technique, n of any of different market. back so they better tool, provided by person to the informati scale or Water Well could It may be on Journal tional Ground As an admitted focus on their health. in the mirror. staring you Water Associatio and the Naskeptic, but is often the Taking care of yourself someone Trademarks n. also who has spent key to taking within Water and copyrights mentione business, Taco Bell care of your job, or Well than a gym, more time in d of their respective Journal are the ownership a sign. The I took the It will mean responsibilities. calls as sign read: companies. you’re sharper products and site, in the The names You might think about services presented at the job of office, and want to your in an education customer. in front of are used only And so I did. health, big guy. al fashion You’ll not the of and the I headed to trademark only the impacts physical evil scale benefit see the upstairs to and copyright and read the no intention ly, but mentally owner, with After I sat of infringing cruel numbers that emotionally. copyrights. and down and on trademark . had a “holy you—and It will add up to a better moment,” s or your business I laid out No endorsem *#!*% a plan for healthier. will benefit. I have not ucts or services ent of any third-part me to get y prodgoals. I am yet reached my health And I am. information, is expressed or implied still very The diet’s material, or by any much a work progress. sleep’s changed changed, the Water It took me the Well Journal. content referred to in , and the years to get in fateful day changed. Subscript And, fortunat exercise has to that on ions/Back take a while the scale, so it is ing too. ely, I am changIssues going to For questions to get to the , changes or I can only happy one. The pounds subscription problems with call Sharren I’ll have to imagine how much At one point have started to come Water well Diller. Subscripti your energy celebrate. I was visiting off. contractors ons: my father and other groundwa family when pointed out qualified ter industry I had lost that the weight personnel Canada — in U.S. was equal free; to that of 10-month $15 per copy. others in U.S. — $105 and my nephew who per Canada per copy. Internatio – $120 per year; year; around our was feet. Looking crawling $24 nal: $140 copy. I wondere Thad Plumley per year; Subscriptions at the child, d why I had available through $35 per offices only. carry that ever chosen director of is the editor of WWJ We NGWA extra publications and subscriptions reserve the right to me—for years. weight with me—onto Ground Water at the National refuse to Association. in the groundwa anyone not directly reached at engaged ter industry. tplumley@ngwa.He can be ing issues Claims for must org. missAdvertise three months be made in writing your within of publicatio most influent products and services ject to the n and will availability ial to the groundw of back issues. be subCall the NGWA readership. Advertising ater industry Disclaime sales departm ’s r Advertiser ● Approxim ent at (800) s and advertisin ately 25,000 551-7379. g agencies liability for readers every ● More assume all content than 19,000 month. (including sentation, text, repreare groundw and illustratio professions ater contract ns) of advertisem printed also allied and ors. Approxim to the field. also ● Readers ents ately 4000 claims arising assume responsibility reside in every reside in for any therefrom ● Circulati state, Canada, made against publisher. on is audited The publisher the by BPA Worldwi and other international reserves reject any advertisin the right to locations. de. Ask for 6/ March 2010 g that it believes a statemen keeping with Water Well t. is not in the publicatio Journal

I

n's standards or is or misleadin g.

NGWA.org

T

The groundw ater industry , with the wor reached out and helped rescue 33 Chil ld watching , ean miners.

he stakes were Around the high. world, as Codelco turned watched people to Geotec Bros. S.A., 33 men hung for months, the lives Boyles a U.S.-Ch in of ilean compan based in Santiago By Mike Price At the center the balance. y , Chile, to “Plan B” of the groundw of it all were member oversee escape ater industry s drilling efforts shaft, one of three the key roles , playing in the ously racing taking place simultan the first time rescue effort. It wasn’t to reach the eits expertis this industry has offered miners. James Stefanic e. , Geotec mine operations trapped coal Some might recall site the nine manager, miners who didn’t hesitate assembling after 78 hours were rescued “a eight years drillers who top-of-the-line team” in Somerset, Pennsylvania. ago in were skilled of key equipme at using the So it was nt. 33 San Jose mine miners working This included in the 40-yearoperations became trappedin Copiapo, Chile, manager for old Jeff Hart, who 2297 feet tensen Co., when the Layne ChrisJeff Hart operated mine collapse underground a based firm. Mission Woods, KansasHours after d the Schramm drilling rig Hart was a wall in the on August 5. T130XD that led to drilling water wells for per mine gold and copthe rescue miners. the collapsed, of 33 Chilean Chile’s ating bases U.S. Army’s forward realized the in opermine’s owners government swered the Afghanistan when equipped were to handle he ancall to the rescue illtion. It was quested the Stefanic was fly to Chile. and rethe first time state-owned reported as was called tensen was company saying Hart take the lead. Codelco mining “simply because involved in Layne Chrisbest” at drilling this magnitu a rescue effort he’s the de. of diameter drill larger holes with Part of the widebits. team were Mike Price from two Joining Hart engineer is the Pennsyl editor of Water associate was Matt vania compan s other one Schramm Staffel, anWell Journal. of Layne ies— Inc. He can be Christen reached drill operator manufactures of West Chester, which mprice@ngwa.org at s, along with sen’s best and Jorge Center Rock the T130XD drill, . Herrera, SpanishDoug Reeves and Inc. of Berlin, employees ufactures NGWA.org the LP (low-pro which manfrom the firm’s -speaking tool. file) drilling U.S. opera-

This is the ninth consecutive year that WWJ has been honored by Communications Concepts. In all, WWJ has won 21 APEX Awards, the most of any publication in the groundwater industry.

RESCUE/continues Water Well

Butts’ quarterly column, “The Water Works,” continues its series on the basics of designing and engineering larger water systems. This installment is titled “Part 9— Hydraulic Analysis: Hydrostatics” and starts on page 36. It begins by defining hydraulics and then details water in a hydrostatic setting. Covered are measuring absolute pressure and atmospheric pressure, the equation for pressure of a fluid, hydro-pneumatic pressure tanks, and how to measure the volume of water that can be withdrawn from a pressure tank.

on page 22

Journal December 2010

21/

QUALITY

ISSUE

AVAILABILITY

SERVICE

INNOVATION

VALUE

THIS IS VALUE SEAN

needed a drive he could rely on for a variety of applications – surface and submersible. He reached for the product that could handle constant pressure, pressure cycling, flow control and tank level control.

SubDrive HPX brings you the power you need, while meeting your tough performance demands. Available for: 5-40 hp (230V) in

single-phase applications 5-200 hp (200V-575V) in

three-phase applications

THIS IS FRANKLIN

Follow us.

www.franklin-electric.com

8/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

Circle card no. 11

waterwelljournal.com

IN THIS

ISSUE

Check Out WWJ and NGWA’s New Web Sites! Be sure to head to Water Well Journal’s new home online. The Web site, www.waterwelljournal.com, features articles from the current and past issues of Water Well Journal, a newsline updated daily with breaking stories in the groundwater industry, WWJ ’s searchable buyers guide, classified advertising, and more. The National Ground Water Association also debuted a new Web site. The location, www.ngwa.org, hasn’t changed, but when you go there, you will notice a new site that is easy to navigate. NGWA also has created a site for the biggest show in the groundwater industry, the Ground Water Expo. At www.ground waterexpo.com, you’ll find everything you need for the event. Not in front of a computer, but want to check out all of the sites now? You can view them anywhere with your smart phone. Scan the codes below and then click the link to the Web sites. All you need is a barcode scanner app on your phone. There are free scanners you can download in your app store or market for users of Apple, Droid, and Blackberry products.

Associate Editor Mike Price starts a four-part series on “Groundwater Issues in the United States,” with the first article titled “Flooding in the Southeast” on page 21. Price focuses on this region due to the 2011 Mississippi River floods in April and May that were among the largest and most damaging in the past century. When the flooding began far upriver, hazardous wastes including pesticides and fecal waste from farms were swept down the river, contaminating groundwater. Price examines the scope of this flooding and common problems Mike Price found in flooded wells, which include coliform and E. coli. In the accompanying sidebar article, Price highlights what the National Ground Water Association prescribes when treating a flooded well. Price also writes about Delta Screens, an independently owned Houston, Texas-based wedge wire screen company on page 28. Founded in 2010, Delta Screens serves the water well, water treatment, oil and gas, industrial, and architectural markets. It’s an exciting time for the new company. Nearly everyone on staff at Delta Screens worked previously for a major well screen company, including general manager Richard Grifno. Price interviews Grifno and a few of his colleagues at Delta Screens who all knew each other from working in the same industry. Water well contractors have already told Grifno’s colleagues that the wire well screen produced by Delta Screens is the best product they’ve seen on the market.

WWJ

Freelance writer Lana Straub begins her own four-part series in this issue. Her series is titled “Strategies to Boost Your Business” and focuses on helping groundwater industry companies rebound from the recent recession. The first article, “Reevaluate Your Business and Plan for the Future,” begins on page 25. It urges everyone to step back and take a hard look at their entire business. She says a self-audit into company management, operations, and finance should periodically be performed. And while that may not sound like fun, she points out it is better than an audit from the IRS, DOT, or OSHA. She gives tips on how to do so and things to look for.

NGWA

Expo

We don’t just supply geothermal products, we specialize in them. Our products are backed by more than 20 years of geothermal installation experience.

Columnist Jack Glass in the monthly Safety Matters column tackles an important topic with “Protection from Falling Objects” on page 42. He points out that protection is much more than stressing hard hats. He goes over the different types of hard hats, having an awareness program, and ensuring safe practices are being conducted at the job site.

geohydrosupply.com 800-820-1005 Phone 330-852-4437 Fax

Correction In the article “Pump Impellers: Part 4” in the July issue of Water Well Journal on page 40 there was an error detailing the equation for the “Law of Falling Bodies.” The proper equation is:

997 State Route 93 NW Sugarcreek, OH 44681

Non-Pressurized QT Flow Center

Distance or head in feet = V2 2g where V = velocity in feet per second, and g = acceleration due to gravity (32.2 ft/sec/sec). Twitter @WaterWellJournl

Circle card no. 15

Water Well Journal August 2011 9/

INDUSTRY

NEWSLINE SB 332 will go into effect on September 1. To read more, visit www.ntxe-news .com/artman/publish/article_70289.shtml.

Texas Groundwater Ownership Bill Signed into Law A long-awaited groundwater ownership bill was signed into law by Texas Governor Rick Perry on June 20. SB 332, by State Senator Troy Fraser (RHorseshoe Bay) and State Rep. Allan Ritter (R-Nederland), clarifies that landowners own the groundwater below their land as real property. Landowner groups across Texas worked alongside members of the Texas Legislature to ensure that SB 332 was passed and made law. SB 332 states, “The legislature recognizes that a landowner owns the groundwater below the surface of the landowner’s land as real property.” The bill goes on to say that landowners are entitled to drill for and produce the groundwater below the surface of real property. SB 332 reaffirms this landowner ownership, but still allows local groundwater conservation districts the ability to manage the groundwater.

Department of Energy Funding to Advance Technology, Reduce Cost of Geothermal Energy In support of President Barack Obama’s goal of generating 80% of the country’s electricity from clean energy sources by 2035, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced on June 9 the availability of up to $70 million in new funding over three years for technology advancements in geothermal energy to accelerate development of this promising clean energy resource. Innovations in exploration technologies to locate geothermal energy resources and improvements in resource characterization, drilling, and reservoir engineering techniques will enable clean energy from geothermal sources to be a key contributor to the nation’s renewable energy supply.

By targeting funding to research and develop these innovative technologies, the DOE aims to reduce the upfront cost of geothermal energy systems, expand their use, and enable the United States to tap the huge potential of this renewable energy resource.

Truck Efficiency Rule Sent to White House Transport Topics reports the firstever heavy-truck fuel-efficiency proposal has been sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review. Glen Kedzie, vice president and environmental affairs counsel for American Trucking Associations, said he believes the joint proposal from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not undergone significant changes since it was first introduced in October.

NEWS/continues on page 12 Simple | Powerful | Reliable

Real-Time Systems Maximize Remediation Progress Characterize aquifers, track treatment progress, and conduct required sampling with rugged In-Situ® equipment. Ê Ê Ê

U Virtual HERMIT® Kit streamlines groundwater testing. U New Rugged Tapes and Meters measure water level, LNAPL, DNAPL, conductivity and more. U TROLL® 9500 with optical RDO® DO Probe offers robust performance for downhole remediation systems and for low-flow sampling. For details, visit www.in-situ.com and call us at 1.800.446.7488

Innovations in Water Monitoring

10/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

Circle card no. 20

waterwelljournal.com

(SIW ]SYV [IPP RIIH VILEF#

7)) ;IPP GSEXIH [MXL -VSR 3\MHI &)*36)

86)%8 ;MXL XLI 4S[IV SJ &SVIWEZIV 9PXVE '

:)6-*= XLI 6IWYPXW ;MXL XLI 6 'EQ %*8)6

8/75$ &

R_bUC1 C1F5B

%25( &/($1(5

8LI 7SPYXMSR XS

-632 3<-() ERH -632 &%'8)6-%

[[[ PEZEPYRHIVKVSYRH GSQ

2SVXL (IEVMRK %ZIRYI ` *VIWRS 'EPMJSVRME 97% 8IPITLSRI ` *E\ Circle card no. 25

12:14 PM

NEWS/from page 10 That proposal would cut emissions from large trucks by 7% to 20% by 2017, depending on the size of a truck and the way it is used. Truck and engine makers have predicted they will be able to easily meet the 2014 standard, but that future reductions in carbon emissions will be both challenging and costly. President Barack Obama, flanked by truck manufacturers and trucking industry executives at a White House Rose Garden ceremony in May, signed an

order paving the way for the new fueleconomy targets. The final rule was expected to have been released by July 30.

House of Representatives Passes Agriculture Appropriations Bill The U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 2112, the fiscal year 2012 Agriculture Appropriations Bill on June 16, by a vote of 217-203. The legislation provides $229.5 million for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. This funding level is $35.5 million (13%) below

JOIN US AT THE s 7ORKSHOPS s 0RESENTATIONS s .'72%& LECTURES s %XHIBIT HALL s .EW PRODUCTS

h3TEP !HEAD��

s .ETWORKING EVENTS s !ND MORE

4HE .'7! 'ROUND 7ATER %XPO AND !NNUAL -EETING IS THE ONE INDUSTRY EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED

www.NGWA.org s

ÂŽ

Photo courtesy of Las Vegas News Bureau.

12/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

Circle card no. 32

the fiscal year 2011 “continuing resolution� level of $265 million and $95.5 million below the president’s request of $325 million. A press release issued by the House Appropriations Committee praised the passage of HR 2112 and included a list of amendments adopted during the nearly three-day House floor debate on the bill. An amendment offered by Rep. Cory Gardner (R-Colorado) and approved by voice vote cut $4.4 million from research and education activities at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the agency which oversees the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, and transferred the funds to the Integrated Activities Account. The Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program overall had a proposal of $500 million for fiscal year 2012. This compared with $527 million that was provided in 2011, a reduction of $27 million. Of this amount $993,000 would be provided for grants to nonprofits to provide loans to upgrade or replace household water well systems, $730 million for water and wastewater loans, and $327 million for water and wastewater community system grants.

New Jersey Seeks Cost-Efficient Water Solutions for Growing Population New Jersey’s demand for water challenges an already strained water supply, requiring new sources that will likely be expensive. “All of the inexpensive water in New Jersey has already been found and is being used,� said John Bigelow, president of New Jersey American Water. Bigelow’s comments were made to assembled business leaders at the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey’s Utility Infrastructure Summit held on June 3. According to Bigelow, New Jersey’s growth to among the nation’s most densely populated states has created a situation where water supply is, or shortly will be, an issue. For example, Bigelow cited Cape May County, where communities have historically relied on groundwater. Overreliance on well water has already resulted in some saltwater intrusion into the aquifers. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is watching this waterwelljournal.com

movement and appropriately limiting additional withdrawals. “Those limitations will have an impact on economic development in those communities,” Bigelow said. “Water supply options across the state range from new reservoirs to building desalination plants along the shore, and none of these alternatives are inexpensive.”

Pressure Builds to Raise Pay for Drivers as Demand Grows Transport Topics reports that as drivers and hauling capacity become scarcer, pressure is building for pay increases for truckload fleet drivers that could top 10% by this time next year, according to several experts. Fleets will have to raise company driver pay three to five cents a mile in the next 12 months to keep trucks rolling, Gordon Klemp, president of the National Transportation Institute, said on June 3. Raising pay that much would mean $3300 to $5500, or 7% to 11%, a year—and more for experienced drivers, who typically make about $50,000 a year. “Pay improvements for drivers are really needed,” Klemp said, adding that current compensation doesn’t have a lot of appeal if you are gone all week. “We need to go quite a bit further.” Klemp’s firm surveys compensation trends at nearly 350 truckload fleets. Another report, based on a survey of fleets by analysts at Wolfe Trahan & Co., projected a 5% driver pay increase this year, climbing to 10% or more next year. Pressure to increase pay is strongest in the flatbed and dry-van sectors, where the gap between the best- and worst-paying fleets is at historic highs of up to 16 cents a mile, Klemp said. Typically, that spread is seven to nine cents a mile. “The folks on the bottom will have to move pretty quickly on pay, or they will see churn grow as drivers leave for higher-paying work elsewhere,” Klemp warned. “Fleets will have to raise pay to keep them.” “Driver turnover, or churn, is driven by people seeking higher pay, but it doesn’t relieve overall driver-supply woes because no workers are added to the fleet,” Klemp said. Twitter @WaterWellJournl

Turnover hit a historic low of 35% late in 2009 during the depths of the recession.

EPA Administrator Announces $76 Million to Clean Up Contaminated Sites U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson announced on June 6 more than $76 million in new investments across the country that will redevelop contaminated properties, boost local economies, and help create jobs while protecting public health.

When you need HDPE products and services for your GEO project…

The EPA’s brownfields grants are used to assess and clean up abandoned industrial and commercial properties such as deserted gas stations or closed smelters. There are an estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated waste sites in the United States. These investments help leverage redevelopment, promote economic growth, and lead to job creation. Since its inception, the EPA’s brownfields investments have leveraged more than $16.3 billion in cleanup and redevelopment funding from a variety of public and private

NEWS/continues on page 14

You should know that ISCO is your best source for a full line of in-stock and fabricated products. With stocking and fabrication locations nationwide and in Canada, we’re one call away for: s ($0% PIPE lTTINGS AND 5 "ENDS s )3#/ #IRCUIT -AKER 'EOTHERMAL 6AULTS s #USTOM FABRICATED HEADERS AND MANIFOLDS s -C%LROY FUSION EQUIPMENT SALES RENTAL REFURBISH SERVICING s #OMPLETE SUPPLY OF GROUT PRODUCTS s %XPERT ADVICE AND CONSULTATION

The more you know... Make the call.

1-800-345-ISCO www.isco-pipe.com Circle card no. 22

9:31 AM Water Well Journal August 2011 13/

NEWS/from page 13 sources and have resulted in close to 70,000 jobs. Brownfields grants also target underserved and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods— places where environmental cleanups and new jobs are most needed. To read more, visit the EPA’s Web site at www.epa.gov/aging/press/ epanews/2011/2011_0606_1.htm.

Tritium Found in Groundwater at U.S. Nuclear Sites An investigation by the Associated Press shows radioactive tritium has leaked from three-quarters of U.S. commercial nuclear power sites, often into groundwater from corroded, buried piping. The number and severity of the leaks has been escalating, even as federal regulators extend the licenses of more and more reactors across the nation. Tritium, which is a radioactive form of hydrogen, has leaked from at least 48 of 65 sites, according to U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission records reviewed as part of AP’s yearlong exami-

14/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

nation of safety issues at aging nuclear power plants. Leaks from at least 37 of those facilities contained concentrations exceeding the federal drinking water standard—sometimes at hundreds of times the limit. As most leaks have been found within plant boundaries, some have migrated offsite. However, none is known to have reached public water supplies.

Group Reports Coal Ash Dump Sites in 19 States Contaminate Groundwater A large number of active coal ash disposal sites in 19 states may be violating a federal ban on open dumping, according to a major new analysis released by the Environmental Integrity Project. The EIP found levels of groundwater contamination at 33 coal ash landfills or impoundments nationwide that are high enough to trigger the “open dumping” provisions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Based on a review of recent (though limited) groundwater monitoring data from state agencies, the 33 active coal ash disposal sites in Alabama, Arkansas,

Circle card no. 18

Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas meet the open dumping criteria for one or more of the coal ash-related pollutants: arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, fluoride, lead, mercury, and selenium. This list includes chemicals that cause cancer, neurological damage, developmental problems, and other diseases. Groundwater that meets the open dumping criteria can be toxic and unsafe to drink. To read more, visit www.digitaljournal.com/pr/345837#ixzz1QOc5S7va.

EPA Identifies Case Studies for Hydraulic Fracturing Study The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in keeping with the Obama administration’s focus to ensure that the agency leverages domestic resources safely and responsibly, announced the next steps in its congressionally mandated hydraulic fracturing study. The EPA has identified seven case studies to

NEWS/continues on page 16

waterwelljournal.com

, PSUHVVL YH 3RZHU /RDGHG ZL WK 2SWL RQV

&RPSDFW 6L ]H ® ' E O P R O B E

$4

® 4 H E F I E L D A D V A N T A G E G O E S T O T H E ' E O P R O B E C U S T O ME R

s , -O Y N O ® 0 U MP s C O N V E N I E N T I N E X P E N S I V E T O T R A N S P O R T s C O N C R E T E C O R I N G s A U G E R I N G

WWW G E O P R O B E C O M

(A V I N G L O W C L E A R A N C E I S S U E S A T P R O J E C T S I T E S .O T WI T H T H E ® $ 4 4 H E $ 4 I S A G R E A T

C O MP A C T MA C H I N E I D E A L ' E O P R O B E F O R U S E WI T H I N T O O L I N G

I N S T A L L I N G MO N I T O R I N G WE L L S

O R F O R S O I L A N D G R O U N D WA T E R S A MP L I N G 4 H E R I G F E A T U R E S I N T E G R A T E D T WO S P E E D

B I D I R E C T I O N A L R O T A T I O N F O R T U R N I N G A U G E R S 4 H U MB D I A L C O N T R O L S F O R T H E A U X I L I A R Y H Y D R A U L I C S A L L O W T H E O P E R A T O R T O E A S I L Y R E G U L A T E O W F O R MU D R O T A R Y A P P L I C A T I O N S

A N D WI T H R P M A T T H E F L S P I N D L E

A S I D E F E E D S WI V E L C A N B E U S E D A T G E O T E C H N I C A L S I T E S T H A T R E Q U I R E C O R I N G B E D R O C K & I N D O U T MO R E A T WWW G E O P R O B E C O M

O R C A L L U S T O D A Y Circle card no. 13

NEWS/from page 14 help inform the assessment of potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas on drinking water resources. The sites identified were selected following extensive input from stakeholders including the public, local and state officials, industry, and environmental organizations. To ensure the EPA maintains the current timeline for the study, the agency began field work in some of the selected regions this summer. “This is an important part of a process that will use the best science to help us better understand the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water,” says Paul Anastas, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “We’ve met with community members, state experts, and industry and environmental leaders to choose these case studies. This is about using the best possible science to do what the American people expect the EPA to do: ensure that the health of their communities and families is protected.” The studies, which will take place in regions across the country, will be broken into two study groups. Two of the seven sites were selected as prospective case studies, where EPA will monitor key aspects of the hydraulic fracturing process throughout the life cycle of a well. For a copy of the draft study plan and additional information, visit http://water .epa.gov/type/groundwater/uic/class2/ hydraulicfracturing/index.cfm.

