Glossary
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static or non-pumping water level -
the static water level is the level at which water
stands in a well when the water level is at equilibrium with atmospheric pressures. It is a
measure of the depth from the ground surface or top of the well casing to the water level.
sulfate-reducing bacteria -
microorganisms that break down the naturally occurring
sulfate in groundwater and produce hydrogen sulfide gas . Wells affected by this bacteria
will develop a rotten egg odor and a slimy deposit build-up on water pipes and plumbing
fixtures. Regular shock chlorination is usually very effective at controlling sulfate-reducing
bacteria in wells.
TDS - total dissolved solids -
the sum of all inorganic and organic substances dissolved in
water. Generally the lower the TDS level, the better the water quality.
water table -
the water surface or water level below which the pore spaces in soil and rock
are saturated with water.
water table aquifer -
a shallow aquifer confined only by atmospheric pressure.
well development -
the act of pumping and/or surging water or air in a well to remove
drilling mud and granular material from within the sand pack, borehole wall and aquifer
immediately adjacent to the perforated well screen or liner. The purpose is to clean the well
so that pumped water will be free of sediment and also to maximize the amount of water that
can be pumped from the well.
water well -
any artificial excavation constructed for the purpose of exploring for or
producing groundwater.
well yield -
the volume of water pumped from a well in gallons per minute.
wetland -
area that is regularly wet or flooded and has a water table that stands at or above
the land surface for at least part of the year, such as a marsh or bog.