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Glossary
discharge area
-
an area where groundwater emerges at the ground surface either
as a spring or seep, or into a surface water body because of the amount of pressure exerted
on the groundwater.
drawdown
-
a measure of the amount the water level drops in a well during pumping.
drilled wells
-
small diameter wells, usually 10-20 cm (4-8 in.) in diameter, which can be
completed to much greater depths than bored wells, up to several hundred meters.
fecal coliform
-
a type of coliform bacteria present in the intestinal tracts and feces of
warm- blooded animals and humans.
flowing well
-
a well where the water level is above the ground level and thus it flows out
on to the ground surface. The flow of these wells should be controlled so as not to deplete the
aquifer or cause surface flooding concerns.
fracture
-
a general term to describe a break or crack in rock formations. Rock formations
with more and larger fractures allow water to flow easily through them and supply water
for wells.
groundwater
-
all water under the ground surface that is contained in the soil and bedrock.
groundwater vulnerability
-
the sensitivity of a groundwater system to human and/or
natural impacts that could affect the supply and/or quality of groundwater.
grout
-
a sealing material of bentonite or cement used to create a sanitary seal in the
annular space between the borehole wall and the well casing. This prevents the vertical
movement of water that can contaminate a well.
hard water -
water containing a high level of calcium, magnesium and other minerals. Hard
water can result in a mineral scale buildup or incrustation on the well screen and perforated
openings into the well.
hydrologic cycle or water cycle -
the continuous circulation of water from the atmosphere
to the earth and back to the atmosphere including condensation, precipitation, runoff,
groundwater flow, evaporation and transpiration.
impermeable -
material such as soil or rock that does not allow fluids such as water to flow
through them.