Portable Tech Might Provide Drinking Water and Power Purdue University researchers have developed an aluminum alloy that could be used in a new type of mobile technology to convert non-potable water into drinking water while also extracting hydrogen to generate electricity. Such a technology might be used to provide power and drinking water to villages and also for military operations, says Jerry Woodall, a Purdue University distinguished professor of electrical and computer engineering. The alloy contains aluminum, gallium, indium, and tin. Immersing the alloy in freshwater or saltwater causes a spontaneous reaction, turning the water into steam and generating hydrogen and aluminum trihydroxide until the aluminum is used up. The hydrogen could then be fed to a fuel cell to generate electricity, producing potable water. “The steam would kill any bacteria contained in the water, and then it would condense to purified water,” Woodall says. “So, you are converting undrinkable water to drinking water.” Because the technology works with saltwater, it might have marine applications such as powering boats and robotic underwater vehicles. The technology also might be used to desalinate water, says Woodall.. A patent on the design is pending. Woodall envisions a new portable technology for regions that aren’t con-

nected to a power grid, such as villages in Africa and other remote areas. “There is a big need for this sort of technology in places lacking connectivity to a power grid and where potable water is in short supply,” he says. “Because aluminum is a low-cost, nonhazardous metal that is the third most abundant metal on Earth, this technology promises to enable a global-scale potable water and power technology, especially for off-grid and remote locations.” The potable water could be produced for about $1 per gallon, and electricity could be generated for about 35 cents per kilowatt hour of energy.

NSF International Strategic Registrations Acquires AQA International NSF International Strategic Registrations Ltd., a provider in management systems registrations, has acquired AQA International LLC and AQA’s current international operations. As a result, NSF-ISR and AQA-certified companies will benefit from a wider global footprint in Korea, China, Malaysia, India, and Turkey; a larger North American presence; and a broader array of service offerings. The acquisition is part of NSF’s ongoing strategic growth plan for its management systems registrations division (NSF-ISR). The combination of NSFISR and AQA enables the organization to provide increased support to its expanding customer base in North America and globally. Jointly, the two combine to form one of the world’s leading providers of management systems registrations. NSF-ISR, headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan—with offices in Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Asia—offers a comprehensive portfolio of management systems registration solutions to meet the demands of the global marketplace. If you have a news brief that you would like considered for this department, send a release to Mike Price, Water Well Journal, 601 Dempsey Rd., Westerville, OH 43081. E-mail: mprice@ngwa.org. Deadline: 15th of two months preceding publication (August 15 for October issue).

Circle card no. 4

16/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

waterwelljournal.com

THE

LOG

NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION

Mark Your Calendar for NGWA’s Protect Your Groundwater Day in September There is something every individual can do to protect groundwater, and NGWA will issue a public call to action to do just that in its second edition of “Protect Your Groundwater Day” on Tuesday, September 13. Behind this recognition day is one of NGWA’s organizational goals: “to further water knowledge and protection through education and outreach.” As with National Ground Water Awareness Week each March, NGWA hopes to enlist many partners outside the Association to promote Protect Your Groundwater Day. For the purpose of this event, “groundwater protection” will include both the prevention of groundwater contamination and groundwater conservation. “Protect Your Groundwater Day will give a boost to our public awareness efforts,” NGWA Public Awareness Director Cliff Treyens says. “This is a hook to grab the public’s attention so we can then motivate people to action.” In its second year, NGWA hopes to: ● ●

●

Add to the 17 national promotional partners from last year Gain exposure for the day on at least 200 Web sites representing environmental groups, public health entities, and consumer education organizations Achieve double-digit growth in traffic to NGWA’s Wellowner.org Web site the week of Protect Your Groundwater Day.

sional (CSP) designation within its Voluntary Certification Program, the Certified Sales Professional–Drilling Exam. The CSP designation is specifically intended for suppliers and manufacturers. Earning the CSP designation is a remarkable way to demonstrate your commitment to enhancing industry professionalism and providing good customer service. Eligible individuals who wish to earn the designation will be required to take only one exam, but they can extend their designation to a CSP-II by passing both the drilling and pump installation exams. Exam appointments may be scheduled through NGWA’s third-party testing facility, PSI LaserGrade, by calling (800) 211-2754 or (360) 896-9111 outside the United States.

Wellowner.org informs consumers about private water well systems and groundwater. Many useful resources can be found on Wellowner.org, including a Water Use Calculator and a Finished Well Checklist.

Share Your Input to Help Develop NGWA Best Suggested Practices NGWA has an ongoing need for volunteers to participate in the formation of new industry “best suggested practices.” Participation includes limited review of documents and participation in bimonthly online Live Meetings. NGWA is currently looking for professionals with expertise in the following two areas: ● ●

NGWA’s Contractor Lookup Reaches More Than Four Million Page Views Since NGWA began tracking online activity in October 2004, there have been more than four million page views on Wellowner.org Web site’s Contractor Lookup. That means well owners have sought information on NGWA-member or certified contractors more than four million times for an average of about 600,000 times a year.

Perchlorate Well and pump system operation and maintenance.

Anyone who is interested in participating in these areas may contact NGWA Industry Practices Administrator Jonathan Jenkins at jjenkins@ngwa.org, or by phoning (800) 551-7379 or (614) 898-7791, ext. 511. Upon completion of the best suggested practice, it will be submitted to the NGWA Board of Directors for adoption and made available for use in the industry.

To further promote the day, NGWA plans to send news releases to industry and general news media and use social media to potentially reach millions of people. For more information on Protect Your Groundwater Day and what you can do, visit www.ngwa.org/public/ PYGD/pygd.aspx or e-mail Treyens at ctreyens@ngwa.org.

NGWA Offers CSP–Drilling Operations Exam NGWA is now offering a second component to the Certified Sales ProfesTwitter @WaterWellJournl

Circle card no. 9

Water Well Journal August 2011 17/

WEB

NOTES

FIND IT ON THE NGWA WEB SITE, NGWA.ORG

NGWA Debuts First Phone Application for iPhone A glossary of groundwater and water well terms is now available from NGWA as an iPhone application downloadable online in the App Store at www.apple.com/iphone/apps-for-iphone. The application for Apple’s iPhone is being offered at an introductory price of $1.99 ($3 off the normal price of $4.99) through September 30. Also, educational institutions can receive a discounted rate for multiple purchases. The glossary is based on NGWA's Lexicon of Groundwater and Water Well System Terms. NGWA Executive Director Kevin McCray, CAE, says the Lexicon contains more than 1900 terms useful to all professionals in the groundwater industry, as well as other professionals and students in the Earth sciences. While NGWA uses the terms internally and also for its three journals— Water Well Journal, Ground Water, and Ground Water Monitoring & Remediation—McCray says the glossary serves a greater purpose. “Here, in one place, the user can find reliable definitions for terms critical to professional work, research, and study dependent upon accuracy and precision,” McCray says. “This glossary represents a comprehensive listing of groundwater and water well terms reviewed exhaustively by a task force of 60 groundwater industry professionals. “And now, with this mobile application, professionals, researchers, and students can get the definition of terms they need with unprecedented ease.” The glossary is also available as a downloadable PDF file from NGWA’s Online Bookstore at www.ngwa.org.

18/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

NGWA Provides Industry Best Practices on Issues with Water Quality and Treatment NGWA has a variety of industry “best suggested practices” for issues with water quality and treatment, including: ● Reduce and Mitigate Problematic Concentrations of Stray Gases in Water Well Systems ● Reducing Problematic Concentrations of Arsenic in Residential Well Systems ● Reducing Problematic Concentrations of Boron in Residential Well Systems ● Reducing Problematic Concentrations of Fluoride in Residential Well Systems ● Reducing Problematic Concentrations of Iron and Manganese in Residential Well Systems. NGWA’s BSPs are designed to aid groundwater professionals at industry job sites. They are not standards, but practices that have been demonstrated to show superior results. They are prepared by a consensus of groundwater professionals from around the country. NGWA members can download all BSPs for free as a member benefit under the “Member exclusives” section at www.ngwa.org. Nonmembers can purchase the BSPs in NGWA’s Online Bookstore.

Secure Booth Space at 63rd Annual Ground Water Expo The 2011 Ground Water Expo online booth selection database is up and running for industry manufacturers and suppliers at www.ngwa.org. With the online process, you can request your booth space, complete the exhibit application, and pay for the space with a credit card. The Expo gives manufacturers and suppliers the opportunity to gain direct access to thousands of groundwater professionals. You can meet a year’s worth of contacts in just two days and showcase your products at the most prestigious show within the groundwater industry. Attendees at the Expo are there

to inspect and compare products and equipment vital to their livelihood. If you have questions, contact NGWA Director of Advertising and Exhibit Sales Vickie Wiles at vwiles@ngwa.org, or call (800) 5517379, or (614) 898-7791 outside the United States, ext. 593.

Share Your Knowledge on NGWA’s ‘The Well’ An information exchange forum, NGWA’s “The Well” is designed to improve communication among likeminded members. It offers an online means for exchanging ideas and allows you to benefit from the experience, knowledge, and wisdom of your peers. The Well is where you can post your latest groundwater industry challenge, problem, question, or experience, and learn from the responses shared by others who have also subscribed to The Well. Sign up to join The Well today at www.ngwa.org.

Stay Connected with NGWA Follow the National Ground Water Association on . . . Twitter www.Twitter.com/NGWAtweets Facebook www.Facebook.com/NGWAFB NGWA Blog info.ngwa.org/blog YouTube www.YouTube.com/user/NGWATUBE waterwelljournal.com

WellGuard

Reflect for Safety

SM

www.wellguard.com 1

W

hy does the federal government require the use of reflector tape on tractor trailers? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation estimate the use of reflector tape on tractor trailers prevents some 350 traffic fatalities, 5000 injuries, and 7800 truck trailers being struck by another vehicle each year. A study of 11,000 tractor trailer “struck by other vehicle” accident reports indicated that trailers equipped with DOT-required reflector tape were involved in 29% fewer side-impact collisions and 41% fewer rear-impact collisions. For trailers not lit, because they were parked or their lights weren’t working, reflector tape reduced side-impact and rear-impact injury and fatality accidents by 44%—that’s almost half! The reflective tape was found to be especially effective in helping to reduce by 55% vehicles colliding with flatbed trailers because the low profile flatbeds are especially hard to see in the dark without reflector tape. “So what?” you ask. How much are your drill rig, rig tender, Smeal truck, and equipment trailers worth? How much of their road time is in the early morning or evening darkness going to and from job sites? How slow do your trucks drive compared to the cars that constantly whizz by them on the highway? When turning into or pulling out from a side road onto the highway, how long is your truck broadside to traffic— especially if pulling a trailer? Most drilling fleet vehicles are painted dark colors, which have low visibility at night. Although not currently required by DOT, the use of reflector tape on the sides and rear of drilling fleet vehicles can significantly reduce the chances of trucks and trailers being struck by another vehicle on the roadway or when parked in the dark. Remember, if your vehicle gets hit by another driver, losing the use of your drill rig or vehicle and its income could cost your company a lot more than just its physical damage. We understand how hard you’ve worked to build your ground water contracting business, and we want to help you protect it. That’s why we’ve developed a customized insurance program that meets the most important needs of your business. We offer specialized coverages,

2

3

If you want to provide extra protection to your large trucks and trailers, it can be done easily for between $20 and $50 per vehicle. DOT reflector tape is available at truck supply outlets or on the Internet by searching “DOT reflector tape.” The tape you are shopping for will be labeled “Meets DOT-C2 Specifications” and comes pre-cut or in rolls of varying lengths. The better quality tapes are “prismatic” tape, which is tape that has microscopic prisms or raised bead-type reflectors that will reflect oncoming headlights from a wide angle instead of just at 90° (broadside) to the tape’s surface. Reflector tape comes in 1-inch and greater widths, and in a wide variety of colors besides the DOT red and white colors. Select the width you want and look for “sealed edge” tape that will last longer without the top clear coat starting to peel back from weather exposure and pressure washing. Applying reflector tape requires a clean smooth painted surface. Most tapes have peel-off backing. Shorter pieces, less than 4 or 5 feet, are less likely to wrinkle when being applied and less likely to develop air bubbles or wrinkles after exposure to temperature extremes. The tape is best applied at room temperature and should be vigorously rubbed down with a damp clean cloth after application to remove all air bubbles and to ensure an even adhesive application. For the rear of the vehicle (and drill mast when lowered), vertical as well as horizontal tape markings can help give other drivers a better idea of the size of your vehicle and how quickly they are getting closer. Consider reflectorizing your fleet for safety. The NGWA Safety Program Manual has more information on this and

The NGWA Safety Program Manual has more information on this and other important other important safety topics. Help protect yourself, your employees, and safety topics. Help protect yourself, your employees, and your business today by your business todayBookstore by contacting NGWA Bookstore at 614 898.7791 contacting the NGWA at 800 the 551.7379 to order your copy. In addition, to order can youraccess copy.dozens In addition, access dozens of other free members of other members free safety can tips by logging in to the Members safety tips by logging to the exclusives section the NGWA Only section of the NGWAinWeb site,member www.ngwa.org, and clicking onof Safety Fact Sheets. Web site, www.ngwa.org, and clicking on “safety fact sheets.”

like downhole coverage, that are designed exclusively for the ground water industry. Also, additional premium credits are available for NGWA-certified contractors. Endorsed by the National Ground Water Association, the program offers the financial

stability of The Hartford and the flexibility to use the local independent insurance agent of your choice. To learn more, please contact Tim Sullivan at Willis Programs (the program administrator) at 1-800-765-0634, or visit their Web site at www.wellguard.com.

®

Twitter @WaterWellJournl

(Advertisement) For information about WellGuard, circle card no. 38.

Water Well Journal August 2011 19/

4

VISIT WWW.LAIBECORP.COM FOR AVAILABLE NEW AND PRE-OWNED RIGS, BROCHURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

VERSA DRILL MODEL LINE-UP ®

300’ OF AUTOMATED ROD HANDLING AVAILABLE

500’ OF AUTOMATED ROD HANDLING AVAILABLE

500’ OF AUTOMATED ROD HANDLING AVAILABLE

VERSA DRILL V-50GTRX

VERSA DRILL V-100NG

VERSA DRILL V-1040DP

®

®

500’ OF AUTOMATED ROD HANDLING AVAILABLE

VERSA DRILL V-1040TRX ®

®

ROD HANDLING STANDARD!

VERSA DRILL V-1555 ®

VERSA DRILL V-2000NG ®

ROD HANDLING STANDARD!

VERSA DRILL V-2000ADP ®

VERSA DRILL V-2095EXP ®

VERSA DRILL VERSA SONIC ®

*ALL MODELS AVAILABLE ON CHASSIS APPROVED FOR AUSTRALIAN LOAD SHARE *ALL MODELS SHOWN WITH ALL OPTIONS

POWER THROUGH TECHNOLOGY BUY DIRECTLY FROM THE MANUFACTURER

Established 1962

TOLL FREE (800) 942-3388 - WWW.LAIBECORP.COM 1414 Bates Street - Indianapolis, IN 46201 U.S.A. - Telephone: (317) 231-2250 - Fax: (317) 266-8426 Circle card no. 24

(COVER STORY)

Groundwater Issues in the United States Part 1: Flooding in the Southeast The 2011 Mississippi River floods wreaked havoc in states along the waterway and andininthe theprocess processpotentially potentiallyendangered endangers groundwater. groundwater. By Mike Price t’s very evident that weather patterns today are becoming more severe and unpredictable throughout the United States, amplified by the 2011 Mississippi River floods in April and May. The floods were among the largest and most damaging along the U.S. waterway in the past century, comparable in degree to major floods in 1927 and 1993. States along the Mississippi River that experienced flooding included Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. “The flooding that many Americans experienced this spring is a crucial reminder of just how devastating floods can be,” FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate was reported saying to the national media. Once flood waters rage, the need for safe drinking water increases. Most tap water will have been treated by municipalities, but much can happen between a water treatment plant and the tap. Water from a well will not have been treated. Leaving chaos in its path, flooding also increases the chances of groundwater becoming contaminated. This is especially true for people who draw their water from private wells. For these people, encroaching floodwaters can

I

Mike Price is the associate editor of Water Well Journal. In addition to his WWJ responsibilities, Price produces NGWA’s newsletters and contributes to the Association’s quarterly scientific publication. He can be reached at mprice@ngwa.org.

Twitter @WaterWellJournl

This is part one of a four-part series on groundwater issues throughout the United States. This part focuses on the southeast. contaminate the source with bacteria or parasites without the owner knowing. “When in doubt, throw it out,” the Tennessee Department of Health stated in an advisory to people trying to clear out their homes when the water went down. “Floodwater picks up numerous contaminants from roads, farms, factories, and storage buildings, including sewage and chemicals.” As the waters continue to recede in the Mississippi River Basin, public officials are taking a wait-and-see approach with potential groundwater issues. In the meantime, due to the magnitude of the Mississippi River floods and other parts of the country experiencing extreme weather conditions, this begins a four-part series looking at groundwater issues in the United States.

Cities and towns in 31 states use water that flows into the Mississippi River Basin, many of them releasing

treated wastewater into tributaries of the Mississippi. Some engineers worried that sewage treatment plants could be overwhelmed by floodwaters. But Mark David, a professor of environmental science at the University of Illinois, was not overly concerned. “We protect things pretty well along the Mississippi because we know it floods,” he told ABC News. Many scientists reminded people to keep the pollution issue in perspective, saying with large volumes of water rushing downriver, they naturally dilute any pollutants they carry. “I think it’s the economic damage that’s the biggest issue,” Nancy Rabalais of the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium told the news organization. “As long as people are vigilant, it won’t be a people-living-in-the-water issue.”

FLOODING/continues on page 22 Water Well Journal August 2011 21/

FLOODING/from page 21 In response to the devastation and health risks of the Mississippi River floods, many companies offered their services at a discounted rate for those affected by this tragedy. One such company is eFilterWater, a division of ViaEtail, a privately held company headquartered in Austin, Texas. eFilter Water announced on May 11 that it was offering all residents of areas affected by the floods a 20% discount off the purchase of a water filter system and free shipping, indefinitely. “Everyone is focused on efforts to help with the immediate situation, as is needed right now,” says Elizabeth Fairchild, director of customer service. “Everyone is focused on efforts to help with the immediate situation. “However, as we have seen with so many major tragedies, once the immediate crisis is over, media turn to other news stories and the victims are forgot-

NGWA is planning to present a series of Webinars addressing U.S. aquifers and various aquifer characteristics, beginning this fall. Check www.ngwa.org for scheduling, topic, and registration information.

●

ten. While the situation is ripe, we wanted to get the word out that we want to help as people start rebuilding their lives. Folks in these areas will need significant drinking water filtration for many years to come, and we want to offer assistance in the way we know best.”

Clean and turn on the pump Flush the well ● Disinfect the well ● Perform any other necessary maintenance. ● ●

Check with local health or environmental health authorities about other 22/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

●

●

Coliform and E. coli bacteria are the two most common problems found in flooded wells. Yet just because a well is flooded doesn’t necessarily mean there is E. coli or fecal coliform in the surface water flooding the well, writes David Hanson, president of Design Water Technologies

NGWA Advises Flooded Water Wells Require Care Before Using Again After a flood, the owners of household wells should take precautions to make sure their water is safe and their wells are in good operating condition, according to the National Ground Water Association. An obvious concern is that floodwater loaded with bacteria, chemicals, or other pollutants may have gotten into the well, says Cliff Treyens, NGWA public awareness director. A less obvious concern is electrical shock if a nonsubmersible pump or any part of the well electrical system is flooded. After a flood one should: 1. Stay away from the well pump while it’s flooded to avoid electrical shock 2. Not drink the water from the well or use it for washing to avoid becoming sick 3. Get help from a qualified water well contractor or pump installer to:

in Shorewood, Minnesota, a company that focuses on treating problems in wells, in the August 2009 issue of Water Well Journal. There can be a variety of bacteria, Hanson says, including:

substances to test in well water following a flood, as there may be pollutants of local concern. Use a qualified drinking water testing lab to advise you on how the sample should be taken to analyze the results, Treyens says. Homeowners can learn more about water testing and water well maintenance by visiting www.wellowner.org. As water wells are specialized systems that require knowledge and expertise to repair and disinfect, use bottled water or boil your water until a qualified water well system contractor can check out your well system, Treyens says. Best Suggested Practices Available: NGWA members can download all best suggested practices for free as a member benefit under the “Member exclusives” section at www.ngwa.org. Practices include dealing with well cleaning, microorganisms, nitrates, arsenic, and more. Nonmembers can purchase the BSPs in NGWA’s Online Bookstore. To learn more about properly treating a flooded well, search “Flooded Wells and Disinfection” on www.ngwa.org. You will be directed to the article in NGWA’s database, Ground Water On-Line.

Common soil organisms, many of which are non-pathogens and commonly found in surface water in counts greater than 100 colonies/mL of water Opportunistic pathogens, which requires a laboratory that has the capability to identify organisms Protozoa and nematodes, which cause severe health concerns and can be lethal.

“Through our construction of water wells, certification of water well drillers, and inspections, everything should be in place should something come up,” says Bob Romero, conservation program manager of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, Environmental Division. Before even going to the job site, Hanson recommends steps to take for gathering information: ● ● ● ●

Diameter of the well Static water level Total depth of the well Pump capacity.

These are the calculations to make prior to going to the job site: 1. Calculate the amount of water in gallons per foot for the diameter of the well. 2. Subtract the static level from total depth of the well; this equals footage of water in the well. 3. Multiply the gallons per foot of water for the diameter × the total footage of water; this equals the volume of water in the well. 4. Multiply the total volume × 50 or better, × 100 for total volume of water to pump from the well. 5. Divide the total volume (50 or 100 times) by the pumping rate of the pump to get an approximate time of pumping to get rid of floodwater. 6. Have the well owner pump the well prior to the contractor even arriving at the site.

waterwelljournal.com

Planet.com include:

●

●

●

This information can become critical throughout the rest of the summer in the highest flood risk areas, according to

OurAmazingPlanet.com. Some areas have already experienced flooding. The areas mentioned by OurAmazing-

●

MG

WC

Reduce your stress level: Learn how to prepare for your certification or license exam during October 19 Webinar. Have you decided to earn one of the NGWA professional certification designations?

ABILITY EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE

CERTIFIED

national ground water association

ABILITY EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE

CV CLD

●

The north-central United States, including the Souris River (North Dakota) and Red River of the North (border of North Dakota and Minnesota), Minnesota River (Minnesota), Upper Mississippi River (Minnesota and Iowa), and the Des Moines River (Iowa) The lower Missouri River from Gavin’s Point (Nebraska and South Dakota border) downstream along the border of Nebraska and Iowa, continuing through the borders of Kansas and Missouri, then through Missouri to the Mississippi River Tributaries to the lower Missouri River including the James and Big Sioux Rivers in North Dakota The lower Ohio River Valley including the White, Wabash, and lower Ohio River East of the Rockies: the North Platte River in Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska and the Yellowstone River in Wyoming and Montana West of the Rockies: Utah and Colorado. WWJ

national ground water association

Do you need to take one of the NGWA Voluntary Certification Program exams to obtain your state license? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, the half-hour Preparing for NGWA’s Professional Designation Exams Webinar taking place October 19 at 11 a.m. ET can help! It will provide you with insight into: s The various skill and competency areas the different exams cover s Resources available to help in your studies — and why you should study s Making arrangements at the testing centers. Please note that while some sample questions will be shared, this Webinar is not intended to be a content study program.

CERTIFIED VERTICAL CLOSED LOOP DRILLER

CW D

●

ABILITY EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE

CERTIFIED

national ground water association

CP I

For the first time in 37 years, the Morganza Control Structure was opened on May 14, deliberately flooding 4600 square miles of rural Louisiana to save most of Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Photo courtesy Louisiana Department of Natural Resources

ABILITY EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE

CERTIFIED

national ground water association

I

Fee per online hookup: s NGWA member — FREE (preregistration is required) s Nonmember — $25 on or before October 11 and $40 thereafter

CW

D/P

ABILITY EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE

To reserve your space, visit www.NGWA.org today or call 800 551.7379 (614 898.7791).

CERTIFIED

national ground water association

®

Twitter @WaterWellJournl

800 551.7379 s www.NGWA.org s 614 898.7791 Circle card no. 35

CS P

Visit our Web site for the most up-to-date listing of all of our educational offerings. ®

Certified Sales Professional

Water Well Journal August 2011 23/

Go Stainless.

4� TWI Series Driven By

6�-10� TWI Series Driven By

Factory Direct Sales for Qualifying Dealers!

Wilo TWI The only thing more stainless than our reputation, is our stainless steel submersible well pumps. Wilo is pleased to offer a complete range of 304 stainless steel submersible well pumps from 4â€? to 10â€? wells. A full range of accessories from VFD’s, to control boxes, to constant pressure systems are also available and ready to handle your application. Factory direct sales are available for qualifying dealers! Stainless? We call it Pumpen Intelligenz. WILO USA LLC Ăˆ Ăˆ XXX XJMP VTB DPN

Circle card no. 48

Strategies to Boost Your Business Part 1: Reevaluate your business and plan for the future. By Lana Straub

I

got a phone call from a reader in Ohio a few months ago. They were calling to Texas to find out if there was any extra water well drilling work in our area. In talking to the reader, we found out that times were tough where he lived. Competition would follow him to the job site and while he was busy setting up his rig for the day’s work, the competitor would talk to the landowner about how much better the competition’s drilling company was and how they could do the job better. Talk about nerve and lack of ethics! But there is another word that describes the scene too—desperation. And that is caused by poor planning and not preparing for the future. I got a call from another reader later that month. The Pennsylvania contractor was wondering if we needed to buy any rigs because he was selling out and was moving on to another profession. The Lana Straub, with a background in the legal and financial aspects of small business, is the office manager of Straub Corp., Stanton, Texas, an environmental and water well drilling firm owned and operated by her family for more than 50 years. She can be reached at Lana@StraubCorporation.com.

Twitter @WaterWellJournl

drilling company had been in their family for generations, but the poor economy had finally starved it out. The calls hit me hard as I realized that many family businesses are struggling in America. Perhaps your family business has had a long run of prosperity, but it feels now as if the bottom has fallen out. Some of you have probably sat at your desks day after day trying to drum up work, unsure of where next week’s payroll will come from and which employee will have to be laid off next. It is a scary time for the American drilling family. This article is Part 1 of a series of four that will help our readers rebound from the recession and get their businesses back on track. Rhonda Abrams, a small business expert, says that most entrepreneurs start businesses because of at least one of what she calls the “four C’s”—creativity, control, challenge, cash. We want freedom of creativity, control of our own destiny, a challenging work environment, and of course, cash. Do you remember which one of the four C’s motivated you to originally start your business? All of them? Remembering why you started can help you shape your future.

Why Are You Here? The first step in getting your business back on track is to step back and look at the business. You were excited about entering a new industry when you first started your company—whether you decided on your own to enter the profession or it was passed down from five generations ago. Despite how you came to be part of the groundwater industry, you need to try to remember what it was like when you first started. Oftentimes we become complacent in our jobs after we have been doing them for years. They lose their excitement and we become bogged down in the day-to-day drudgery of our work. The way you get out of the drudge is to do an audit of your company. And yes, I heard that groan. But someone once told me that it is better to audit your own affairs before someone else does. Would you rather that the IRS, DOT, or OSHA tell you that you’re messing up? If your bottom line looks like that of most Americans, your checkbook is talking louder than any state or federal agency ever could! The way to avoid an audit is to check things out yourself first.

BUSINESS/continues on page 26 Water Well Journal August 2011 25/

BUSINESS/from page 25 The Small Business Administration suggests that you periodically audit three specific areas of your business: management, operations, and finances. This first article is going to focus on the management audit and how it is the first step to planning the future road map of your business. The management audit consists of focusing on two key areas of your business management strategy. The first is basic company planning and management. The second is personnel planning and management.

Basic Company Planning and Management Clearly Defined Mission Almost any book you pick up on business planning will have its first chapter dedicated to the company’s mission statement. Some schools of thought are that a mission statement is unnecessary, but I’ve found through the years a clearly defined mission statement can give your company a much-needed defining compass in times of trouble. A mission statement should tell your customers, your employees, and your competition what you want from your business. Tim Berry, creator of Business Plan Pro software and author of numerous books on business planning, explains mission statements as “an opportunity to define your business at the most basic level. It should tell your company story and ideals in less than 30 seconds— who you are, what you do, what you stand for, and why you do it.” Did you construct your mission statement 10, 20, or even 30 years ago? Does it still reflect the most important aspects of your business? Is it still current? The keys to making sure you keep a clearly defined mission are to: ● ● ● ●

Write it down Carry it out Modify it as you go Get your employees to share in your vision.

Written Sales Plan A written sales plan might sound complicated, but it can be the key to your business. There are key concepts you need to start thinking about prior to 26/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

A pricing policy could be one of the most important tools in planning the future of your business. writing the plan. First off, think about the answers to these questions: ● ● ● ● ●

Have you clearly identified your market niche? Has it changed in the last five to 10 years? Are you searching for and developing new product lines? Are you pursuing new customers and are you reaching your target market? Are your sales increasing or are they decreasing?

We will discuss the answers to these and other questions in Part II of this series when we discuss reevaluating your marketing strategies and getting your company noticed in the 21st century. Annual Budget It’s been my experience that budgets are not easily discussed among small business owners. When you start your business, you don’t generally have a budget, and as your business grows, you learn to manage your money accordingly. No one really refers to it as “staying on budget.” But the Small Business Administration recommends that you have a budget in place as a flexible guide to keep you in control of your business spending. Bankers have tightened their grip on small business lending, so now more than ever, creating a budget is a good idea. When looking into budgeting, we need to have the ability to go back a few years and see what kinds of spending habits we have. If your company uses QuickBooks or similar accounting software, you have a budgeting feature built into the program. You’ll find that by examining your purchases from year to year, you can determine where excess spending might be occurring and make some changes. Remember that your budget needs to be realistic, and if expenses outweigh your budget several months in a row, it’s probably time for corrective action.

Pricing Policy A pricing policy could be one of the most important tools in planning the future of your business. When developing your pricing policy, the Small Business Administration suggests that you do some market research to determine if you keep your products and services at a competitive price. I know it’s difficult in these economic times to set a pricing structure. Fuel prices are constantly in flux, which in turn creates fluctuation in all the products we use in our industry. Luckily, the National Ground Water Association has created tools that can help you create a pricing policy that can grow your business with calculators on drilling costs, pump installation, and geothermal work. They are available on the NGWA Web site and are free for NGWA members. The calculators use the familiar format of Excel and have several benefits. NGWA states on its Web site that they are “designed to be as detailed as you want . . . enables you to plug in costs to all of the categories that contribute to your overall cost of water well drilling. You can also plug in different scenarios to see what is needed to achieve the profits you want for your company.” If you have never used a pricing policy and don’t know where to start, you should give the calculators a try. They help you see the current big picture of your pricing strategy and help you make any necessary changes.

Basic Personnel Planning and Management Employees are the backbone of all of our companies. As owners and entrepreneurs, our biggest fault can often be found in thinking we can do it all alone and we don’t need anyone to help us. That’s fine for a one-man operation, but in the groundwater industry it’s hard to do what we do as one person. Personnel help us complete our tasks. As family business owners, we often forget that some of our employees are not family and can’t be disciplined like our children. As the person who handles human resources for Straub Corp., I can tell you from experience that it can be a nightmare without a plan and expertise from others.

waterwelljournal.com

Employee Expectations Your employees have expectations that they bring to the job with them. They have expectations about salary, promotion, and benefits and what kind of future they may have in your company and in the industry as a whole. It’s important to know what your employees’ expectations are when they come to work for you. It’s equally as important to survey your employees, either in writing or in conversations, to find out how their needs have changed over time. Suggestion boxes placed in the employee information center or near the time clock can also be helpful. They give employees the opportunity to make anonymous suggestions on how to change certain things about the company without fear of retaliation from their supervisors. The main thing to remember is to keep lines of communication open with your employees. Remember that without them our small businesses become even smaller. Job Descriptions Job descriptions are often hard to define in a small business. One of my suppliers has a business card that actually says “Head Cook and Bottle Washer.” People who have never been involved in a small business think you’re joking when you tell them you do “a little of everything.” Your employees, though, don’t like to work like that. They want clearly defined job descriptions, which is often a difficult task to come up with in a small business. Our limited resource of people sometimes makes it difficult to establish clear lines. We try to mitigate this in our company by assigning crews for our employees. If your crew is in the field this week, you probably don’t have shop duty. If you are in the office, shop duty is yours. This also helps because the employees know who their supervisor is and follow his orders. Clear lines of chain of command are crucial to your employees’ job descriptions and their overall happiness. The Small Business Administration suggests that you include the following elements in your job descriptions: ● ●

Describe what employees do and what’s expected Distribute work equitably

Twitter @WaterWellJournl

● ● ●

Give performance feedback and reward good performance Create a policy manual and ensure employees read it Employees know chains of communication/command.

Disciplinary Procedures Clearly defined, written disciplinary procedures are just as important as job expectations and job descriptions. Employees have to know their boundaries and the consequences for crossing those boundaries. Written disciplinary procedures help both management and workers understand each person’s role in the workplace. J.J. Keller’s Prospera online human resource program provides training in disciplinary procedures, customized for management. It advises that your disciplinary policy include the following elements: ● ● ●

Identifying who is responsible for receiving reported violations Standard procedure for recording reported violations Provisions to protect the confidentiality of those who report violations.

other key we take advantage of with our employees. We train each new hire on company policies and procedures for two weeks in the classroom, and then put them with an experienced employee for the next month so they can experience hands-on training from a seasoned employee. We review their progress weekly during a management staff meeting. The coupling of training and progress meetings has proved to be beneficial to our organization as a whole. The fact that your company has survived the recession tells me that you know how to run a business. I hope these strategies help boost your bottom line and get your company back where you want it. WWJ

Know Your True Costs Go to NGWA’s online bookstore at www.ngwa.org and check out its cost calculators for drilling, pump installation, and geothermal work. Using Excel, they help you plug in your costs so you can set your profit level.

10:

Meetings and Training Meetings and REGAL™ training are how you GAS tie all of the emCHLORINATORS ployee relations together in a nice package. When in the field, we have daily meetings with our employees to REGAL leads the industry discuss safety or in green technology. The human resource isREGAL Gas Chlorinator sues. When our emlowers energy costs and ployees are not out on the job, our meet- chemical costs by using 100% chlorine which is a ings are conducted weekly. natural element. These meetings allow employees to SAFE, RELIABLE, EFFICIENT AND ECONOMICAL air any difficulties • ALL-VACUUM DESIGN • EASY TO MAINTAIN & CLEAN they might be hav• ENGINEERED FOR LESS DOWNTIME & CORROSION RESISTANCE • FEWEST PARTS • FAST DELIVERY • MADE IN THE USA ing with coworkers or job functions as For Gas Chlorine, Choose Regal's GREEN Machine! well as allow manFor more info, call Jill at 1-800-327-9761 agement to counsel the entire staff on proper procedures. 1044 SE Dixie Cutoff Road, Stuart, FL 34994 USA • Tel: 772-288-4854 Training is anFax: 772-287-3238 • www.regalchlorinators.com • Email: regal@regalchlorinators.com

GREEN MACHINE

Circle card no. 8

Water Well Journal August 2011 27/

Delta Screens Founded in 2010, Delta Screens is a new wedge wire screen company that serves the water well, water treatment, oil and gas, industrial, and architectural markets. By Mike Price

ompanies in the water well screen industry date as far back as the early 1900s, steeped in history and tradition. These long-standing brand names have stood the test of time, delivering quality products to loyal customers in the United States and throughout the world. This industry is both well respected and well established, so it was noteworthy when a buzz was in the air over one of the newest firms exhibiting at the 2010 National Ground Water Association Ground Water Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Delta Screens, an independently owned Houston, Texas-based wedge wire screen company introduced itself for the first time since being founded in 2010. The company’s exhibit booth was regularly crowded with Expo attendees stopping by to check out the product. “The response was overwhelmingly positive,” says Dennis McMillin of Delta Screens, who along with Water Well Sales Manager Bob Lacey manned the exhibit booth. “My background has primarily been the municipal water treatment market,

C

Mike Price is the associate editor of Water Well Journal. In addition to his WWJ responsibilities, Price produces NGWA’s newsletters and contributes to the Association’s quarterly scientific publication. He can be reached at mprice@ngwa.org.

28/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

so it was my first Ground Water Expo. From a quality attendee standpoint, it was one of the best shows I’ve attended. We were extremely well received from the industry.” While the company is new, nearly everyone at Delta Screens has worked for a major well screen company during their careers. In fact, everyone on staff was hand-selected and invited to join the Delta team, including the shop floor personnel. The company’s staff combines to make up more than 300 years of experience within the industry. “It was always a dream of the management team to have our own company,” says Richard Grifno, general manager at Delta Screens. “Many of our clients welcomed the idea of having an independent screen company to service their needs.” Grifno likens starting this business enterprise to “putting the band back together,” referring to parts of the management team who were previously working together at major well screen companies. It indeed appears to be a relaxed working environment at Delta Screens. “All of our egos went away when we were good strong competitors with one another and after working together at the same companies,” says Jim Hardin, senior sales executive who covers the water well and oil and gas markets. He was lured out of retirement to work at Delta Screens and has 35 of years of screen experience.

Richard Grifno, general manager

“Now we’re back together, just buddies trying to accomplish what we know can be done and enjoying this time together and relationships we’ve built with our own customers over the years.” From its 70,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Houston, Delta Screens manufactures its well screens in a variety of alloys, including 304 and 316 stainless steel in diameters up to 20 inches. The company offers rod base screens, pipe base screens, and accessories. It serves the water well, water treatment, oil and gas, industrial, and architectural markets.

Experience Is Key The wealth of water well screen knowledge that all of its employees bring to the table makes Delta Screens unique. “Our reputation is a huge help to us,” says Grifno, who has over 35 years working in the well screen market. “We put this team together, and it gave us instant credibility. People already know who we are. waterwelljournal.com

Delta Screens’ custom designed abrasive cut-off saw works on a 16-inch outside diameter rod-based screen.

“If you started an organization with brand-new people, it would be difficult at best to get out there and try to chip away at the market because you just don’t have the reputation.” Backed by strong financial support in this down economy, Delta Screens took a conservative approach, contacting major water well contractors and then continuing to branch out to as many end users as possible. “We’ve had comments from some of our customers that the product they’re getting from us is the best they’ve ever seen,” says Mike Gilmer, marketing manager who has more than 30 years of experience. Within the water treatment and industrial segment of the industry, Delta Screens manufactures, among other products, intake screens, flat panels, rotating sieves, underdrains, support grids, header laterals, and nozzles. The company priority was built to service the water well and oil and gas industry’s sand control needs. Beyond those markets, Delta Screens understands the importance of creating a diversified product offering. In that regard it is positioning itself in other segments of the well screen industry. “I was asked to come on board because my background is primarily in the municipal water treatment industry— raw water intake screens, sand filters, and underdrains,” says McMillin, who has more than 12 years of experience in the municipal industry. “We will also be opening up into the architectural Twitter @WaterWellJournl

From its 70,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Houston, Delta Screens manufactures its well screens in a variety of alloys, including 304 and 316 stainless steel in diameters up to 20 inches.

“We put this team together, and it gave us instant credibility. People already know who we are.” markets. We have many contacts and associations in that market as well.” In a nutshell, the dream to be more entrepreneurial in nature and to focus on customer needs was what attracted these seasoned veterans to join Delta Screens. “We want to be able to respond quickly to the market and product development,” Grifno says, “and be able to cut through some of the obstacles that you have at larger companies. Everyone here has a common vision. I think that’s what makes it nice. We don’t have egos to wrestle with.”

Quality over Quantity From the quality manager to the quality supervisor to the shop floor inspector, Delta Screens emphasizes quality control by designating approximately 20% of its workforce to overseeing it. It’s this attention to detail that makes Delta Screens confident in its product line, one which is built to ISO 2001 standards. As a new company, Delta Screens is free to utilize manufacturing processes the engineers on staff know work and adjust them accordingly to meet the

company’s specifications. The company has incorporated designs into its products that differentiate Delta Screens. It has introduced robotics into the welding operations that will produce highly consistent welds with faster throughput. “Based on the 2011 technology that we employ here, we’re able to manufacture screens very efficiently,” Grifno says. “We’ve learned how to work around the shortcomings of manufacturing screens.” Grifno observes that the water well screen industry over the years has become mature, with the economy forcing companies to manufacture as efficiently as possible in a competitive marketplace. Material costs are the same for every company, so Delta Screens is striving to streamline its manufacturing process. “Where you really gain your edge is on lean manufacturing, your throughput, automation, trying to take handling out of your processes and manufacturing steps,” he says. “The early reviews of Delta Screens’ product line have continued to be favorable,” Gilmer says. “I believe if our product stands side to side to our competition,” Grifno says, “it’s going to have visible features and benefits that the other products don’t. Our goal is to build the highest quality product in the industry.” WWJ To learn more about Delta Screens, visit the company’s Web site at www.deltascreens.com. Water Well Journal August 2011 29/

By Ed Butts, PE, CPI

Groundwater Treatment Part 1. General Considerations

W

ouldn’t you know it? No sooner do I wrap up a four-part series on the pump impeller than I decide to immediately launch into another multipart series. This one will focus on water treatment for groundwater supplies. The subject of treating the various issues that can be found in groundwater supplies is obviously as varied as the nature of the countless types of groundwater supplies found throughout the world. However, I have learned there are some basic conditions that are quite common in many groundwater supplies and those are the conditions I will review. For an outline of the topics I will cover in this five-part series, see the sidebar below.

The Basics of Chemistry and Matter Chemistry is defined as the study of the structure and properties of matter. Matter is further defined as something that occupies space, has mass, and exists as a solid, gas, or liquid. Obviously, from that definition, matter is just about everything that exists in nature, and that is basically true. Matter includes almost everything known to man, in one form or another. You might say it is built from the ground up through increasing and more complex levels of structural categories Ed Butts, PE, CPI, is the chief engineer at 4B Engineering & Consulting, Salem, Oregon. He has more than 35 years experience in the water well business, specializing in engineering and business management. He can be reached at epbpe@juno.com.

30/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

known in progression as: subatomic particles, atoms, elements, compounds, molecules, and mixtures. The current belief is that matter in its fundamental structure is comprised of discrete particles known as subatomic particles, which form the smallest building blocks of matter comprising nucleons and atoms. There are two types of subatomic particles: elementary particles, which are those that are singular and not made of other particles, and composite particles, which are comprised of groups of various particles. Elementary particles include quarks, leptons, and bosons (force carriers). Composite particles, such as protons and atomic nuclei, are bound states of two or more elementary particles. The study of the two groups of subatomic particles and how they interact is performed through the sciences of particle physics for elementary particles and nuclear physics for composite particles. Atoms, also known as compound particles, are the next size progressive part of a larger component of matter such as an element that retains the characteristics of the larger component and are further comprised of subatomic particles, which

Figure 1. Subatomic makeup of an oxygen atom.

together create a complete atom, as for example, oxygen (Figure 1). Subatomic particles are differentiated within an atom by their quantity and electrical charge. Electricity, along with the associated fields of electrical charges, figures prominently in virtually all studies of chemistry and chemical reactions. The nucleus is the center core of an atom and it contains protons and neutrons. Protons are present in varying quantities and have an electrical charge

ENGINEERING/continues on page 32

Part 1. General Considerations Basic chemistry, pH, alkalinity, ionic and anionic bonds Part 2. Cations and Anions Ionic and anionic bonds Part 3. Disinfection Bacteria and virus deactivation using chlorination, ultraviolet, and ozone Part 4. Regulated and Primary Groundwater Contaminants Inorganics, radionuclides, volatile/synthetic organics Part 5. Aesthetic and Secondary Groundwater Contaminants Iron, manganese, hardness, corrosion, incrustation waterwelljournal.com

257 Caroline St. 257 Caroline St.

Circle card card no. Circle no.7546 Circle card card no. Circle no.7546

Circle card no. 45

Table 1.

ENGINEERING/from page 30 of +1 (pro = positive), while neutrons are also present in various numbers and have no charge or are said to be neutral. Surrounding the nucleus in a cloudlike configuration are electrons. Electrons have an electrical charge of –1 (negative 1 charge) and occupy most of the actual volume of the atom. They are constantly orbiting the nucleus in layers referred to as shells. Although the electrons occupy most of the volume of an atom, the nucleus actually contains most of the weight of the atom due to the much heavier weight exhibited from the protons and neutrons. Of the three fundamental subparticles, the electron is the most important particle in the understanding of basic chemistry. This is due to the role played by electrons during chemical reactions. During a chemical reaction the nucleus of an atom remains unchanged; only the electrons of atoms interact. Furthermore, it is only those in the outermost 32/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

shell, a very important concept of chemistry and electrical theory. Elements are the next stage of the building blocks of matter as well as the first level assigned a specific name. They are distinguished from one another and assigned individual names based on the number of protons in the nucleus, which is known as the atomic number. For example, a nitrogen atom has seven protons while a carbon atom has six protons in their nucleuses. Therefore, the atomic number of nitrogen is 7 and is 6 for carbon. Another characteristic of an element is the atomic weight, which is not weight in the common sense but rather is defined as the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an element. For example, for the element of carbon (C), which we already know has six protons as well as six neutrons, the atomic weight of the atom would be 12 (six protons + six neutrons = 12). Elements are generally arranged according to the number of electron shells

they possess and according to similarities of their chemical properties. When arranged in this manner, they are formed in a table, usually referred to as the periodic table (Table 1). In the periodic table, elements with the same number of electron shells are aligned in a horizontal row, referred to as periods, while elements aligned in vertical rows, referred to as groups, have similar chemical properties. The periodic table includes the atomic number, atomic weight, symbol, and name for each element in individual boxes. The next basic structural components of matter are called compounds. Compounds are two or more elements that are chemically bonded or physically stuck together. These chemical bonds are based on an electronic configuration of the individual atoms and the electron occupancy of any vacancies present in the electron orbits. When atoms of two or more elements are bonded together to form a compound, the resulting particle is now called a molecule. A molecule may be waterwelljournal.com

Figure 2. Basic structure of the water molecule.

only two atoms of one or more elements bonded together or it may be dozens of atoms bonded together consisting of several elements. Fundamentally, a molecule is developed from two atoms joined together at their electrons’ outer orbit. This bonding results in a joint configuration of greater stability than would be possessed by the individual elements. When two or more elements, compounds, or both, are mixed together without a chemical reaction (bonding) occurring, the resulting outcome is called a mixture. A mixture does not result in the formation of any new compound, and the elements or compounds can be mixed into any proportion. In addition, a mixture is further distinguished from a molecule because any mixture can be separated or reverted back into its original elements or compounds by various physical means of separation, such as filtering, heating, or settling. Steel, concrete, and even air are all examples of common mixtures. All of the descriptions so far given can be summarized easily. For example, consider a certain kind of matter called water. When two atoms of the element hydrogen (H) and one atom of the element oxygen (O) chemically combine into a compound, a molecule of water is formed (Figure 2). If that molecule of water is then combined with salt, the outcome would be a mixture comprised of salt and water, which can in turn be separated (reversed) using various physical processes, including reverse osmosis (filtration) or distillation. A discussion of chemistry would not be complete without an explanation of the two basic branches of the chemical Twitter @WaterWellJournl

world. Essentially, the world of chemistry is divided into inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry. Inorganic chemistry is the study of chemistry that includes those elements and compounds that are not comprised of carbon as a principal component. Organic chemistry includes the study of carbon-based compounds, those that are fundamentally needed to create living systems on our planet. For example, water, hydrogen sulfide, and sodium chloride (common table salt) are all examples of inorganic chemical compounds while proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and virtually all other compounds needed to support the life process on Earth are all organic compounds because their principal component is carbon. Although we will briefly touch on organic chemistry, we will mostly be discussing inorganic chemistry in this series due to its undeniable connection to the water well business.

Valence In an atom, the outermost electrons are sometimes referred to as valence electrons. These are the electrons that are involved in bonding. Thus, carbon, which has four electrons in its outer shell, will have a valence number of 4 if all the electrons are used in bonding. There are three basic types of chemical bonding: ionic, covalent, metallic. All three involve the interaction of electrons. An ionic bond is formed by the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another. This exchange results in the formation of an ion. When ions are formed, an atom forming a posi-

tively charged ion is known as a cation, while a negatively charged ion is referred to as an anion. Ionic compounds are usually made from a metal and a non-metal because of their equal desire to lose and gain electrons. Since this type of bond is formed as the result of electrostatic attraction and from oppositely charged ions, they form a very strong compound that is often difficult to disassociate. A good example of an ionic compound is the combination of sodium and chlorine. In order to create a full outer shell, the sodium atom needs to give up one electron, and since the chlorine atom normally has seven electrons in its outer shell, chlorine needs to gain one electron from sodium in order to create a full outer shell of eight electrons. This exchange of electrons readily creates the compound we know as sodium chloride or basic table salt. Other basic characteristics of ionic compounds include strong electrical forces, solubility in water, and good electrical conductors. An excellent example of ionic bonding in action is through the use of the ion exchange method, commonly referred to as water softening. (A further discussion of this topic will be covered in Part 4.) Not all compounds can be created with the simple exchange of one electron. In fact, some elements need to lose or gain numerous electrons in order to achieve a stable electronic configuration. Electron transfer requires energy, and in cases where the transfer of several electrons would be needed to create a stable compound, the atoms actually share the electrons rather than going through an actual transfer. This type of bonding is called covalent bonding. A good example of a covalent bond often occurs when carbon is involved. In order to create an ionic bond, carbon would have to transfer four electrons, which would require considerable energy. Since sharing of electrons requires much less energy, a covalent bond is generally formed between carbon and other elements. Finally, there are metallic bonds. Metals are simply cations in a threedimensional lattice structure. Explained more simply, the structure of a metallic

ENGINEERING/continues on page 34 Water Well Journal August 2011 33/

ENGINEERING/from page 33 atom is comprised of electron shells with numerous, mobile electrons. The outer electrons from each metallic atom are shared between the ions and are said to be delocalized or spread out. This type of electron field results in electrons that are not only mobile, but are located throughout the atom’s outer structure. Because metals are comprised from atoms with this sea of electrons and the electrons are so mobile, the ability to transfer energy across this type of atom is excellent. This is the reason that metals are such good conductors of heat and electricity and why metals are so special in the chemical world.

Water (H2O) Water is indeed a magical compound. In few places in our world will you find such a versatile yet simple compound. As chemical compounds go, water is relatively simple. A basic water molecule is comprised of two atoms of hydrogen (H) combined with one atom of oxygen (O). Going further, the dictionary defines water as “a clear, colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid.” But when was the last time you were ever able to think of water by that simple definition? The dictionary goes on to further describe water as “essential for most plant and animal life and the most widely used of solvents.” Although these definitions may sound simplistic, they are accurate. Water in its pure chemical state is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and clear. Only after nature and mankind gets done with it does it take on the condition we usually find it in. In fact, pure water is so unpalatable that most people cannot stand to consume it. The addition of certain minerals in the proper proportion is what makes water fit to drink. Water often becomes unusable and undrinkable when the type or proportion of minerals and additives gets out of whack. Water, like all chemical compounds, has specific qualities that everyone working in the water industry should know by heart. It has a melting point (freezing) of 0°C or 32°F, a boiling point of 100°C (212°F), a specific gravity of 1, which makes it the base liquid of reference against all other liquids, and density of 8.337 pounds per gallon. 34/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

Knowledge of pH and alkalinity is critical for a complete understanding of corrosion control in a water system. Most water molecules have a molecular weight of 18, although there are 18 possible molecular weights for water. Water has many unique properties due to the strong bonding exerted by the hydrogen atoms within the water molecule. Because of this characteristic, water is less dense as a solid than in its natural state as a liquid. If the reverse were true, water would freeze from the bottom of natural bodies of water instead of at the top. This would result in lakes freezing from the bottom upward, which would result in a completely different way aquatic systems currently survive. Water, in addition to all of its other properties, is also a solvent. In fact, water is often referred to as the universal solvent due to the fact that it will dissolve some amount of almost every solid or gas with which it comes into contact. This property is due in large part to the polarity of the water molecule. Since water has dipolar (positive and negative) characteristics, it is able to exert the opposite force of whatever it comes into contact with, thereby neutralizing the forces of attraction holding the substance together. Ultimately, this results in the liberation of ions from the material into the water solution. The liberated ion is then referred to as a dissolved ion.

pH Arguably, the most important single chemical characteristic of water is pH. It is fundamental to virtually all chemical processes involving water. As you may probably remember from basic science, there are three main groups of inorganic compounds: acids, bases, and salts. An acid is any substance that releases hydrogen ions when it is mixed with water. Acids are either strong or weak and are based on the amount of hydrogen ions they release in water. Strong acids, such as sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, release a large concentration of hydrogen ions while weak acids, such as

hydrogen sulfide, release few hydrogen ions. Conversely, bases are substances that produce hydroxyl ions when it dissociates (comes apart) in water. Examples of bases include lime, caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), and soda ash (sodium carbonate). All of these are chemicals commonly used in water treatment. As with acids, they can be subdivided into weak and strong bases. Strong bases dissociate readily, resulting in the release of a high concentration of hydroxyl ions, while weak bases, such as lime, dissociate poorly. Salts are simply compounds resulting from an acid-base mixture. The process that results due to the mixing of an acid and a base to form a salt is known as neutralization. The measurement of the concentration of acids and bases in water is performed using the pH scale (Figure 3). The pH scale spans between a low of 0 (most acidic) up to a high of 14 (most basic). The scale is a logarithmic scale, which means that every increment of pH measurement is 10 times greater than the previous one. For example, a pH of 6 is 10 times greater than a pH of 7 and so on. A pH value at the mid-point (7) is referred to as a neutral reading—neither an acid nor a base. For most waters used in a potable water system, the desirable pH range is usually between 6.5 to a high of 8.5, although many other factors can affect the most desirable pH for any given water. Because a pH of 7 is called neutral, many people mistakenly believe it is the best value to maintain for drinking water. While in some cases this may be true, in many instances it is not. A pH value of 7 or even 7.5 may not be high enough to protect a piping system from corrosion if other protective elements in the water (such as calcium hardness, iron, and manganese) are not present. In this instance, water at a pH of 7.0 can still cause an attack on the metallic components in a water system, ultimately resulting in a process called corrosion. In these cases, a pH level of 7.5 to 8 or even higher may be required to present an adequate level of protection. However, it all starts with the pH. This is the reason why many lead and copper programs or corrosion prevention systems use pH values and adjustment as the primary method of waterwelljournal.com

Figure 3. Measurements of acidity and alkalinity using a pH scale.

mise or balance between all aspects of water quality considerations. From this alone, it should now be obvious why I imply that pH is usually the single most important water quality consideration.

Alkalinity

corrosion control. Conversely, if the pH of water (especially in well water) is too high, a process known as precipitation can occur, causing iron, manganese, and calcium to revert out of solution and then deposit on the pipe walls, resulting in incrustation or scaling. In some extreme cases, the scaling of an internal pipe wall can be severe enough to completely close off the inside of the pipe in just a few years. In most cases, this can occur if the pH of the water is above 7.5 for iron and 8.3 for manganese and other favorable conditions, such as temperature and sufficient levels of iron or manganese, are present. There are many other situations where intentional elevation of the pH value is needed to effect removal of iron or manganese. In fact, in many water treatment systems, the pH of the water is elevated to the required value to accelerate oxidation and precipitation of iron and manganese so that they will come out of solution rapidly and can then be filtered. One last consideration of pH is for disinfection. Water disinfection, especially using chlorine, requires a value known as contact time or “CT.� This is Twitter @WaterWellJournl

the time needed for the chlorine to be in contact with the water to adequately kill or inactivate any pathogens, primarily bacteria or viruses, in the water. In this case, a lower pH value will be more effective for chlorination than a higher pH. For example, to deactivate a harmful strain of Escherichia coliform (E. coli) bacteria with a chlorine level of .05 mg/L at a neutral pH of 7 will require approximately three minutes of contact time while at a pH of 8.5 the same procedure will require up to 20 minutes to affect the same level of deactivation. Systems that require consideration of contact time to maintain adequate disinfection plus iron or manganese or corrosion control can really cause problems for engineers. If the pH of the water is naturally or artificially raised to 7.5–8.5 to control corrosion, an adverse impact on contact time will likely occur. The same is now true in the reverse instance. If the pH of the water is lowered to a level between 6.5 to 7 in order to improve the effectiveness of chlorine disinfection, corrosion of metallic components in the water system may now result at the lower pH. The key, therefore, is to find some level of compro-

Alkalinity of a given type of water is a water quality element that is often overlooked or not given the importance it deserves, but it is actually important in the discussion of water chemistry. Alkalinity is basically the ability of a water to neutralize (or buffer) an acid. Alkalinity occurs in three stages: hydroxyl, bicarbonate, and carbonate. The difference between the three stages is based on which one causes the alkalinity. The combined effect of all three types is reported as total alkalinity. Alkalinity is important in water treatment as it has a huge impact on how much chemical is needed to raise or lower pH and how easy it is to shift the pH of natural waters. For example, water with a high alkalinity (>200 mg/L) will require a much greater volume of caustic soda to raise the pH than it would at an alkalinity of 30 mg/L. This not only has a direct impact on the amount of chemical needed to adjust the pH, but it also affects the stability of pH. In many cases with low alkalinity, it is difficult to maintain a consistent pH level in finished water and specialized equipment is sometimes needed to monitor and automatically adjust the equipment used to change pH. In conclusion, adequate knowledge of pH and alkalinity and the relationship between the two is critical for a complete understanding of corrosion control in a water system. Balancing the relationship of pH and alkalinity, along with using the appropriate chemicals, is crucial for optimum water system performance. Water with a pH level that is too high will usually cause scaling of pipe walls, while water with too low a pH level will often result in corrosion. The key is to work with all available information to strike a workable balance between the two. We will continue this five-part series next month with more on the basics of water chemistry. Until then, work safe and smart. WWJ Water Well Journal August 2011 35/

By Ed Butts, PE, CPI

Engineering of Water Systems Part 9—Hydraulic Analysis: Hydrostatics

W

ell, we’re actually well past the halfway mark of our 15-part series on the basics of designing and engineering larger water systems. We have outlined so far many of the fundamental aspects of laying out and planning a water system, including some of the legal and paperwork aspects most of us don’t like to deal with. We will now take a detour back into the engineering and design part of the trip as we delve into more of the nuts and bolts part of designing a water system—the hydraulic design. First, let’s review hydrostatics.

Fluids vs. Liquids A debate quite often will arise in a pumping or hydraulic seminar I am teaching as to the difference between a fluid and a liquid. Many individuals will state the terms are interchangeable, while others will almost passionately assert they are entirely different. The fundamental truth is that while all liquids are fluids, not all fluids are liquids. If you go back to basic high school chemistry, you will recall the three states of matter are solids, liquids, and gases. Within this definition, liquids and gases are both further classified as fluids since the three primary factors that distinguish fluids from solids are that (1) all are capable of flow, (2) all can assume the shape of their container, and (3) their particles can easily move past each other. Remember these distinctions the next time you are challenged to define the difference.

uids can be found. (Note that I do not refer to the state of the liquid. Water, for example, can be found in all three states in nature—as a solid, vapor, or liquid.) In my judgment, there are two critical hydraulic characteristics needed to consider for a proper water system design. The first is when the water is moving. The second is when it is not. These two factors of hydraulics can be further—and more correctly—defined as water in a hydrostatic (not moving or at rest) condition and water in a hydrodynamic (flowing or moving) condition. Although there are similarities in many of the terms used in the two conditions, we’ll assume for our purposes the two conditions are drastically different and with completely diverse relationships to a hydraulic design. Now, on to hydrostatics.

Hydrostatics In any liquid at rest, the absolute pressure existing at any lower point consists of the weight of the liquid above the measuring point, expressed in pounds per square inch (psi), plus the absolute pressure of the weight of the combined atmospheric gases, also measured in psi, that is exerted on the surface of the liquid (atmospheric pressure). Atmospheric pressure is based on the combined weight of all of the various gases that comprise the atmosphere surrounding the earth and varies according to altitude. It can be measured in the various methods as shown in Table 1.

Hydraulics Defined

Pressure

The study of hydraulics is concerned with the behavior and action of liquids at rest and in motion. As opposed to a gas, a liquid—specifically water—is for all intents and purposes incompressible and has a definite volume in which the specific gravity and vapor pressure will slightly change with changes in temperature and pressure. The study of hydraulics can be further divided into subgroups that comprise the two types of conditions where liq-

The pressure of a fluid is defined as the normal force per unit area that is exerted on an imaginary or real plane surface from a liquid or gas. The equation for pressure is expressed as: p = F/A

Ed Butts, PE, CPI, is the chief engineer at 4B Engineering & Consulting, Salem, Oregon. He has more than 30 years experience in the water well business, specializing in engineering and business management. He can be reached at epbpe@juno.com.

36/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

F=A×p where p = pressure [in lb/in2 (psi), lb/ft2 (psf), N/m2, or kg/cm2 (Pa)] (1 psi × 144 = 1 psf) F = force [in lbf, N] A = area [in in 2, ft2, or m2]

WATER WORKS/continues on page 38 waterwelljournal.com

Become a Certified Vertical Closed Loop Driller. Set yourself head and shoulders above the rest. NGWA’s Certified Vertical Closed Loop Driller—CVCLD— designation demonstrates to your customers that you’ve taken that extra step to set yourself head and shoulders above the competition, protect groundwater, and obtain optimal system performance when it comes to the construction of closed loop well systems for ground source heat pump applications. Prove your real-world knowledge, experience, skills, and competency by passing a 75-question multiple-choice exam. Call PSI LaserGrade, the administrator of NGWA’s certification exams, at 800 211.2754 (360 896.9111 outside the United States) to schedule your exam at any one of its more than 1,000 locations.

CV

CLD

ABILITY EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE

national ground water association

CERTIFIED VERTICAL CLOSED LOOP DRILLER

For more information on the CVCLD, as well as other certifications offered through NGWA, visit www.NGWA.org or call NGWA customer service at 800 551.7379 or 614 898.7791.

Circle card no. 33

Table 1. Atmospheric Pressure Readings Altitude Feet

Meters

–1000 –500 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10,000

–304.8 –152.4 0.0 (sea level) 152.4 304.8 457.2 609.6 762 914.4 1066.8 1219.2 1371.6 1524 1828.8 2133.6 2438.4 2743.2 3048

Barometric Reading In. (Hg) Mm (Hg) 31.0 30.5 29.9 29.4 28.9 28.3 27.8 27.3 26.8 26.3 25.8 25.4 24.9 24.0 23.1 22.2 21.4 20.6

WATER WORKS/from page 36 In addition, pressure can be exerted due to mechanical means such as pumps, compressors, or hydraulic rams. The pressure exerted from any of these means is equal in all directions and exerts itself perpendicularly to all surfaces in contact with the liquid. The pressures in a liquid are caused by a column of the liquid, which due to its weight will exert equal pressures at the base of equal heights of columns in all directions. This principle was developed by Blaise Pascal in 1663 as “Pascal’s Principle” and is often referenced as the “hydrostatic paradox” (Figure 1). As seen in Figure 1, the column height of 23 feet exerts the same pressure of 10 psi at the base of all three columns, even though the shape and volume of each column is different. This column of liquid, whether exerted from a vertical column of liquid or from mechanical means, is called the static head, usually expressed in feet of head. Static pressure is not the same value as total pressure or head or total dynamic head (TDH), which includes the static head plus the sum of all dynamic heads, such as the friction losses and velocity head that make up the sum of all head involved in the movement of water. From a strict energy definition, static pressure is potential energy, while the total dynamic head is kinetic energy. Pressure, as shown in Figure 2, can be expressed in various forms. The absolute pressure is measured relative to the absolute zero pressure (the pressure that would occur at an absolute or complete vacuum and is referenced as pounds per 38/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

788 775 760 747 734 719 706 694 681 668 655 645 633 610 587 564 544 523

Atmospheric Pressure psia Feet of Water 15.2 15.0 14.7 14.4 14.2 13.9 13.7 13.4 13.2 12.9 12.7 12.4 12.2 11.8 11.3 10.9 10.5 10.1

35.2 34.6 33.9 33.3 32.8 32.1 31.5 31.0 30.4 29.8 29.2 28.8 28.2 27.2 26.2 25.2 24.3 23.4

square inch absolute, or psia). All calculations involving the gas laws require pressure (as well as temperature) to be stated in absolute units. Gauge pressure (psig) is commonly used to measure the difference between an operating system and the surrounding atmosphere. Gauge pressures are generally those read on normal pressure gauges and are mostly shown as psi readings. To be more accurate, gauge pressure is the value by which the measured pressure is greater than the atmospheric pressure. Vacuum is the pressure value lower than atmospheric pressure at the relevant elevation and is often referred to as a “negative gauge pressure.” It is usually measured with a vacuum gauge or compound gauge that is capable of measuring both positive and negative gauge pressures. Atmospheric pressure is the pressure surrounding the earth caused by the combined weight of the gases in the atmosphere (shown in Table 1) and is often read in atmospheric pressure, in psi or feet of water, or in barometric pressure, in inches of mercury (Hg). The most common reading used for atmospheric pressure is that for sea level, 14.7 psi. Therefore, pressure and head are different ways of expressing the same value. When the term of pressure is used, it generally is referenced in psi, whereas head refers to feet of head. For water, these two values are convertible: 1 foot of head = .433 psi and 1 psi = 2.31 feet of head. In water system design, we apply the above relationship to determine the static pressure at any point of a system, depending on the true vertical distance between the top of the liquid surface to the measuring point (pressure gauge). waterwelljournal.com

Figure 1. The hydrostatic paradox.

Figure 3. The relationship between vertical water column height and static pressure.

Figure 2. The various forms of pressure.

Figure 4. Hydro-pneumatic tank.

It is important to note that the net gauge pressure is the sole result of the actual vertical distance of the water column height, not the length of pipeline or the number of fittings, valves, etc. it takes to result in that distance. This simply means that a gauge pressure of 43 psi will be the result from a value of 100 feet of actual, or net, vertical water column height—and not, for example, 800 feet or so of water piping that may exist between the upper water surface and the pressure gauge. There are three clear examples of this relationship in Figure 3, with vertical water height distances of 96 feet (41.56 psi), 115.5 feet (50 psi), and 164 feet (71 psi) clearly indicated. Thus, the static pressures shown at the lower pressure gauges are strictly the result from the relationship of 2.31 feet of water = 1 psi, and without any gain or loss from the different lengths of pipeline that are also shown in each example.

water supply. However, the final static pressure value within the tank cannot exceed the pressure resulting from the vertical height of the water column without some type of mechanical means. The use of hydro-pneumatic water storage tanks (Figure 4) is generally for installations where a means of providing a vertical pressurization of water is not available. Hydro-pneumatic pressure tanks are vessels just as the term implies. They constitute a combination of hydro (water) and pneumatic (air) storage. Since water, as most liquids, is known to be virtually incompressible, air is used in the upper section (upper one half to one third) of the vessel to provide a means of compressing the stored water to provide a marginal volume of usable water under pressure. This usable volume is generally within the range of 10% to 40% of the total volume. However, it is often the only viable alternative for providing a reasonable method for pump control. Most hydro-pneumatic pressure vessels originally had no means of providing a separation between the air and water interface. This usually resulted in a fairly rapid absorption of the air into the water, causing a condition known as waterlogging of the tank. This caused rapid pump cycling and a low volume of available stored water for use. Many of the newer models of these tanks are now built with a diaphragm that separates the two fluids, thus lessening, if not eliminating, waterlogging. Since most pumps are additionally capable of developing more pressure than a typical pressure tank can safely handle,

Hydro-Pneumatic Pressure Tanks As previously outlined, static pressures in a water system are the sum of two components: 1. Gravity—the net vertical height of a column of water, measured from the upper water surface to the measuring point (2.31 feet of water = 1 psi) 2. Artificial—any pressure developed from an artificial or external means, such as a pump or hydro-pneumatic pressure tank. Although the pressure developed in a pressure vessel is generally developed from some type of mechanical means (such as a water pump), it can also be the result from a gravity Twitter @WaterWellJournl

WATER WORKS/continues on page 40 Water Well Journal August 2011 39/

Chart 1. Hydro-pneumatic tanks. Relation between pressure and storage.

WATER WORKS/from page 39 some means of providing pressure relief and a high-pressure shutdown for the pump must be included in the system design. Although the storage afforded from pressure vessels is usually much less than comparable methods of gravity water storage, pressure tanks provide a reasonable alternative for pump control and low volume water storage for smaller systems (up to 100 to 200 gpm). Typically, pressure tank systems should be designed to limit motor starting to less than 20 times per hour, depending on the motor horsepower and power supply phase. The volume of water that can be withdrawn from a pressure tank between the pressure values of P1 to P2 is based on the following formula: V1 – V2 = water withdrawn or the storage capacity of the tank in percent (%)

(

P1 P2

)(

–1 ⳯

)

100 – V1

In this equation P1 and P2 must be expressed as absolute values (psia) and V1 and V2 are in percent (%). Here is an example. For a 1000-gallon pressure tank at sea level, the pump cut-out (P1) pressure is 40 psi and the pump cut-in (P2 ) pressure is 20 psi with the tank 60% full of water. To define the storage capacity of the tank between cycle points: P1 P2

=

40 psi + 14.7 psi 20 psi + 14.7 psi

40/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

=

54.7 34.7

Common Properties of Typical Well Water (60°F/15.6°C) Common names: Well water, groundwater, freshwater, agua, H2O Chemical type: Compound Chemical symbol: H2O is two parts of hydrogen (H) per one part of oxygen (O) Compound state: Generally liquid, but can also be found in nature in gaseous (steam) and solid (ice) form. Only known compound to naturally exist in all three matters of state. Commonly used compound weight: 8.334 pounds per gallon at liquid state Specific gravity: .9991; 1 is generally used (1.0 specific gravity of water is the universal measuring value) Specific volume: .016033 ft 3/lb; 1199 gal/lb; 7.4838 gal/ft 3 Specific density: 62.37 lb/ft 3; maximum density = 62.426 lb/ft 3 at 39.2°F; .99913 grams/mL Pressure of saturated vapor: .25611 lb/in2 (psi) absolute Conversion factor of head to pressure: 2.309 ft per lb/in 2 (psig) Conversion factor of head to pressure commonly used value for design: = 2.31 ft/psi/.433 psi/ft Kinematic viscosity: 1.13 centistokes (1 is commonly used); .00001216 ft 2/sec Viscosity: 31.5 seconds Saybolt Universal (SSU) Vapor pressure: .59 feet of water (.25 psi) absolute Bulk modulus: 318(s) isentropic bulk modulus (at 103 lb/in 2) Acoustic velocity: 4865 ft/sec Freezing point: 32°F (0°C) Boiling point: 212°F (100°C) at sea level Storage capacity = (1.58 – 1) × (100 – 60) = 23.2%, so 1000 gallons × .232 = 232 gallons. The relationship of V1 and V2 is shown in Figure 4, and Chart 1 can be used to directly read the storage capacity of pressure tanks.

Water As this series is intended for the design of a pumping system to convey well water, we shall mostly limit our discussion and the many associated variables of fluid characteristics to this type of fresh water (see sidebar above). This is it for the hydrostatics element of water system hydraulics. Our next column will expand to cover hydrodynamics of water system design. Until then, keep them pumping! WWJ

= 1.58 Twitter @WaterWellJournl

;I´VI QEOMRK E WTPEWL

27* %RRI\ + GIVXM½IH I\XVIQI TVIWWYVI QIXEP JVII HVMPPMRK GSQTSYRH XLEX MW FMSHIKVEHIEFPI RSRXS\MG ERH IRZMVSRQIRXEPP] WEJI 7XST F] ERH WII YW EX &SSXL

.)8 09&) -2' ,SQIWXIEH 6H 7YMXI ,SYWXSR 8I\EW 8IP *E\ ) QEMP WEPIW$NIXPYFI GSQ [[[ NIXPYFI GSQ

.)8 09&) 3* '%2%(% 08( XL 7XVIIX )HQSRXSR %PFIVXE 'EREHE 8 ) 7 8IP *E\ ) QEMP WEPIW$NIXPYFIGEREHE GSQ

.)8 09&) 9/ 08( .IX 0YFI ,SYWI 6IJSVQ 6H 1EMHIRLIEH &IVOWLMVI )RKPERH 70 &= 8IP *E\ ) QEMP YOWEPIW$NIXPYFI GSQ

Circle card no. 23

By Jack Glass, CIH, CSP, QEP, CHMM

Protection from Falling Objects

W

ater well contractors, like any worker in the construction field, can be exposed to falling objects anytime on the job. In fact, of all the fatalities tracked by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in 2007, nearly 10% of them were the result of being struck by an object. In the general population, 6000 people each year will die from being struck by something. Falling objects can impact a body virtually anywhere, but most commonly affect the head and can cause damage to the brain, facial injuries, skull injuries, and back injuries.

Determining Hazards Prevention is not as simple as many companies like to think. While it is commonplace for companies to have a falling object protection program, typically these programs indicate little more than that a hard hat should be worn at all times. Unfortunately, that doesn’t satisfy even the minimum OSHA requirements. The General Personal Protective Equipment standard (29 CFR 1910.132) requires companies to conduct a hazard assessment to determine if the PPE being used is adequately protecting workers from potential hazards that are likely to be present. But in the absence of a strict definition of “likely” in this context, what Jack Glass is the principal consultant for J Tyler Scientific Co. and has more than 20 years of experience as an environmental health consultant. He has consulted on toxic exposures, risk management, and indoor air quality. He is the past president of the New Jersey Industrial Hygiene Association and past chair of the American Industrial Hygiene Association Construction Committee.

42/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

Providing Protection Falling objects on the work site that could present a hazard include tools, debris, scaffolding, branches and tree limbs, and other employees who are working overhead. guidelines should a company use to determine what hazards are likely to occur? Prior to 2001, it would have been unheard of for a high-rise building to be constructed to withstand a direct hit from an airplane, but today we know it is a possibility and this possibility is considered in all new high-rise construction. Meteorite impacts on Earth are more common than one would think. In 1954, a woman in Alabama was hit by a meteorite and suffered significant bruising. In 1992, a young boy in Uganda was struck in the head by a meteorite. If an event occurred in the past, is it reasonable to expect it will occur in the future? And if there is only a tiny degree of certainty that the event will occur again, does that mean we have to anticipate it and protect ourselves? The answer is that it’s up to each employer to decide which hazard is likely to occur. For the record, I don’t know of any employers who include potential meteor hits in their PPE plan. All joking aside, you can be sure, though, that if an employee was hit by a meteor, people would be asking why the worker didn’t have better protection. More realistic kinds of falling objects on the work site that could present a hazard include tools, debris, scaffolding, branches and tree limbs, and other employees who are working overhead.

In determining how to provide appropriate protection to workers from falling objects, three issues should be considered. The first: Are quality hard hats being used? The second: Is there an ongoing awareness program in place to make sure workers are continuously looking overhead to identify potential hazards? It’s important to conduct an assessment at the beginning of the project, but that’s not enough. For instance, every time the boom is raised, workers should check whether branches have been disturbed and now pose a hazard or whether tools were left lying on the boom before it was raised. The third: Are there safe working practices that prevent items from falling in the first place? These safe practices include using lanyards on tools, proper stacking and piling to keep materials from falling, toe guards and set-backs on scaffolding or elevated levels, and using a spotter who continuously looks for overhead hazards. Another consideration in providing protection to workers from falling objects is determining wind strength and changes in the wind. An object need not be directly overhead to pose a hazard— a strong wind can move an object horizontally through the air. If cranes are in use on or around the work site, they pose a constant overhead hazard that moves from one place to another. If overhead work is conducted on the job site and pedestrian traffic or other work tasks occur underneath, safety netting will have to be employed as an additional safety feature (OSHA standard 291 CFR 1926.759).

SAFETY/continues on page 44 waterwelljournal.com

SEMCO INC. P.O. Box 1216

●

7695 U.S. Hwy 287 N

●

Lamar, Colorado 81052

800-541-1562 719-336-9006

●

Fax 719-336-2402 ● semcopumphoist@yahoo.com www.SEMCOoflamar.com

S8,000H SEMCO Pump Hoist, PTO-Direct Mount Pump, Cathead w/Valve, 2-Pipe Racks w/Straps, 15⬘ Steel Flat Bed, 2-Auxiliary Hydraulic Valves, Factory Mounting w/Hydraulic Oil, Mounted on Customer’s Ford Truck. Solansky Welding and Pump, Inc. 501 West Zavala Crystal City, TX 78839

Circle card no. 43

See Our Classified Ads on Pages 64, 69, and 72.

SAFETY/from page 42 Hard Hat Selection The first hard hat was made of leather and was designed by the E.B. Bullard Mining Co. of California. The design was based on a hardboiled hat made of steel, canvas, and glue that Sonny Bullard brought home from World War I. The first time a construction site required workers to wear hard hats at all times was in 1931 during construction of the Hoover Dam. The second time was in 1933 during construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. Selecting the right PPE usually includes a hard hat, but there are many types of hard hats. Choosing the right one should be determined by what the potential falling object might be as well as where that object is falling from. For instance, an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Type 1 hard hat is tested and designed to protect from impacts like a hammer falling from a few feet above. However, if a penny were dropped from the top of the Empire State Building, it would go right

through a Type 1 hard hat. So not only should the weight, size, and shape of the object be considered, but also the height from which that object would fall. ANSI Type 1 hard hats are designed for vertical impact and penetration requirements. They also have requirements for compression and angular impact so that the hard hat doesn’t fall off the head. Type 2 hard hats have vertical, lateral, and penetration requirements, and a foam inner liner. Class E hard hats are tested for insulation against 20,000 volts of electricity. All hard hats are tested for combustible, flammable, and chemical protection. Keep in mind that hard hats are only as good as they are maintained. There’s a popular trend to decorate hard hats with stickers or writing, and sometimes these stickers are even provided by the safety office that designates a certain level of safety training. However, this is not a wise idea since some adhesives can degrade the helmet and prevent the user from doing a thorough inspection of the entire helmet for nicks, scratches, and other defects.

If you have a hard hat signed by a celebrity, keep it as a souvenir only. All this information may be interesting and useful, but will have little impact if not incorporated into the company’s written safety program. Falling object protection is generally addressed in the PPE section and most commonly in association with hard hats and other head protection. This program needs to be written in such a way that it fully considers all the potential hazards, as well as the likelihood they will occur. Once the program is designed, every employee must be trained on it to ensure the information gets down to the site workers. In addition, it should be reviewed annually, and periodically refreshed with workers to make sure it remains an important part of the day-to-day safety culture. WWJ

Safety Resources Online The Web site of the National Ground Water Association has safety resources online at www.ngwa.org/PROGRAMS/ safety/index.aspx.

Educate your customers about the importance of protecting the resource that provides your livelihood.

Everyone has a stake in maintaining groundwater’s quality and quantity. Encourage your customers to “ACT� in the second annual Protect Your Groundwater Day, September 13. You will not only be helping them, but yourself, your business, your industry, and your environment. ACT by: s !CKNOWLEDGING CAUSES OF PREVENTABLE GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION such as improper disposal of hazardous household substances, malfunctioning septic systems, and improperly abandoned wells s #ONSIDERING WHICH APPLY TO YOU

www.NGWA.org 614 898.7791 800 551.7379

s 4AKING ACTION TO PREVENT OR CORRECT CONTAMINATION Visit www.NGWA.org today for more information on what you—and your customers—can do to make this year’s Protect Your Groundwater Day a success! 44/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

Circle card no.37

waterwelljournal.com

Introducing the Mid-Western, LLC Hydraulic Rotary Drill ɺʘʢʧʛʘʥʠʔʟ ( ɼʥʥʜʚʔʧʜʢʡ ( ɸʡʩʜʥʢʡʠʘʡʧʔʟ

Mid-Western HR Drill Used Worldwide in Many Applications x x

x x

x

x

3RZHUIXO K\GUDXOLF URWDU\ GULOO FDSD EOH RI GULOOLQJ XS WR GHSWKV RI ¶ 9HUVDWLOH GHVLJQ DOORZV RXU PDVW WR EH DGDSWHG WR ILW MXVW DERXW DQ\ SLHFH RI HTXLSPHQW $YDLODEOH LQ JDV RU GLHVHO 2IIHUHG LQ PDQ\ VW\OHV LQFOXGLQJ RXU +57 XQLW WKDW FRPHV FRPSOHWH ZLWK IXOO WUDLOHU²SHUIHFW IRU FDUU\LQJ DOO WRROV DQG DFFHVVRULHV $YDLODEOH DV RXU FRPSDFW +50 XQLW PRXQWHG WR D 5DPURG PLQL VNLG² SHUIHFW IRU VPDOO IRRWSULQW MREV OLNH JHRWKHUPDO KHDWLQJ FRROLQJ LQVWDOOD WLRQV %DFNHG E\ RYHU \HDUV RI PDQXIDF WXULQJ H[SHULHQFH

3ULFLQJ VWDUWLQJ DW MXVW ,LJĚƌĂƵůŝĐ ZŽƚĂƌLJ ƌŝůů ^ƉĞĐŝĮĐĂƟŽŶƐ ŽǁŶ &ŽƌĐĞ

ϴ͕ϴϬϬ Ō͘ ůďƐ͘

WƵůůďĂĐŬ

ϭϭ͕ϬϬϬ Ō͘ ůďƐ͘

ZŽƚĂƌLJ ZWD

ϯϱ ƚŽ ϴϴ

ZŽƚĂƌLJ dŽƌƋƵĞ

ϭ͕ϱϱϴ Ō͘ ůďƐ͘

^ƚƌŽŬĞ

ϳϮ ŝŶ͘

,LJĚƌĂƵůŝĐ WƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ

ϯ͕ϬϬϬ W^/

,LJĚƌĂƵůŝĐ &ůŽǁ

ϭϬ ƚŽ ϭϴ ŐƉŵ

^ƚĂƌƚĞƌ

ϭϮ ǀŽůƚ ĞůĞĐƚƌŝĐ

3KRQH )D[ ZZZ PZGULOO FRP LQIR#PZGULOO FRP

Circle card no. 27

By Ron Slee

Labor Efficiency and Standard Times These are the absolutely critical foundations to providing value to customers.

F

ocus groups and surveys for the past several decades on repairs and maintenance issues have been unanimous in one fundamental area. The customer wants to know how much it will cost before giving you approval to do the work. Pretty simple, isn’t it? And we’re customers too sometimes and we’re exactly the same way. But what is interesting to me is that if we know what our customers want, why don’t we give it to them? The answer is also quite simple. It’s just not that easy to do. To fix that, let’s start with some fundamental and simple basics.

Labor Efficiency We have touched on this subject in previous columns, but let’s now define labor efficiency and how we can measure it in your business. Labor efficiency is the percentage of your gross profit potential that you achieve in actual gross profit. To arrive at your gross profit potential, you have to take your average published charge-out rate and your average wage paid to your technicians. Subtract the wage average from your average charge-out rate and get a gross profit. Divide that by the average charge-out rate and you have your gross profit potential. Gross profit potential % = average charge-out rate – average wage average charge-out rate Let’s look at an example. Assume you have only one charge-out rate and it is $72 an hour. Assume you have 12 technicians who average $18 an hour in wages (wages only, no benefits). The gross profit would be $72 minus $18 (or $54). That means the gross profit potential is $72 minus $18 divided by $72. So your gross profit potential is 75%. This means the most your gross profit could be at 100% efficiency would be 75%. Ron Slee is the founder of R.J. Slee & Associates in Rancho Mirage, California, a consulting firm that specializes in dealership operations. He also operates Quest Learning Centers, which provides training services specializing in product support, and Insight (M&R) Institute, which operates “Dealer Twenty” Groups. He can be reached at ron@rjslee.com.

46/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

So next, take the actual gross profit from your financial statements for labor only. Let’s say it is 60%. This means that on labor you actually achieved a gross profit of 60% on labor. It really is quite straightforward, isn’t it? You achieved 60% gross profit when you could have achieved 75% gross profit. So you achieved 80% of your potential, or a labor efficiency of 80%. Labor efficiency = actual gross profit = 60% = 80% gross profit potential

75%

Standard Times Standard time is the allowed time to perform a repair or maintenance on a component, a system, or a piece of capital equipment. This is normally the time we give the technician to perform the job, and it is on that foundation that we develop a quotation for the customer for the work they want done by us. But where does the standard time come from in the first place? The time is a developed value based on the work that has already been done in the service department. In other words, we have to view a history of the work that we have performed. If you don’t log this history, you can still arrive at a standard time that you can use to start the system. Normally, your suppliers will provide standard times that they will use to reimburse you for warranty work. This time is typically quite sharp and hard to achieve in the real world. Nonetheless, this can be a starting point for you. Get your better technicians together and go over the times the suppliers are giving for various repair functions, and arrive at a multiplier that your best technicians say would be appropriate to use to arrive at a time that they could match. Now we can start, right? Not so fast. If you are going to provide a guaranteed price, you are assuming all of the risk. Shouldn’t there be a premium for you if that is the case? You assume all the risk and you are entitled to a risk premium. Normally this risk premium is 15%. In other words, if you did 50 jobs and the average time was 10 hours, the standard time should be 11.5 hours. This would be the foundation time that would be used in conjunction with your charge-out rate to arrive at a guaranteed price for your customer. waterwelljournal.com

Waterwell Camera Inspection Systems

The customer wants to know how much it will cost before giving you approval to do the work. So if you have a time of 11.5 hours and the charge-out rate is $100 per hour, the price to the customer would be $1150 for the job. If your labor efficiency is 80%, you would take not 11.5 hours, but an additional 2.3 hours for a total of 13.8 hours. So if the job is done at 100% labor efficiency with a wage of $20 an hour, you would have a gross profit of $920 for the job, which is 80%. If it was done at 80% labor efficiency with the same wage, the gross profit would be $874, which is 76%. The labor efficiency loss cost you $46 more in labor cost, and as a result a reduction of $46 in gross profit. So the customer didn’t pay for your lack of labor efficiency—you did. You paid more in wages to the technician who did the work. You assumed the risk of the guaranteed price and it cost you because your technician was not efficient enough in performing the work. This gives you two of the critical foundations for customer service in the repair business: labor efficiency and standard times. I know it is a bit complicated, but that is the nature of the work we do. But as you work through it, you’ll find it is rather straightforward. Next month we will discuss how you can maximize your labor efficiency. WWJ

• Portable, Truck or Trailer mounted. • Retrofit compatible with Laval and most geophysical logging winches. • Full repair service and spare parts for CCV, Boretech, Wellcam and Laval cameras and controllers. • Forward and 360 degree side wall viewing color cameras. • Depths to 5,000 feet.

Contact us for details 800-671-0383 • 559-291-0383 Fax: 559-291-0463 E-mail: jim.lozano@ariesccv.com On the web at www.ariesccv.com

CCV Engineering & Manufacturing An Aries Industries Company 5748 E. Shields Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727

Circle card no. 6

CS

P

I

ABILITY EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE

D/P

ABILITY EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE

CW

ABILITY EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE

CP I

D

ABILITY EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE

CW

ABILITY EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE

CV CLD

MG

WC

Improve your marketability by earning an NGWA certification designation!

ÂŽ

Certified national ground water association CERTIFIED CERTIFIED CERTIFIED CERTIFIED VERTICALCERTIFIED Sales Professional national ground water association national ground water association national ground water association national ground water association CLOSED LOOP DRILLER

NGWA certification shows others in the industry—and your customers—that you have the knowledge, skills, and competency to get the job done, and done right. Contractors: s Certified Well Driller s Certified Pump Installer s Certified Well Driller/Pump Installer s Master Ground Water Contractor s Certified Vertical Closed Loop Driller

Manufacturers and suppliers: s Certified Sales Professional—Drilling Operations s Certified Sales Professional—Water Systems

Visit the NGWA Web site for more information or call NGWA customer service . . . and increase your competitive edge. ÂŽ

Twitter @WaterWellJournl

WWW .'7! ORG s s Circle card no. 31

Water Well Journal August 2011 47/

By Michelle Nichols

Cultivating Your Turf Making your company distinct in your customers’ minds can be tricky. Here’s how to do it.

B

usinesses can be like teenagers— they want to simultaneously fit in and stand out. When I consult with clients who naturally stand out because they sell something unique, they complain that their prospective customers aren’t clear on exactly what it is the clients sell. On the other hand, when I consult with clients who fit in because they sell something common, they grumble that it’s hard to differentiate their businesses from the competition. It’s as if the grass is always greener on the other side of the sales fence. However, to be successful, you need to market your own yard. Both selling situations can benefit from taking a page out of the other side’s playbook. For those sales people who have unusual offerings—like a one-of-kind feature on a pump or rig—it’s a challenge to show the value of your proposition when the customer doesn’t get why they should pay more.

Known Quantities What to do? Find ways to pitch your idea so that it fits into what’s already in the customer’s mind. One way is to brainstorm for analogies and metaphors. Remember, automobiles were originally known as “horseless carriages.” Back then, customers already knew what a carriage was and what it could do for Michelle Nichols is a professional sales speaker, trainer, and consultant based in Reno, Nevada. Her Savvy Selling Success Pack is available through NGWA. She can be reached toll-free at (877) 352-9684 or at michelle.nichols@savvyselling.com.

48/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

Too much detail can reduce your sales momentum, which can ultimately kill a sale. them. They imagined they could have the benefits of a carriage without the disadvantages of a horse. You can also borrow a well-known brand and apply it to your enterprise. Perhaps you are “the Wal-Mart of well drilling supplies” or “the Brookstone of pump installation.” Since your customers are probably familiar with these vendors, they’ll better understand your market positioning and more quickly decide if that’s what they need or want to buy. By the way, just because no one else sells exactly what you do doesn’t mean you’re without competitors. For example, if you sold shoes with wheels in them, you’d be fighting for funds from those who sell regular shoes, in-line skates, scooters, skateboards, and bicycles. There are no easy sales.

Get to the Point Just remember, the more unusual your offering, the more important it is to keep the sales message simple. A rule of thumb is to double your focus on the results you deliver (faster well recovery, cleaner water, measurably lower costs) and halve your descriptions on exactly how you get these results. Customers won’t accept a fuzzy “just trust us, we really can do this,” but they

don’t need a detailed explanation of every single little step you perform either—at least not in the early stages of the sale. Too much detail can reduce your sales momentum, which can ultimately kill a sale. It can also educate your customer on how they could do your job in-house. Ouch. For those whose sales propositions are more easily understood, like gardenvariety well drilling, it’s difficult to show your value when the customer thinks they can buy the same thing down the street for less money.

Juiced I recommend you find ways to sell so that you stand out from those who sell similar products and services. Invest the time to do some creative thinking about what’s special or what’s unique about what you sell, how you sell it, or the entire sales experience. Say you’re introducing some European product to the American marketplace. Your customers assume they know what you’re selling, but they might be overlooking key benefits. You might want to pitch that these products will help your customers appear more successful to their peers, bring special benefits, or be the first ones in their neighborhood to have your products.

No Gimmicks If you sell a service, maybe you’re open later, earlier, or on Sundays or holidays, offer an extreme guarantee, or provide an unusual benefit. You might want to make a list of 10 ways you could differentiate your company and waterwelljournal.com

then survey your potential customers to see which ones they would pay more for. Give them the opportunity to tell you what twists would give them added benefit too. One word of advice in finding ways to be unique. Make sure it’s something your customers directly benefit from and will pay extra for or drive farther to receive. If your operation decides to be different by, say, having all the employees dress in Goth or speak only in French, it could backfire! Another idea is to consider flipping a disadvantage to your favor. Business writer William Clement Stone once wrote: “To every disadvantage, there is a corresponding advantage.” His peer, Napoleon Hill, added: “Your big opportunity may be right where you are now.” Perhaps your out-of-the-way location can add cachet to your business, or maybe the unusual color combinations on your products make you more desirable to certain ethnic groups. This is another great application for creative thinking, brainstorming, and research. Humorist Erma Bombeck once wrote a book called The Grass Is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank, which speaks to a truth in selling too. The real secret to increasing your sales is to sell something people want to buy or have to buy and are able to buy now. Stop thinking about how much easier it would be to sell a different product or service. Help more customers buy more of what you’re selling right now, and your sales volumes will soar. Happy selling! WWJ Circle card no. 39

Circle card no. 50

Twitter @WaterWellJournl

Water Well Journal August 2011 49/

By William J. Lynott

Caution Ahead Investors heavy in bonds should know that the future could contain risks.

I

f you’ve been following conventional advice on diversification over the past decade, you have a portion of your portfolio invested in bonds of various types. That’s good. When the equities market tanked in mid-2008, many investors were spared the worst of it by strong returns resulting from their fixedincome investments. Most, if not all, professionals still recommend an asset mix that includes fixed-income investments as an essential part of every portfolio, but an increasing number of the pros are sounding messages of caution for those who have a significant portion of their portfolios invested in bonds. I agree with their assessment that many people have not yet recognized the increasing risks in the bond market of late. While I don’t foresee the type of declines in bond prices that we saw in stock prices in 2008, I do feel the overall return on bonds in the near future will be far more modest than those we’ve enjoyed in recent years. Even the possibility of negative returns can’t be ruled out.

How Low Can It Go? Perhaps the most important role that bonds play in an investment portfolio Bill Lynott is a management consultant, author, and lecturer who writes on business and financial topics for a number of publications. His book, Money: How to Make the Most of What You’ve Got, is available through any bookstore. You can reach him at wlynott@ cs.com or through his Web site: www.blynott. com.

50/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

I feel the overall return on bonds in the near future will be far more modest than those we’ve enjoyed in recent years.

be known for sure, but there are increasing signs pointing in that direction. I do not believe the doomsayers who are predicting rampant inflation, but I do feel that some degree of inflation is inevitable over the coming months. And with inflation comes a drop in bond prices.

Know Your Expectations is a reduction in volatility. Because the price of bonds tends to move in the opposite direction of stock prices, a balanced portfolio is less likely to suffer dramatic ups and downs in volatile markets. Of course, when stocks rise dramatically, as they have during the past year, bond prices tend to decline. The prime mover in bond prices is the interest rate, which tends to rise as the economic forces that drive up stock prices also drive up interest rates. With interest rates at historically low levels as they are now, it’s unlikely they will go lower. In a practical sense, there is no way for them to go but up. And when interest rates go up, the price of bonds goes down. When that happens, the result is a decrease in market value, which amounts to a paper loss in principal. If interest rates were to move sharply higher, principal value of bonds could depreciate enough to partially, or even completely, offset interest payments—resulting in a negative total return. That dark scenario has happened in the past and it can’t be ruled out in the future, though it is not likely. Whether inflation and interest rates are poised for a fairly rapid rise cannot

With all of this comes the importance of knowing just what you expect from the bonds you own, and what percentage of your portfolio should be invested in them. In general, the return on bonds comes in two parts. One is the yield (the stated interest rate). The other is the appreciation or depreciation in the principal. When the yield declines, as it has been doing in recent years, the rise in principal (the price of the bond) has produced a comfortable overall return. The problem is that with historically low interest rates, such as those we are experiencing now, there is little if any room for future principal appreciation since interest rates aren’t likely to go lower. Some investors in bonds are traders. They look for principal appreciation (an increase in the bonds’ market value resulting in capital gains). It is those investors who need to be aware of the current dynamics in the marketplace. With interest rates so low and bond prices correspondingly high, there would appear to be little chance for capital appreciation in the foreseeable future. So, if you invest in bonds as a possible source of capital gains, you may want to review your position. waterwelljournal.com

Other bond buyers might be described as buy-and-hold investors. Many retirees, for example, invest in bonds as a source of fixed and predictable income. The interest payment on bonds remains fixed regardless of fluctuations in the market price of the bonds. For those buyers, paper losses or gains are of no concern since they intend to hold on to their investments regardless of changes in market price. Of course, there is some risk even for buy-and-hold bond investors. Although bond defaults are relatively rare, they can and do happen. That’s why bond holders need to keep a watchful eye on the fiscal condition of issuers, whether they be corporate or municipal.

Still Smart None of this is to suggest that you should avoid investments in bonds. Virtually all financial professionals agree that bonds and bond funds have a place in nearly every investor’s portfolio, along with stocks and other investments such as money markets or other cash equivalents. The challenge is to make sure that your allocation of bonds is the result of your personal objectives and your awareness that every form of investment, including bonds, carries an element of risk. Remember, too, that past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Over the past decade or so, stocks have provided little or no overall return while we’ve enjoyed very high returns on bonds over the last several years. Assuming a repeat performance of that scenario could be a big mistake. WWJ Circle card no. 17

Our Proving Grounds are In the Field. / iÊ-«ii`-Ì>ÀÊÎä ]Ê Õ Ìi`Ê Ê>ÊÈÊÝÊ{Ê ÌÀÕV ]Ê ÃÊ«iÀviVÌÊv ÀÊà > ÜÊ Õ V «> Ê ÀÊ `ii«ÊÀià `i Ì > ÊÜ>ÌiÀÊÜi ðÊÓx]äää L°Êà } i iÊÜ V ÊV L i`ÊÜ Ì ÊÌ iÊ Þ`À>Õ VÊÀ `Ê Ã« iÀÊ > iÃÊÌ Ê > ` }Êv>ÃÌÊ> `Êi>ÃÞ°Ê / ÃÊ ÃÊÌ iÊy>}à «Ê vÊÌ iÊ "ÊÜ>ÌiÀÊÜi Ê i]Ê> `Ê >ÃÊLii Êv ÀÊ`iV>`ið

SS-30K Q ÃÌ }ÊV>«>V ÌÞÊ­ Ê >`®ÊpÊ Îä]äääÊ LðÊÜ Ì ÊÌ « i>`ÊÌÀ>Ûi Ê vÊÓ ÊvÌ° Q i à ÃÊpÊ i }Ì \ÊÎx½ÊÈ»ÆÊ Ü `Ì \Ên½ÊÈ»ÆÊ i } Ì\ʣνÊÎ»Ê Q i ` «À Ûi Ê*/"Ê« ÜiÀÊ`ià } Ê Ài`ÕViÃÊ > Ìi > ViÊV ÃÌÃÊ > `Ê Ãi Q Þ`À>Õ VÊÀ `Êë iÀ Q >À ÕÃi Ê «Ì ÃÊ>Û> >L iÊ

www.gefco.com xnä°ÓÎ{°{£{£ÊUÊ` Ã> iÃJ}ivV °V

Circle card no. 12

Twitter @WaterWellJournl

Water Well Journal August 2011 51/

COMING

EVENTS

July 30–August 1/ South Atlantic Well Drillers Jubilee/ Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Web: www.welldrillers.com/jubilee.php August 8–9/ Groundwater: Cities, Suburbs, and Growth Areas—Remedying the Past and Managing for the Future/ Los Angeles, California. PH: (800) 551-7379, Fax: (614) 898-7786, E-mail: customerservice@ngwa.org, Web: www .ngwa.org August 11/ Project Budgeting Brown Bag Webinar/ PH: (800) 551-7379, Fax: (614) 898-7786, E-mail: customerservice @ngwa.org, Web: www.ngwa.org August 18/ Operations: Back Office Workflow Efficiency Brown Bag Webinar/ PH: (800) 551-7379, Fax: (614) 898-7786, E-mail: customerservice @ngwa.org, Web: www.ngwa.org August 21–27/ World Water Week/ Stockholm, Sweden. Web: www.world waterweek.org August 23–24/ Declining Groundwater Levels: Measuring, Monitoring, and Mitigation—An NGWA Virtual Conference Online/ PH: (800) 551-7379. Fax: (614) 898-7786, E-mail: customerservice @ngwa.org, Web: www.ngwa.org September 7/ The GHPsRUS Project: Measuring the Costs and Benefits of Nationwide Geothermal Heat Pump Deployment Brown Bag Webinar/ PH: (800) 551-7379, Fax: (614) 898-7786,

E-mail: customerservice@ngwa.org, Web: www.ngwa.org September 12–14/ Principles of Groundwater: Flow, Transport, and Remediation/ Columbus, Ohio. PH: (800) 551-7379, Fax: (614) 898-7786, E-mail: customer service@ngwa.org, Web: www.ngwa.org September 13/ Protect Your Groundwater Day/ PH: (800) 551-7379, Fax: (614) 8987786, E-mail: customerservice@ngwa.org, Web: www.ngwa.org September 15–16/ Analysis and Design of Aquifer Tests Including Slug Tests and Fracture Flow/ Columbus, Ohio. PH: (800) 551-7379, Fax: (614) 898-7786, E-mail: customerservice@ngwa.org, Web: www.ngwa.org September 16/ Virginia Water Well Association Field Day/ Woodstock, Virginia. Web: www.vawaterwellassociation.org/ category/events September 18/ World Water Monitoring Day/ Web: www.worldwatermonitoring day.org September 19–20/ Environmental Forensics/ Albuquerque, New Mexico. PH: (800) 551-7379, Fax: (614) 898-7786, E-mail: customerservice@ngwa.org, Web: www.ngwa.org September 21/ Road Salt in Groundwater and Environmental Impacts Webinar Online/ PH: (800) 551-7379. Fax: (614) 898-7786, E-mail: customerservice @ngwa.org, Web: www.ngwa.org

September 24/ Georgia Association of Groundwater Professionals 2011 Well Show and Exhibit/ St. Simons Island, Georgia. Web: http://georgiadrillers .com/content September 26–27/ NGWA Focus Conference on Fractured Rock and Eastern Groundwater Regional Issues/ Burlington, Vermont. PH: (800) 551-7379, Fax: (614) 898-7786, E-mail: customerservice @ngwa.org, Web: www.ngwa.org October 4–6/ 2011 Groundwater Foundation National Conference and Groundwater Guardian and Green Sites Designation Celebration—Let’s Keep It Clean: Exploring a Collaborative Approach to Groundwater Protection/ Omaha, Nebraska. Web: www.ground water.org/pe/conference.html October 5/ Hiring and Employee Evaluation Brown Bag Webinar/ PH: (800) 551-7379. Fax: (614) 898-7786, E-mail: customerservice@ngwa.org, Web: www .ngwa.org October 5–6/ IGSHPA Technical Conference and Expo/ Tulsa, Oklahoma. Web: www.igshpa.okstate.edu/conf/current conf.htm October 7/ Empire State Water Well Drillers’ Association Fall Meeting/ Mount Morris, New York. PH: (315) 339-8960, Web: www.nywelldriller.org October 7–8/ Oregon Ground Water Association Fall Convention/ Warm Springs, Oregon. PH: (503) 390-7080, Fax: (503) 390-7088, E-mail: nancy @ogwa.org October 13/ 6th Annual Eastern South Dakota Water Conference: Water Management in Extreme Conditions/ Brookings, South Dakota. PH: (605) 688-4910 October 13–15/ Washington State Ground Water Association Convention/ Everett, Washington. Web: www.wsgwa.org/education.asp *Dates shown in red are National Ground Water Association events. *Dates shown with are events where the National Ground Water Research and Educational Foundation’s McEllhiney Lecture will be presented.

52/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

Circle card no. 42

waterwelljournal.com

WATER, WHEREVER, WHATEVER

With over 30 years experience in the solar pumping business, the global leader in solar powered pumping is now offering an above ground solar pump solution - the CRFlex!

SQFlex and CRFlex A revolution in remote water supply, featuring: Α Α Α Α

ž] l (l]U Ɖ]O l ]l Ơ<V ]l ĸ]U <V y<]V i V <V3 ]V O] O ]V <y<]Vp ĩĸ V ľĸ i] l i <O<y OO] p y9 ~p ]( 3 V l y]l (]l L~i Ơ< i l(]lU V l V3 ͳ ] V y] φυο (y V (O] p p 9<39 p χυ 3iU ĸ]pyΉ ]Ui y<y< <y9 <V U<OOp ]l 3 VΉp ypͳ <y9]~y y9 U <Vy V V

Α ĸ]UiO y p py Up il] < ōl~V (]pͳ y9 ]lO O l <V i~Ui y 9V]O]3 Ɵ<p<y ~p yʹ Ͳ3l~V (]pͲ~p΅pk(O

Circle card no. 16

STATE

WATCH

NEWS FROM NGWA’S STATE GROUNDWATER ASSOCIATIONS

California The Groundwater Resources Association of California is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and has formed a new Contemporary Groundwater Issues Council. The vision of the council is to help the GRA identify the state’s most pressing information, education, and networking needs pertaining to groundwater, thereby allowing the GRA and other stakeholder organizations to effectively address integrated water resources and environmental stewardship issues.

Maryland Robert Frank, immediate past president of the Maryland/Delaware Water Well Association and longtime member of the South Atlantic Jubilee Board of Directors, was the 2010 recipient of the George McCall Award. Frank is a Master Well Driller at Frank’s Well Drilling located in La Plata, Maryland. For many years, Frank has been at the forefront of creating legislation designed not only to protect consumers and groundwater

resources but also to increase the professionalism of individuals in the well drilling industry. In part due to Frank’s diligence, Maryland has in place well codes and a continuing education program that other states look to for guidance.

Ohio A joint workgroup comprised of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, local health districts, and members of the Ohio Water Well Association have completed review of a draft document that will recommend both the construction practices and the regulation of geothermal systems in Ohio. In addition to the technical document that focuses on the practical aspects of design and installation, the workgroup also created a companion document that addresses the need for state regulation of geothermal systems. The drafts will be available to the association this summer for review.

6 PD O O H U L V % H W W H U

H V S H F L D O O \ ZK H Q E X \ L Q J H O H F W U L F PR W R U F D E O H $TXD3KDVHŒ $3 6HU L HV YDU L DEO H I U HTXHQF\ GU L YHV FRQYHU W 9 VL QJO H SKDVH W R 9 W KU HH SKDVH I RU YDU L DEO H VSHHG RSHU DW L RQ RI SXPSV DQG RW KHU HO HFW U L F PRW RU V 9RO W DJH GRXEO L QJ VDYHV PRQH\ W KU RXJK U HGXFHG PRW RU FDEO H VL ]H (O HFW U RQL F SRZHU I DFW RU FRU U HFW L RQ DO VR HO L PL QDW HV L QSXW O L QH KDU PRQL FV QR O L QH U HDFW RU V RU KDU PRQL F I L O W HU V U HTXL U HG 'HVL JQHG VSHFL I L FDO O \ I RU SXPSL QJ DSSO L FDW L RQV $TXD3KDVH SU RYL GHV DGYDQFHG PRW RU DQG SXPS SU RW HFW L RQ DQG RSHU DW HV FRQVW DQW SU HVVXU H ZDW HU V\VW HPV 3KDVH 7HFKQRO RJL HV //& ‡ ZZZ SKDVHW HFKQRO RJL HV FRP ‡ ‡ L QI R#SKDVHW HFKQRO RJL HV FRP

Circle card no. 19

54/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

Circle card no. 40

waterwelljournal.com

NGWA membership: The best business investment you can make A $300* NGWA membership is one of the best investments you can make for yourself, your company, and your future— and one that pays for itself many times over. As an NGWA contractor member, you receive:

SAVINGS

s 2EDUCED REGISTRATION FEES ON 7EBINARS COURSES AND EVENTSˆINCLUDING THE ANNUAL .'7! 'ROUND 7ATER %XPO A SAVINGS ALONE OF

$105

s $ISCOUNTED PRICES ON BOOKSTORE PURCHASES INCLUDING items such as the third edition of Groundwater & Wells ˆA SAVINGS OF

$20

s .O ADDITIONAL COST ACCESS TO INDUSTRY BEST SUGGESTED PRACTICES ON TOPICS RANGING FROM REDUCING ARSENIC IN WATER WELLS TO RESIDENTIAL WELL CLEANINGˆEACH WITH A RETAIL VALUE OF

$75

s $OWNLOADABLE COST CALCULATORS FOR DRILLING PUMP INSTALLATION AND GEOTHERMAL AT NO CHARGEˆA SAVINGS OF PER CALCULATOR

$325

s 3PECIAL PRICING ON JOB POSTINGS ON OUR ONLINE .'7! #AREER #ENTERˆA SAVINGS OF

$100

s !ND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON

TOTAL SAVINGS $625 *The $300 yearly fee is for an NGWA contractor company membership, which includes one employee; additional employees can be added for only $55 each. International rates are slightly higher.

Invest in your future by joining NGWA today!

800 551.7379 www.NGWA.org 614 898.7791

Circle card no. 34

NEWSMAKERS NEW ADDITIONS Water-Right Inc., a manufacturer of water treatment equipment in Appleton, Wisconsin, announced Luke Java has been appointed as the company’s sales manager. Java has more than 30 years of experience in the water treatment industry. In his new role, Luke Java Java will be managing direct sales reports, supporting current customers, and will aid in identifying new water treatment opportunities throughout the world. Nicholas Banchetti has been named general manager of RePipe Construction, a division of IPR, a provider of underground rehabilitation solutions with offices throughout the United States. Banchetti will be reNicholas sponsible for overseeing the RePipe team and man- Banchetti aging client projects in the

Houston, Texas, region. Prior to joining IPR, Banchetti served as a senior relationship manager and business development executive for Irving, Texas-based Flowserve Corp., a supplier of pumps, valves, seals, automation, and services to industrial powerhouses. Hydroflo Pumps USA Inc., a pump manufacturer headquartered in Fairview, Tennessee, announced Tonya Skinner as its new president. Skinner’s role will include managing dayto-day responsibilities of the company, as well as expanding the sales and distribution Tonya Skinner of Hydroflo’s pumps across the country. Skinner brings more than 25 years of experience working in various sales and marketing roles while employed for different organizations. CERTIFICATION National Pump Co., a manufacturer of vertical and submersible pumps and

pump systems for irrigation, municipal, mining, industrial, and API-610 applications, announced its Glendale, Arizona, location received ISO 9001:2008 certification provided by National Quality Assurance USA. ISO certification requires that all products made by National Pump use a consistent quality management system that assures uniformity in design, manufacture, and testing of its products. IN MEMORIAM James J. Geraghty, one of the pioneers of the environmental movement in the United States and a founder of the noted groundwater consultJames J. Geraghty ing firm Geraghty & Miller, passed away from pneumonia in The Villages, Florida, in May. Geraghty was 90. He was a lifetime member of the National Ground Water Association. Entering the field of geology in the

A COMPLETE LINE OF ELECTRIC MOTORS FOR PUMPS AT FACTORY-DIRECT PRICES!!! :H DUH :H DUH WKH QDWLRQZLGH LPSRUWHU RI HOHFWULF PRWRUV

Explosion Proof T-Frame

Explosion Proof TC-Frame

3UHPLXP (I¿FLHQF\ T-Frame

3UHPLXP (I¿FLHQF\ TC-Frame

EISA-Compliant T-Frame

EISA-Compliant TC-Frame

EISA-Compliant Close Coupled Pump

56 & 56C-Frame

:RUOG:LGH (OHFWULF VHOOV SURGXFWV DW IDFWRU\ GLUHFW SULFHV WR DOO HTXLSPHQW PDQXIDFWXUHUV :H VWRFN RYHU PLOOLRQ ZRUWK RI LQYHQWRU\ LQ HLJKW UHJLRQDO ZDUHKRXVHV DFURVV WKH FRXQWU\ DYDLODEOH IRU LPPHGLDWH GHOLYHU\

8 REGIONAL WAREHOUSES Ƈ AFTER HOURS SERVICE AVAILABLE 24/7

CALL TODAY FOR FACTORY-DIRECT PRICES!!! WorldWide Electric Corporation Phone: 1-800-808-2131 Ext. 3 Ƈ Fax: 1-800-711-1616 Web: www.worldwideelectric.net 56/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

Circle card no. 49

waterwelljournal.com

NEWSMAKERS 1950s, a time when few schools offered groundwater courses and there were few hydrogeology programs, Geraghty earned a master’s degree in geology from the City College of New York. After a brief stint with a New Yorkbased consulting firm, Geraghty spent seven years working for the U.S. Geological Survey. In 1957 he teamed with two other groundwater experts, David Miller and Gene Hickok, to form Geraghty, Miller & Hickok, one of the first U.S. consulting firms to specialize in this critical niche. A year later Hickok left the firm, which then became Geraghty & Miller. For nearly two decades Geraghty & Miller held numerous seminars across the United States, with attendees from industry and government coming to hear Geraghty’s lectures on groundwater. In 1993, Geraghty & Miller merged with Heidemij, which later changed its name to Arcadis. Geraghty followed the company’s growth from a distance, retiring

soon after the merger in Florida at the age of 72. All of his former employees remained with Arcadis where they found a satisfying working environment with global ambitions. John H. Mahoney, MGWC, of Roy, New Mexico, passed away in June. He was 63. Roy was a Master Well Driller, serving northeastern New Mexico and his community for more than 35 years. He was a member of both the New Mexico Ground Water Association and the National Ground Water Association. Roy held the position of NMGWA president for numerous terms and served as delegate for the NGWA Washington Fly-in to promote and protect the groundwater industry. Adam Rinbrand Jr., a Master Well Driller and president and owner of Rinbrand Well Drilling Co. in Glen Rock, New Jersey, passed away in June. He was 81. Rinbrand was a lifetime member of the National Ground Water

Association and was also an active member of the North Jersey Water Conference and the New Jersey Ground Water Association. Murray Harpole, retired chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Pentair Inc., a global diversified industrial company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, passed away in May. He was 89. Harpole, one of Pentair’s five founding partners, started the company in 1966 to manufacture research balloons. Harpole was named Pentair’s first chairman and CEO that year, remained in this position for 15 years, and served another five years as chairman, ultimately retiring from the board in 1991. By that time, the company was a diversified manufacturer with annual sales of $1.2 billion and more than 8000 employees. In 1992, Harpole wrote Living the American Dream: Pentair Inc.—The First 25 Years, a book detailing Pentair’s beginnings, key milestones, and success.

Congratulations to our 2011 NGWREF Len Assante Scholarship and Farvolden Award winners—the future of our groundwater industry! We wish you continued success in your studies and welcome you to our industry! Farvolden Award winners

Peggy Altman Colorado School of Mines

Melissa Schaar University of Nevada at Las Vegas

Christopher J. Russoniello University of Delaware

Stephanie S. Wong Baylor University

Assante Scholarship winners

William Reichart III Past President Award School TBD

Thomas Palmieri University of Southern California

Norman Harris IV Ora Lyons Award Worcester Polytechnic Institute

William Pearson Michigan Technological University

Erik Cadaret California State University, Fullerton

Sebastian Teas Muskingum University

Donations to NGWREF make it possible to assist those studying in groundwater-related fields. You can help keep the future of the industry moving forward by making a donation today— visit www.NGWA.org or call 800 551.7379 (614 898.7791). Twitter @WaterWellJournl

Circle card no. 36

Bryce Kober University of Missouri

Operated by NGWA, NGWREF is a 501(c)(3) public foundation focused on conducting educational, research, and other charitable activities related to a broader public understanding of groundwater.

Water Well Journal August 2011 57/

FEATURED

PRODUCTS

Levelogger Edge Water Level Datalogger from Solinst Performs in High-Stress Environments The all-new Levelogger Edge is an absolute water level and temperature recording device ideal for long-term, uninterrupted monitoring. Its Hastelloy pressure sensor performs in high stress environments with improved temperature compensation and response time. Accuracy is 0.05% FS with 24-bit reso-

lution. Battery life is 10 years. A titanium based PVD body coating provides extra corrosion resistance. Installation is done with the new 2-inch locking well

PLASTIC IN-THE-WELL PRESSURE TANK A ÝÛ8CCÛGC8SK@:Û FLK<IÛJ?<CC ÝÛCORRFJ@FEÛGRF CONSTRUCTION

Û

ÝÛCO8;Û?FC;@N>Û C8G8CITPÛ ÛC9J

S L EL W ” 4 R FO

ÝÛD8O@DLDÛ WORKIN>Û GI<JJLI<Û 1 ÛGJ@ ÝÛ9LTPCÛ8@IÛ:<CCÛ FFIÛ<O:<CC<EKÛ 8@IÛI<K<EK@FE ÝÛW8K<IÛG8JJ<JÛ T8EBÛFFIÛ W8K< Û Û

Û

Û

W NO

Û Û Û ÛSYSK< Û 8T 8 TI T N>ÛM8C Û

ÛI<J@;<EK@8C ÛF8

Û

Û Û Û

Û

Û

Û

7391 SOUTH POR TOLL FREE: 866 ww EMAIL: i

caps for wire line or direct read cable installations. To accompany the Levelogger Edge, Solinst is releasing a high speed Optical Reader and Levelogger Software Version 4.0, which is written to support the new Levelogger Edge, Levelogger Junior, LTC Levelogger Junior, Rainlogger, Leveloader and is backwards compatible to support the Levelogger Gold series. Version 4.0 offers many new features, including the ability to barometrically compensate multiple Levelogger data files simultaneously. It provides more sampling options, including compressed linear which increases the amount of internal memory to up to 120,000 datapoints. Circle card no. 60

Microporous PTFE Membranes Resist Chemicals and Closure Under Pressure Standard and custom die-cut microporous PTFE membranes that require no lamination for support and are suitable for filtering liquids and gases in a variety of laboratory and industrial instruments and equipment are available from Interstate Specialty Products Inc. Interstate Mupor PTFE membranes feature tensile strength up to 20N/mm2, are USP23 approved, non-cytotoxic, and can be sterilized by steam and ethylene oxide. Ideally suited for filtering aggressive organic solvents, concentrated acids, alkalis, and cryogenic fluids, these robust membranes incorporate a three-dimensional pore structure that resists closure under pressure. Available with pore sizes from 0.5 to 50 µm, Interstate Mupor PTFE membranes can be supplied in thicknesses from 50 to 3000 µm and widths up to 330 mm with optional polypropylene laminate backing. They can be rotary die cut for high volumes and special packaging such as rolls or polybags can be supplied. Applications include filtration, venting, and diffusion barriers. Circle card no. 61

58/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

Circle card no. 21

waterwelljournal.com

JOURNAL

2011

A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION

is looking . . . . . . for a few good pictures! Do you have any high-quality color photos that depict water well or pump work? Photos of any step in the design and installation of a water system are welcomed. The selected photos will appear on the covers of upcoming issues of WWJ. Look through your files and mail in your best photos today! Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Company name ____________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________ Fax ______________________________ E-mail ______________________________ Enclosed you’ll find ______ photos for Water Well Journal. I understand that these photos become the property of the Water Well Journal, and will not be returned. If any photo is selected for use on a WWJ cover, I further understand that I will be paid $250 and my photo credit will appear on the issue’s contents page. Signed ______________________________________________________ Date ________________ Instructions: Mail to WWJ Photos, 601 Dempsey Rd., Westerville, OH 43081-8978. Please enclose glossy prints, slides, or send high-resolution digital photos to tplumley@ngwa.org. Please include a description of the activity taking place in the photo.

®

FEATURED

PRODUCTS

In-Situ Announces New Rugged Water Level Tapes and Meters In-Situ Rugged Water Level Tapes and Meters improve accuracy and stand up to rough field conditions. In-Situ now offers economical and engineergrade water level tapes, intrinsically safe oil/water interface meters, and multi-purpose conductivity/level/ temperature meters. These tapes are used to take depth-towater measurements to measure the thickness of hydrocarbon product layers and to profile conductivity and temperature. Superior tape construction improves accuracy and durability. From hightensile steel tapes to Kevlar-reinforced polyethylene tapes, users will find these tapes resist stretching under heavy loads. This design feature improves measurement accuracy and extends tape life. To ensure the most accurate read-

Iron Bacteria? Manganese?

ings, groundwater professionals use ASME-compliant (EU Class II) tapes made of high-tensile steel and marked in feet by 0.01 foot. Rugged reels stand up to field use. Durable flanges are constructed of impact-resistant and UVresistant nylon. Reels do not become brittle or break in cold weather. Polyurethane-coated steel frame and stainless steel axle increase longevity. Circle card no. 62

MegaDeck’s Heavy-Duty Access Mats Don’t Absorb Water or Contaminants MegaDeck from Signature Fencing & Flooring Systems LLC is a large panel oil rig matting system designed to provide stable access and superior ground protection for heavy-duty applications including shoring, construction, drilling, mining, and more. Heavy weights are distributed across a larger surface area, allowing heavy equipment to traverse varying ground conditions without problems. Each 1050-pound MegaDeck panel is manufactured from

a proprietary blend of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and a nanoclay filler exclusive to Signature that is significantly stronger than traditional composite fillers. These extra strong composite mats also include an anti-static additive and a five-year UV package. MegaDeck oil rig mats are made in the United States and are 100% recyclable. MegaDeck is available in two sizes. Standard large mats measure 14 feet by 7½ feet, which fit standard ISO shipping containers. Small mats 7½ feet by 7½ feet can be used on their own or in con-

Rusty Water? Hydrogen Sulfur?

What’s YOUR W h a tWater ’s Y O U R PProblem? ro b l e m ? B&B Chlorination Can Help! Let us show you how our Dry Pellet Chlorinators can treat these and other nuisance well water problems. Give us a call, or visit us online at www.bbchlor.com.

645-0081 Phone: (800) 331-4808

Fax: (336) 286-0832 October 2008 W

60/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

Circle card no. 2

Circle card no. 14

waterwelljournal.com

FEATURED junction with the large mats, allowing for greater flexibility in layout design. MegaDeck is the largest heavy-duty oil rig matting system that can be shipped by normal means. Circle card no. 63

Pentek Launches Premium Submersible Motor Pentair Flow Technologies announced the launch of the Pentek XE Series 10 hp motor for 4-inch residential water well applications. The 10 hp XE Series is a three-phase, 460 volt, 60 Hz motor with a thrust rating of 1500 pounds. It can be readily paired with wet-end pumps from Sta-Rite, Berkeley, Aermotor, Myers, and all 4-inch submersible pump manufacturers. One hundred percent of the motors are factory pressure and run tested and are engineered with best-in-class features such as Kingsbury-type thrust bearings, permanent split capacitors, and professional-grade Class F-compliant motor insulation. Circle card no. 64

Solinst Unveils Its New Laser-Marked Model 101 Water Level Meter Solinst announced a redesigned Model 101 Water Level Meter with a completely new P7 Probe, featuring a durable, laser-marked PVDF flat tape. Enhanced dogbone design is thicker, reducing adherence to the side of well casing. Solinst has also increased the tensile strength and electrical efficiency by using six strands of copper-coated stainless steel and 13 strands of stainless steel in each conductor of the new flat tape. The PVDF flat tape is marked every 1/100 foot; lengths up to 6000 feet. The P7 Probe is engiTwitter @WaterWellJournl

neered to allow submersion to 1000 feet, replacing the 101 P6 Probe. A sensor at the tip of the probe provides consistent measurements in wells, boreholes, and cascading water with almost zero displacement. Solinst continues to offer the Model 101 P2 Water Level Meter with the polyethylene tape. Circle card no. 65

PRODUCTS

Mud Technology International’s Mud Recycling System Offers Easy Setup Mud Technology International Inc.’s MCT-450 Mud Recycling System is used to mix bentonite slurry solution that floats the cuttings out of the tunnel and cools the drilling surface while cutting. The fluid is collected at a central point from the tunnel and transferred to the mud system for processing. The

The

Heavyweight Champ *3) ! %&+ *& )+''&(* * - ! * & # ( )+ $ ()! # '+$' * ' '* ) &( !((! *!&% % !% +)*(! # !% ''#! *!&%) ) 42 # * ( &( +! !% '!' ) - % !%) (*!% &+ #)& , * ) '#+) ) !% /&+( &(% ( &#&)) !%!$+$ * ( $$ ( +% 1 2 + ( !) * +' *& * $# )) + *!# (&% &##&- ( * !%# )) * # '(!% -!* %*! )'!% *+( .*( ! " ##) '*!&% # ( " & '#+ % #!% /&+ *& ( !% * (!) ( '!' &( '+##!% * '+$' *3) %&*

( -!%% ( (&$ #&$ *! 0

Circle card no. 29

Water Well Journal August 2011 61/

FEATURED

WATER LEVEL METER This newly designed Powers Well Sounder is a transistorized instrument built to easily and accurately test the static or standing water level in a well with the pump idle, drawdown with the pump running, and recovery with the pump off. Unit does not have to be laboriously held in one hand to lower and raise the cable in and out of the well as required by most open reel models. New features include Hot Foil Marking System with Cable Permanently Imprinted with a 4 digit sequential number, marked in 1 foot or 500 millimeter increments. On/Off toggle switch, audible beeper and test switch. The unit is portable, self-contained, and trouble-free. Any length of twoconductor cable is available to 2000 feet maximum. Heavy-gauge metal case with high gloss enamel finish. Inexpensive flexible brass beaded electrode. Prompt shipment from stock on all orders, including replacement parts and repairs. Assurance of quality and satisfaction guaranteed. Brochure and Price List available upon request.

POWERS ELECTRIC PRODUCTS CO.

.

P.O. BOX 11591 Fresno, CA 93774 (559) 275-3030 Fax: (559) 275-2657 E-mail: pepco97@msn.com http://www.powerselectric.com

Circle card no. 41

62/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

PRODUCTS

mud system will process the fluid in stages. The first stage removes all the large- and mid-sized particles from the system. At the next stage, the fluid is collected by a centrifugal pump and processed through a desilter cone bank. The “cleaned” fluid is collected in the final tank where it can be thickened or thinned as necessary to meet the contractors’ requirements. Finally, a centrifugal pump can be used to pressure feed the cleaned and processed fluid back to the tunneling operation for reuse. Circle card no. 66

New TotalCare Series Provides Total Water Treatment WaterCare unveils its new TotalCare series, a water conditioner that incorporates innovative features into a single unit. An exclusive zeolite crystal filtering media acts to remove hardness, iron, and manganese while reducing unpleasant odors and raising low pH levels. A patented selfchlorinating system removes iron and sulfur bacteria during regeneration while a proprietary microprocessor ensures top performance. Engineered for problem water, this series offers the benefits of both a conditioner and filter while providing cost savings. Circle card no. 67

Circle card no. 5

waterwelljournal.com

DOWNHOLE Engineering some humor . . .

Strong argument Three engineering students were gathered together discussing who must have designed the human body. One said, “It was a mechanical engineer. Just look at all the joints.� Another said, “No, it was an electrical engineer. The nervous system has many thousands of electrical connections.� The last one said, “No, actually it had to have been a civil engineer. Who else would run a toxic waste pipeline through a recreational area?�

Right size? To the optimist, the glass is half-full. To the pessimist, the glass is halfempty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

It’s all about the features Normal people believe that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Engineers believe that if it ain’t broke, it doesn’t have enough features yet.

Cool stuff! An engineer was crossing a road one day, when a frog called out to him and said, “If you kiss me, I’ll turn into a beautiful princess.� He bent over, picked up the frog, and put it in his pocket. The frog then cried out, “If you kiss me and turn me into a princess, I’ll stay with you for one week and do anything you want.� Again, the engineer took the frog out, smiled at it, and put it back into his pocket. Finally, the frog asked, “What is the matter? I’ve told you I’m a beautiful princess and that I’ll stay with you for one week and do anything you want. Why won’t you kiss me?� The engineer said, “Look, I’m an engineer. I don’t have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog, now that’s cool.�

Thinking it through A priest, a doctor, and an engineer were waiting one morning for a particularly slow group of golfers.

HUMOR

The engineer fumed, “What’s with those guys? We must have been waiting for 15 minutes!� The doctor chimed in, “I don’t know, but I’ve never seen such inept golf.� The priest said, “Here comes the greens keeper. Let’s have a word with him.� He then said, “Hello George, what’s wrong with that group ahead of us? They’re rather slow, aren’t they?� The greens keeper replied, “Oh, yes. But that’s a group of blind firemen. They lost their sight saving our clubhouse from a fire last year, so we always let them play for free anytime.� The group fell silent for a moment. The priest finally said, “That’s so sad. I will say a special prayer for them tonight.� The doctor said, “Good idea. I’m going to contact my ophthalmologist colleague and see if there’s anything he can do for them.� The engineer said, “Why don’t you let them play at night?�

Safety meetings made easy. NGWA’s Safety Meetings for the Groundwater Industry: s 0ROVIDES YOU WITH DIFFERENT INDUSTRY RELATED TOPICS TO DISCUSS ONE FOR EACH WEEK OF THE YEAR s 'IVES YOU AN EASY WAY TO TRACK WHO ATTENDED EACH MEETING WITH ITS TWO PART CARBONLESS SIGNOFF FORMAT s +EEPS YOUR EMPLOYEES ARMED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THEY NEED TO STAY SAFE ON THE JOB 3UBJECTS COVERED RANGE FROM HEARING CONSERVATION AND STAYING SAFE FROM FALLING OBJECTS TO THE PROPER BLOCKING OF DRILL AND PUMP SERVICE EQUIPMENT 'OOD SAFETY PRACTICE IS CRITICAL TO YOUR PERSONNEL EQUIPMENT AND CUSTOMERS -AKE SURE IT S AN ONGOING DISCUSSION WITH THE HELP OF Safety Meetings for the Groundwater Industry 4O ORDER YOUR COPY VISIT THE .'7! BOOKSTORE AT WWW NGWA ORG OR CALL OUTSIDE THE 5NITED 3TATES Safety Meetings for the Groundwater Industry #ATALOG 4

.'7! MEMBER PRICE .ONMEMBER PRICE Twitter @WaterWellJournl

Circle card no. 30

Water Well Journal August 2011 63/

Classified Advertising/Marketplace 15 Bits Bits, subs, stabilizers, hole openers, etc. Over 10,000 bits in stock.

R L C Bit Service Inc. 8643 Bennett Rd. P.O. Box 714 Benton, IL 62812 www.rlcbit.com Ph: (618) 435-5000 Cell: (618) 927-2676 Cell: (618) 927-5586 Fax: (618) 438-0026

3 Appraisals

Palmer Bit Company has been recognized worldwide for providing the highest quality bits to the drilling industry for over 50 years. We manufacture bits for drilling everything from clays to limestone. With our experience we can help lower your bit cost, with the proper bit selection for your drilling conditions. We are available 24/7 to assist you with any questions you may have. Call 800-421-2487 Satisfaction Guaranteed www.palmerbit.com MC/VISA accepted

Jason Corn E-mail: rlcbit373@frontier.com Rick Corn E-mail: rlcbit77@frontier.com

57 Direct Push Supplies

18 Breakout Tools Manufacturer of Pre-Pack Screens

Equipment Appraisals

BREAKOUT TOOLS

i Standard Pre-Pack

Nationally recognized and accredited equipment appraisals for water well drill rigs and well drilling equipment for banks, lenders, mergers, accountants, estate planning, IRS, and auctions. Experienced, knowledgeable, and recognized worldwide in the water well drilling industry. Accurate and confidential appraisal reports.

SEMCO Inc. All Hydraulic Hydrorench S110H In Stock 1-10 Four Rollers Breaks Pipe Make Pipe to Torque Specs 800-541-1562

i Economy Pre-Pack

When You Would Set A Traditional Well When Cost Is A Factor

i 20% Open Area High Yield Pre-Pack For Use In Low Yield Wells

i All Stainless Steel Pre-Pack For Aggressive Groundwater Environments

i Non-Metal Pre-Pack When Metal Components Are Not Compatible

i Annular Seals Foam Bridges, Bentonite & Quick-Sleeves

i Multiple Sizes Available

1/2-in, 3/4-in, 1-in, 1.25-in, 1.5-in, 2-in **We Stock Geoprobe Compatible Supplies & Tooling** *Proactive Pumps Master Distributor* ®

®

SALVADORE AUCTIONS & APPRAISALS 401.792.4300 www.siaai.com

19 Bucket Drill Rigs E Q U I P M E N T WA N T E D Gus Pech bucket/boring rigs, any condition. Support equipment, buckets, etc. Other brand considered. (816) 517-4532 / Jared Sisk

64/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

Toll Free 1-888-240-4328

22 Business Opportunities BUSINESS FOR SALE: Water well drilling and pump service in southern New Mexico. Two commercial acres, 2700 sq. ft. building, all drilling and pumping equipment. Annual sales average one million dollars. Asking 1.75 million. Call (575) 649-2019.

Phone: 1-609-631-8939 i Fax: 1-609-631-0993 ectmfg.com i proactivepumps.com i torquerplug.com

75 Electric Motors EQUIPMENT WANTED: Electric motors wanted. Vertical hollow shaft pump motors. 20 to 500 hp good or bad, will pick up. PH: (800) 541-1562.

waterwelljournal.com

60 Down Hole Inspection

80 Employment

located on the Island of Bermuda requires a

PERCUSSION AIR/WELL DRILLER The successful candidate should have the following: • A minimum of 5 years experience in the well drilling field • Recognized qualifications/experience for the above preferred • Ability to read and follow drawings, complete drilling reports • Experience in the taking of core samples and geological test drilling including the record keeping of appropriate records in relation to such drilling

Waterwell Camera Inspection Systems

Century Geophysical Corporation 1223 S. 71st E. Ave., Tulsa, OK U.S.A. 74112 Phone (918) 838-9811 Fax (918) 838-1532 sales@century-geo.com www.century-geo.com

Did you know?

• Portable, Truck or Trailer mounted. • Retrofit compatible with Laval and most geophysical logging winches. • Full repair service and spare parts for CCV, Boretech, Wellcam and Laval cameras and controllers. • Forward and 360 degree side wall viewing color cameras. • Depths to 5,000 feet.

CCV Engineering & Manufacturing An Aries Industries Company

Water Well Journal classified advertisements appear online (at no additional cost) each month at www.waterwelljournal.com/ category/ineveryissue/classifieds

Check it out!

Twitter @WaterWellJournl

800-671-0383 • 559-291-0383 Fax: 559-291-0463 E-mail: jim.lozano@ariesccv.com On the web at www.ariesccv.com

The following duties are key to the position: • Ability to work without supervision on all aspects of the job • Maintain drill rig Schramm T450/T450H • Candidates must be flexible to business demands and willing to work outside normal working hours when required • Smart appearance, pleasant manner, and trustworthy • Ability to liaise with clients at all levels • Possess a clean existing driving license and will need to obtain a license in Bermuda for both drill rig and for support vehicles • Be willing to help out in other departments • Be willing to provide training to the company’s current and future employees In turn we offer: • A competitive salary, comprehensive benefits in addition to possible career development opportunities. All applications should be made in writing listing experiences together with two written employment references together with two character references to: Atlantic Water Development Ltd P.O. Box HM 1569 Hamilton HMGX Bermuda Or by fax: 441­293­8917 and/or email: general@atlanticwaterdevelopment.com Applications should be received by no later than August 31, 2011. Please note that Immigration approval needs to be required before entering employment in Bermuda. No telephone calls please.

Water Well Journal August 2011 65/

71 Drilling Equipment

105 Injection Pumps

/ 8 7 , / 0 1 . 0 1 ,, 2 #"" 1 " 3 4

, 5 1 6 . , /% 1% / . 7

H i g g i n s R i g Co. DRILLS & PARTS All Make – All Models Call For Complete List Of New & Used Drills & Parts 817-927-8486 www.watsonusa.com Sales@watsonusa.com MD 510 Geothermal Drill

, 1 ,. . 7 * , 9, * 8 , : * , , * , !!"#$ %&'!!"( #) #! * +&'!!"( #) !$)# *, -* ,.

www.higrig.com FREE Call - (800) 292-7447 (270) 325-3300 Fax: (270) 325-3405 Office: 2594 Stiles Ford Rd. Hodgenville, KY Shop: 1797 Bardstown Rd. Hodgenville, KY

Add a color to your display classified ad for only $49. Please call Shelby to make arrangements 1-800-551-7379 ext. 523

76 Elevators J & K To o l C o m p a n y I n c .

Kwik Klamps 1 & 2 (adjustable 1 –2 or 21⠄2 – 4 ) NEW – Kwik Klamp 3 (for 6 PVC) Elevators for PVC well casing (sizes 1 –16 ) Heavy Duty PVC Elevators (sizes 6 –8 ) Flush Joint PVC Pipe Clamps (sizes 4 –24 ) www.jktool.com sales@jktool.com Tel 320-563-4967 Fax 320-563-8051

1 – 16 Elevators All steel with safety latch. SEMCO of Lamar 800-541-1562 Fax 719-336-2402 Credit Cards Accepted

Standard Manufacturing

Largest water well pipe elevator manufacturing company in the United States.

Phone:

(936) 336-6200 (800) 337-0163 Fax: (936) 336-6212 E-Mail: StandardManufacturing @yahoo.com Web site: www.standardmfg.com

Dealers Wanted

SkyRex Water Well Elevators 2 thru 36 Also lightweight PVC elevators Now Available! “Complete Reverse Circulation Drill Strings�

Rex McFadden 7931 19th Lubbock, TX 70407

Ph (806) 791-3731 Fax (806) 791-3755 www.rexmcfadden.com

66/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

waterwelljournal.com

90 Equipment

115 Mud Pumps New Low Prices

The perfect solution for poor well yield is only a click way. www.wellmanager.com ✔ Use on wells yielding as little as 0.10 gpm. ✔ Turn-key collection and delivery system. ✔ Fits through 24� doors. ✔ Good money from bad wells. For more information, log-on or call 800-211-8070.

Used mounted 8 VMP170-2SC 03 H G 6& P R X Q WH on factory & R trailer, W Q UL O H D U I D F W R certified, U F H U \W L I L H G includes 6 mo new warranty. LO Q X GFH PVQ R H ZD U U Q W D\ $46,900 call 760-961-1160 F D O O

Š Reid Plumbing Products, LLC

101 Grouters 0$.( <285 *(27+(50$/ *5287,1* $ 21( 0$1 23(5$7,21 ,WÂśV D VQDS ZLWK WKH (= /RDG 7UDLOHU 3DFNDJH FXVWRP EXLOW E\ *HR /RRS ,QF 6DYLQJ WRQV RI ODERU KDQGOH RYHU ÂśV RI VDQG RU JDOORQV RI WKHUPDO JURXW SHU GD\ 3RZHUHG E\ WKH IDVWHVW JURXW SXPS DYDLODEOH LQ WKH LQGXVWU\ \RXÂśOO EH DPD]HG

‡ 0RGHO ‡ +\GUDXOLF 'ULYHQ *URXW +RVH 5HHO ‡ :DWHU 7DQN 3DOOHW 7DEOH &RPER ‡ (= /RDG 6DQG /RDGHU ‡ +HDY\ 'XW\ 7UDLOHU &KHFN RXW RXU IXOO OLQH RI JURXW SXPSV DQG DFFHVVRULHV DW

ZZZ JHR ORRS FRP ‡ MHII#JHR ORRS FRP ‡

Hydraulic drive mud pumps —small and lightweight—

71/2 10 duplex pump • Fits in the place of a 5 6 • Pumps 300 GPM at up to 800 PSI • Weighs 1000 lbs. less than a 5 6 • Single and three cylinder models also available U.S Pat. #6,769,884 and others pending

Centerline Manufacturing

82 Engines BUCKEYE DRILL COMPANY — CATERPILLAR ENGINES — CAT Ž 51 HP TO RE-POWER 22WB-E WELL DRILL CAT Ž 61 HP TURBO TO REPOWER 22WB-E WELL DRILL COMPLETE WITH ENCLOSURE & TWIN-DISC P.T.O.

PH. 800-767-3745 www.buckeye drill.com

99 Geothermal Services Over 600 distributors nationwide & Canada. NSF Approved Polyethylene Fittings & Pipe Residential & Commercial Flow Centers Radiant Buffer Tanks

903-725-6978

www.centerlinemanufacturing.com

21 buy

get

Looking for employees? Selling equipment? Ready to retire? Advertise in the magazine that invests in your industry— Water Well Journal Ž.

free

You have two options in the WWJ classifieds: s Pay by the line of text s Pay by the column inch. Contact NGWA today and mention this special offer to get three months of classified advertising for the price of two! s Call Shelby at 800 551.7379 (614 898.7791), ext. 523. s Send an e-mail to sfleck@ngwa.org.

T Twitter @WaterWellJournl

Offer good through September 2011.

81/

Water Well Journal August 2011 67/

106 Installation Accessories

ATTENTION Buy Direct from Manufacturer Why pay retail — when you can buy direct We ship any amount to anywhere

Select Environmental Supplies LLC P.O. Box 6036 Concord, NC 28027 5 6 Monitoring Well Manhole 8 7 1⁄2 Monitoring Well Manhole 8 12 Monitoring Well Manhole

$18.25/ea. $22.15/ea. $23.35/ea.

OBSERVATION MONITORING WELL MANHOLES • H-20 Load Rating • 2-Bolt with O-Ring (9⁄16 ) Bolt Head • Galvanized Skirts with Welded Seam • Aluminum I.D. Tags • Stainless Bolts & Washers with Neoprene Washer

We carry prepacked screens and other testing supplies.

Heat Shrink from B & B Wholesale Why pay higher prices for lower quality products? Check out the prices on our Heat Shrink Splice Kits. 3–Wire Kit (for #10/12/14, clear) $1.82 ea. 4–Wire Kit (for #10/12/14, clear) 2.22 ea. 1 ⁄2 3 Tubes (clear) .45 ea. 1 ⁄2 48 Tubes (clear) 8.81 ea.

– custom kits for up to 4/0 wire – volume pricing available – labeling available – choose from 3 types of shrink tubes – also available is a large selection of installation accessories such as pressure gauges, tapes, tank fittings packages, and valves.

800-593-9403

Call (704) 467-6092 or (704) 425-7838 Fax (704) 795-1638 Visit our Web site www.selectenvironmentalsupplies.com We accept Visa and MasterCard

116 Mud Systems

137 Services

DESANDER

REPAIRS: Eastman deviation survey clocks (mechanical drift indicators) repaired. We also have three, six, and twelve degree angle units, charts, and other accessories in stock. Call Downhole Clock Repair, (325) 660-2184.

Mini-Desander

139 Slotting Machines MUD MIXER CM Consulting & Equipment

J & K To o l C o m p a n y

Jerry Mason

PVC Screen Slotting Machines

Specialist in your drilling and grouting problems.

PVC Threading Machines

Perforating Machines

1640 Oppenheimer Rd., Bedford, PA 15522

(814) 623-1675

(814) 623-7285 FAX

splicekit.com offers the most complete assortment of heat shrink splice kits available. Choose from standard kits for wire sizes 14 thru 4. A full range of step down and transition kits as well as splices for wire sizes up to 4/0 are in stock for immediate shipment. splicekit.com sells only premium quality heat shrink kits. Select from the following kits for 10-12-14 wire A4C 4 tubes & 4 connectors $2.06 A3C* 3 tubes & 4 connectors $1.72 A3C 3 tubes & 3 connectors $1.66 Quantity pricing available for multiples of 50 Visit our online store at www.splicekit.com for complete product descriptions. splicekit.com Call 1-866-766-2730

Affordable, easy to operate automated machines with touch screen programming.

www.jktool.com sales@jktool.com Tel 320-563-4967 Fax 320-563-8051

68/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

waterwelljournal.com

125 Pump Hoists 2011 Models S4,000 Pump Hoist, 8,000# cap., 35 telescoping mast, 30 gal. oil tank, hydro pump, 5T safety hook, hydro controls and variable speed engine control . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,245 S6,000 Pump Hoist, 16,000# 3L cap., 35 telescoping mast, 30 gal. oil tank, hydro pump, 5T safety hook, hydro controls and variable speed engine control . . . . . $16,445 S8,000 Pump Hoist, 22,000# 3L cap., 36 telescoping mast, 30 gal. oil tank, hydro pump, 7T safety hook, hydro controls and variable speed engine control . . . . . $20,845 S10,000 Pump Hoist, 30,000# 3L cap., 40 telescoping mast, 30 gal. oil tank, hydro pump, 9T safety hook, hydro controls and variable speed engine control . . . . . $28,545 S12,000 Pump Hoist, 48,000# 4L cap., 44 telescoping mast, 6000# tail out line, 72 gal. oil tank, hydro pump, 11T safety hook, hydro controls and variable speed engine control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $32,945 S15,000 Pump Hoist, 60,000# 4L cap, 48 telescoping mast, 6000# tail out line, 72 gal. oil tank, hydro pump, 13T safety hook, hydro controls and variable speed engine control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40,645 S20,000 Pump Hoist, 80,000# 4L cap, 40 telescoping mast, 6000# tail out line, 72 gal. oil tank, hydro pump, 13T safety hook, hydro controls and variable speed engine control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$53,845 S25,000 Pump Hoist, 100,000# 4L cap, 40 telescoping mast, 6000# tail out line, 100 gal. oil tank, hydro pump, 15T safety hook, hydro control and variable speed engine control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$61,545 S30,000 Pump Hoist, 120,000# 4L cap, 40 telescoping mast, 6000# tail out line, 100 gal. oil tank, hydro pump, 15T safety hook, hydro control and variable speed engine control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$76,945

New Equipment in Stock S6,000 SEMCO, 35 , PTO, RC, PR, 2 spd., aux., blue and white, 11 bed, toolboxes, 2011 Dodge Ram 5500, 6.7L diesel, 6 spd., automatic, 4 4, white . . . . . . . . . . . . . $77,598

S8,000H, 36 , RC, SR, 2 spd., PR, 1-aux., oil cooler, light kit, 12 bed, toolboxes, rec., 2011 Dodge 5500, 6.7L, 6 spd., white . . $86,517 S30,000, 56 , PTO, BO, BC outriggers, cathead, 2 spd., sandreel, AB for SR, aux., oil cooler, light kit, power arm, power tong hookup, bed, toolboxes, 2009 Sterling L8500, Cummins 10 spd., AB, AC . . . . . . $224,388

Used Equipment in Stock M33 Monitor, 1-PR, SB, 1995 Ford F-350, gas, 5 spd., 4 2, white . . . . . . . . . $18,900

FOR SALE: 5T Smeal mounted on 2001 Ford 450 Super Duty, V10, utility bed, boxes, pipe rack, remote control, and new paint. $19,900. Call Jeff (507) 220-1554.

128 Pump Pullers

M34 Jessen, RC, PR, SB w/1992 GMC Top Kick, 3116 Cat, 5 spd. . . . . . . . . . . $19,500 5T Smeal, 1-PR, flatbed, toolboxes, 2004 Ford F-650, Cummins, 4 2, white . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$34,950 S12,000H SEMCO, 44 , HS PTO, SR, oil cooler, 2 spd., 2-aux., PR, BC outriggers, light kit, 16 bed, toolbox, 2006 Intl. 4300, DT466, auto., yellow . . . . . . . . . . . $87,039 S12,000H SEMCO, 48 , 2 spd., SR, oil cooler, aux., PR, light kit, 16 bed, toolbox, power tong hookup, 2004 Intl. 4300, DT 466E, D, 6 spd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75,344 S30,000 SEMCO, 52 , BO, 2 spd., SR, oil cooler, light kit, power arm, 18 bed, toolbox, 2007 Freightliner MBE 4000, 10 spd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$170,446 S30,000 SEMCO, 56 , 2 spd., SR, BO, BC outriggers, cathead, aux., oil cooler, light kit, power arm, power tong hookup, 22 bed, toolbox, 2009 Sterling L8500, Cummins 10 spd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $224,388

SEMCO Inc.

860-651-3141

fax 860-658-4288

TRACTION MOBILITY PERFORMANCE AND PREFERRED

P.O. Box 1216 7695 U.S. Highway 287 North Lamar, CO 81052 (719) 336足9006 / (800) 541足1562 Fax (719) 336足2402 semcopumphoist@yahoo.com www.SEMCOoflamar.com See our ad on page 43.

PUL-A-PUMP DO THE WORK

LET

To place a classified advertisement in Water Well Journal, please send ad text to Shelby Fleck by e-mail at sfleck @ngwa.org or fax to 614 898.7786. Upon receipt, you will be contacted and provided a quote. Thank you! Twitter @WaterWellJournl

973-697-2008 P.O. Box 155, Stockholm, NJ 07460 www.pulapump.com

PUL-A-PUMP CORPORATION Water Well Journal August 2011 69/

135 Rigs Failing Jed-A. Detroit 3-53 engine on the draw works and rotary table. 5.9L Cummins engine on the mud pump. 380⬘ of 8⬙ flanged drill pipe. 260⬘ of 5⬙ flanged drill pipe. 24⬙, 30⬙, and 36⬙ drag and roller bits. Also rock trap, stabilizers, heavy drill collar, and kelley hose. Asking $150,000 for rig, spare parts, extra tooling. Call (765) 459-4125. Ask Mark for more information if interested.

Weber Group LC Contact Kelly 480-229-0748

1998 Ford F-800 diesel. 88,333 miles. Bucyrus Erie 20W pump rig with a 353 Detroit Diesel deck engine. Truck and rig in excellent working order. The unit was rebuilt including the main shafts and clutches. Asking $30,000. Tooling available at extra cost.

Put your company’s message here! Classified advertising is a great way to reach the water well industry. Call Shelby to make arrangements at 1-800-551-7379 ext 523.

112 Miscellaneous

132 Rig Equipment DRILLING EQUIPMENT

1985 Ford F-800 diesel. 193,000 miles. Bucyrus Erie pump rig with 353 Detroit Diesel deck engine. Truck and rig in working order. Rig rebuilt including main clutches and shafts. $30,000.

Light Towers Light Towers

# & ' 0 ,)

$ (

FOR SALE: 1993 modified Mini-star w/pulldown like GD1000 on a 2003 Sterling Acterra. Failing 5⳯6 mud pump, air comp, sandline, 3L6 grout pump, 200⬘ of 23⁄8⬙ fedp drill pipe, mud box. $150,000. Gardner Denver 500 on a 1980 Ford 8000. 5⳯6 mud pump, air comp, sandline, 3L6 grout pump, 150⬘ of 23⁄8⬙ IF drill rods, mud box. $50,000. 1989 Stardrill 100 on a 2000 Intl. 2574. 5⳯6 mud pump, air comp, sandline, 3L6 grout pump, 200⬘ of 23⁄8⬙ drill pipe, mud box. $165,000. Call Torgerson Well Co., Inc. (763) 477-6811.

!"" % ) * %+ ""

, ! - . , )/ , , , , , - 1/% / Phone: (540) 982-8001 Fax: (540) 342-0546 nolanddrill@noland.com

) 1 2 )

9 9

-1 %

)3

+ 56, )7, /

%

, , ,. ,;

4 , 178

+ 6 5 :% , ,1 4 , 1

70/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

¾ ¾ ¾

NEW, USED, RENTALS (4) 1000-Watt Lamps 20 KW Generator (L20) Telescoping Mast

www.nolanddrilling.com

waterwelljournal.com

135 Rigs Enid Drill Systems Inc

FOR SALE: 1990 Drilltech T25K2W – 840/350 air 400 rod 8 casing hammer w/10 bit, 6 Rockhog w/bit, 400 extra rod, bits, 3 hammers, 3 stabilizers, extra parts on Ford chassis 1990 LTN8000, all run great. Unmounted 5T Smeal also available. $125,000. Call (732) 748-3888.

www.eniddrill.com 580-234-5971 Fax 580-234-5980

4510 E Market, Enid, OK 73701 USA

x

New rigs—custom designs

x

Quality rig repair service

x

New and used equipment needs

x

“Transfer of Technology” - the must have book for all drillers!

176 Water Level Measurement www.wellprobe.com Sonic Water Level Meters Since 1978 Time Tested & Customer Approved 303-443-9609

Ground Water Monitoring Instrumentation Phone: 760-384-1085

Fax: 760-384-0044

Geokon, Inc. manufactures high quality hydrological instrumentation suitable for a variety of ground water monitoring applications. Geokon instruments utilize vibrating wire technology providing measurable advantages and proven long-term stability. The World Leader in Vibrating Wire Technology Geokon, Incorporated 48 Spencer Street Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766 | USA

TM

180 Water Trucks Specializing in quality custom built epoxy coated Flattanks any gallon or tank length sizes with or without material handling IMT cranes. All tanks are sandblasted and painted with polyurethane paint. Many options available.

1 • 603 • 448 • 1562 1 • 603 • 448 • 3216 info@geokon.com www.geokon.com

Waterline Envirotech Water level indicators made in the USA for over 30 years.

360-676-9635 www.waterlineusa.com

Engineered for convenience and durability, allows the user to operate at any type of drilling operation. Our drill site rig tenders are built with simplicity and functionality. Call us for our used truck – new tank inventory list.

NORTHWEST FLATTANKS Steve Wipf (406) 466-2146 E-mail: steve@northwestflattanks.com

Twitter @WaterWellJournl

Check out our

new Web site Cell (406) 544-5914 www.northwestflattanks.com

Water Well Journal August 2011 71/

178 Water Treatment

AER-MAXsystems for sulfur and iron problems

EASY AS 1, 2,3! Mid America Water Treatment FDUULHV D FRPSOHWH OLQH RI ZDWHU WUHDWPHQW HTXLSPHQW DORQJ ZLWK WKH H[SHUWLVH WR PHHW \RXU QHHGV 2XU VRIWHQHUV ILOWHUV DQG GHDONDOL]HUV IHDWXUH KLJK TXDOLW\ 3HQWDLU :DWHU EUDQG FRPSRQHQWV &DOO DQG VHH ZK\ ZDWHU WUHDWPHQW SUR¶V KDYH UHOLHG RQ XV IRU FRPSHWLWLYH SULFLQJ DQG IDVW UHOLDEOH FXVWRPHU VHUYLFH VLQFH

â–

Naturally Clean Water

â–

Maximizes Air Injection

â–

No Caustic Chemicals

â–

Call for a FREE Catalog

%UHZVWHU &UHHN %OYG ‡ %DUWOHWW ,OOLQRLV Phone: ‡ Fax: Email: PLGDPHULFD#DWW QHW ‡ Web: ZZZ PLGDPHULFDZDWHU FRP

176 Water Level Measurement

Air Pump Water Solutions, Inc. 10983-E Guilford Road • Annapolis Junction, MD 20701

e-mail: sales@air-pump.com

1-877-4-AER-MAX 1-877-423-7629

184 Well Packers 160 Trucks 30­Freightliner Trucks 6 6, 60 Series Detroit, HT740, Allison Trans., Rockwell Axle, 68KGVW, 315/80 R22.5 Michelin, Low Miles SEMCO, Inc. Phone (800) 541­1562

360.552.6662 www.aardvarkpackers.com 72/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

waterwelljournal.com

www.QSPPackers.com Prompt Shipping in the US & Internationally

185 Well Rehab

184 Well Packers

get rid of Quality - Service - Price

Is Our Commitment to you!

Serving Your Complete Packer Needs i INFLATABLE PACKERS - Water Well, Environmental, Pressure Grout, Wireline. Custom Sizes & Fabrication available i MECHANICAL PACKERS - Freeze Plugs, Custom Applications

Iron bacteria! One time treatment! Works every time! When others fail, we don"t!

Call or email us with all your Packer questions!!

Toll-Free: 1-888-572-2537 Fax # : 253-770-0327

Email: info@QSPPackers.com Web: www.QSPPackers.com

Prompt Shipping in the US & Internationally—Usually in just One Day!!

• CUSTOM BUILT PACKERS

FOR ANY APPLICATION

PRODUCTS Quality - Service - Price

• COMPETITIVE PRICES

Is Our Commitment to you!

INFLATABLE WELL PACKERS

Serving Your Complete Packer Needs i INFLATABLE PACKERS - Water Well, Environmental, Pressure Grout, Wireline. Custom Sizes & Fabrication available i MECHANICAL PACKERS - Freeze Plugs, Custom Applications

Toll free 888-437-6426 Email info@designwater.com web site: designwater.com

get rid of

Coliform too! The new chlorine

Call or email us with all your Packer questions!! 1-800-452-4902 • www.lansas.com

Toll-Free: 1-888-572-2537 Email: info@QSPPackers.com Manufactured by Vanderlans & Sons 1320 S. Sacramento St. • Lodi, CA 95240www.QSPPackers.com • 209-334-4115 • Fax 209-339-8260 Fax # : 253-770-0327 Web: Prompt Shipping in the US & Internationally—Usually in just One Day!!

Applications Include:

• 200 times more effective than regular chlorine for coliform. • no pre-blending to control pH • competitive price to regular chlorine • NSF approved • free technical service, if 3 failures • distributor map is on the web site

+\GURORJLFDO 7HVWLQJ ‡ ,QMHFWLRQ :LWKGUDZDO ‡ 6WDQGDUG &XVWRP 6L]HV 0DWHULDOV :DWHU 0LQLQJ (QYLURQPHQWDO ‡ *URXWLQJ 6DPSOLQJ *HRWHFKQLFDO +\GURIUDFWXULQJ ‡ 5HFLUFXODWLRQ :HOOV ‡ 6WHDP ,QMHFWLRQ ‡ 5HOLQH &DVLQJ To discuss your questions and applications, call

Same Day Shipping

1-866-314-9139

‡ )D[ ZZZ WDPLQWO K\GURORJLFDO

Same Day Shipping

Toll free 888-437-6426 Email info@designwater.com web site: designwater.com

Put your company’s message here! Classified advertising is a great way to reach the water well industry. Call Shelby to make arrangements at 1-800-551-7379 ext 523. Ph. 303 789-1200 or 800 552-2754 Fx. 303 789-0900

Twitter @WaterWellJournl

Water Well Journal August 2011 73/

186 Well Screens

ENVIRONMENTAL SERIES

3/4-inch 1-inch 1.25-inch 1.5-inch 2-inch

Advantages of Surge Block Method Most effective way to develop any well Produces more water, less color and turbidity Only the surge block method “back washes” the well screen, removing clay bridge, sands and silts Flexible wiper creates suction and pulls water into the screen (not available with other methods) Constructed of inert long-lasting materials Capable of lifting water over 50 feet Removable ball valve prevents water from flowing back into well and will not clog with sediments Fast, effective and saves time and money

PRODUCTION SERIES

®

4”,5”

185 Well Rehab

195 Wire Rope

6””

For more information visit: www.welldeveloper.com 850.727.4427

Well screen manufacturer: stainless steel, galvanized and carbon steel. Sizes: 0.75" to 24.0" OD. Rod base, pre-pack and pipe base screens. Environmental flush joint monitor pipe, T&C stainless drop pipe, drive points, etc. Contact: Jan or Steve 18102 E. Hardy Rd., Houston, TX 77073 Ph: (281) 233-0214; Fax: (281) 233-0487 Toll free: (800) 577-5068 www.alloyscreenworks.com

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Try NGWA’s Career Center at www.careers.ngwa.org for more opportunities. Whether you are looking for the right job or the right employee, the NGWA Career Center can provide you with an industry-specific listing to hone your search. Questions? Call Rachel at 800 551.7379, ext 504, or e-mail at rjones@ngwa.org. 74/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

waterwelljournal.com

ADVERTISERS

INDEX OF Card No./ Page 1

5

2

60

3

7

4

16

5

62

6

47

7

IBC

8

9

10

29

11

27

17

7

61

8

GEFCO/King Oil Tools (800) 759-7441 www.gefco.com Geo-Hydro Supply (800) 820-1005 www.geohydrosupply.com GeoPro (877) 580-9348 www.geoproinc.com Geoprobe ® Systems (800) 436-7762 www.geoprobe.com Grundfos Pumps (913) 227-3400 www.us.grundfos.com Hoeptner Perfected Products (408) 847-7615 www.freezeflow.com Hydroflo Pumps www.hydroflopumps.com IPI Well Products (406) 446-9940 www.inflatable-packers.com In-Situ (800) 446-7488 www.in-situ.com In-Well Technologies (920) 829-5690 www.in-welltech.com ISCO Industries (800) 345-4726 www.isco-pipe.com Jet-Lube (800) 538-5823 (713) 678-4604 (fax) Laibe/Versa-Drill (317) 231-2250 www.laibecorp.com

12

51

15

9

14

60

13

16

17

18 19

20

21

22

23

24

15

53

51

14 54

10

58

13

41

20

A PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION

Twitter @WaterWellJournl

Laval Underground Surveys (800) 344-7205 www.lavalunderground.com Lorentz Solar Water Pumps (888) 535-4788 (866) 593-0777 www.lorentz.de Mid-Western Drill (417) 624-2400 www.mwdrill.com Mount Sopris Instruments (303) 279-3211 www.mountsopris.com NGWA/Bookstore (800) 551-7379 www.ngwa.org NGWA/Certification (800) 551-7379 www.ngwa.org NGWA/Ground Water Expo (800) 551-7379 www.ngwa.org NGWA/Membership (800) 551-7379 www.ngwa.org NGWA/NGWREF (800) 551-7379 www.ngwa.org NGWA/Protect Your Groundwater Day (800) 551-7379 www.ngwa.org NGWA/Webinar (800) 551-7379 www.ngwa.org NGWA/WellGuard (800) 551-7379 www.ngwa.org

25

Card No./ Page

11

North Houston Machine (800) 364-6973 nhmi2@earthlink.net Phase Technologies (866) 250-7934 www.phasetechnologies.com Powers Electric Products (559) 275-3030 www.powerselectric.com RigKits (888) 364-5891 www.rigkits.com SEMCO (719) 336-9006 www.semcooflamar.com Southwire (770) 832-4590 www.southwire.com Star Iron Works (814) 427-2555 www.starironworks.com Tibban Mfg. (760) 954-5655 www.tibban.com Water-Right (920) 739-9401 www.water-right.com WILO USA (403) 276-9456 www.wilo-na.com WorldWide Electric (800) 808-2131 www.worldwideelectric.net Wyo-Ben (800) 548-7055 www.wyoben.com

26 OBC

27

45

28

75

30

63

31 33

47 37

32

12

34

55

36

57

37

35

38

44

23

19

39

49

40

54

41

62

42

52

43

43

44

1

45

31

46

2

47

IFC

48

24

49

56

50

49

For Ground Water Applications

Coming Next Month Look soon for the September issue as it focuses on business management. Included will be a pair of feature stories that will certainly aid the way you run your company. The first focuses on proven approaches to recruiting and retaining employees. The second is part two of WWJ’s series on strategies to boost your business. This installment details reevaluating the market. The September issue will also include part two of the publication’s series on groundwater issues in the United States, columns by industry experts, and departments providing you the latest news on the industry. It’s an issue you don’t want to miss. Look for it soon!

Card No./ Page

BOREHOLE GEOPHYSICAL LOGGING SYSTEMS

JOURNAL

A.Y. McDonald Mfg. (800) 292-2737 www.aymcdonald.com B&B Chlorination tbehr76355@bellsouth.net www.bbchlor.com Baker Mfg., Water Systems Division (800) 523-0224 www.bakermfg.com Better Water Industries (507) 247-5929 www.betterwaterind.com Boshart Industries (800) 561-3164 www.boshart.com CCV Engineering & Mfg. (800) 671-0383 www.ariesccv.com Central Mine Equipment (800) 325-8827 www.cmeco.com Chlorinators (800) 327-9761 www.regalchlorinators.com Cotey Chemical (806) 747-2096 www.coteychemical.com Eno Scientific (910) 778- 2660 www.enoscientific.com Flomatic Corp. (800) 833-2040 www.flomatic.com Franklin Electric (260) 824-2900 www.franklin-electric.com

Card No./ Page

*Aquifer Properties* *Screen Location*

*Deviation* *Video*

*Flow* *ELog*

MATRIX PORTABLE GROUND WATER LOGGER

st

Mount Sopris Instruments, 4975 E. 41 Ave., Denver, CO 80216 ph: 303.279.3211 fx: 303.279.2730 www.mountsopris.com Circle card no. 28

Water Well Journal August 2011 75/

CLOSING

TIME

The National Ground Water Association had a presence at a drilling conference in Europe for the third time in recent years. NGWA Director of Publications and Information Products and Water Well Journal Editor Thad Plumley attended GeoDrilling 2011 on June 7-8 in Peterborough, England. NGWA was one of 53 exhibitors in the exhibit hall at the East of England Showground and Plumley met with many of the just more than 1000 attendees. The event, which also featured speakers discussing innovations and developments in drilling both days, strengthened that NGWA is truly becoming an international association. Plumley met with many people interested in becoming NGWA members, WWJ subscribers, and Ground Water Expo attendees. In fact, he said he’s made a mental note to bring more free copies of WWJ next time—he ran out hours before the show reached its conclusion!

Attendees were treated to an outdoor exhibit area where many rig and heavy machinery manufacturers displayed their equipment.

The two-day conference portion featured 54 presentations. Here, Edward Thompson of ICAX discusses integrating renewable technologies to double the performance of heat pumps.

The entrance to the event at the East of England Showground featured a Dando rig built for the British Army.

The exhibit hall was open during all of the conference’s hours and featured 53 exhibitors.

“Closing Time” is the page of Water Well Journal that showcases—you! It will always feature a few pictures of people at work at job sites around the world. Please send in photos and brief descriptions and you just

76/ August 2011 Water Well Journal

may be the subject on the last page of an issue of WWJ. And remember, if your photo is selected as the cover image of WWJ, you receive $250. If your photos are selected, you will be

asked to fill out a photo disclaimer form that grants the National Ground Water Association the royalty-free right to display the photos. Please send high-resolution digital photos to tplumley@ngwa.org.

waterwelljournal.com

Sometimes Tight Spots call for Tracks Instead of Trucks When mounted on our CME-300 remote controlled tracked carrier, the CME55 can get into tight locations not accessible to a truck mounted rig.. The rugged planetary drives and triple walking beam suspension also allow this machine to climb hills, traverse mud, sand, rocks, and snow…all while your operator’s feet are planted firmly on the ground. Of course the rubber tracks will not damage most pavement, so you can also use this rig anywhere you might use a truck mounted drill. We designed the CME-300 tracked carrier specifically for carrying drill rigs, so there are no compromises. It has the best center of gravity for both driving and drilling. And you won’t find a more rugged carrier in its class. Once you get to the site, the CME-55 can give you up to 9,400 foot pounds of torque and 28,275 pounds of retract force. It’s available with all the features you need to get the job done as efficiently as possible. Like in/out and sideways slide bases, angle drilling, automatic SPT hammer, auger racks, tool boxes and more. And for low clearance jobs, the CME55LC can also be mounted on this carrier. Give us a call and find out how the CME-55 on the CME-300 carrier can get you in (and out) of a tight spot.

q

CENTRAL MINE EQUIPMENT COMPANY 4215 Rider Trail North, Earth City (St. Louis), MO. 63045 1-314-291-7700 • 1-800-325-8827 • FAX: 314-291-4880 E-mail: info@cmeco.com • Website: www.cmeco.com

Circle card no. 7

Circle card no. 26

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.