Let’s talk about well construction for a moment. Ultimately, both the contractor and customer want a water well with a long service life. What does that take?

• Proper water well siting: States and localities, of course, may have siting requirements. For example, requiring a certain proximity from a septic field. A contractor’s judgment here is crucial. Considering several sites? Imagine what each might look like in 10, 20 or 30 years. Is the site still viable and serviceable?
• The right water well materials and construction: Materials have a big impact on lifespan. Depending on geology or local water, you may choose corrosion-resistant, non-reactive PVC. Other projects may call for steel casing or even Fiberglas. Beyond casing, contractors need to think of the quality of other materials and components: screen, pump, controls, sensors, even sand and gravel. Make sure each serves the goal of a long service life for the well.
• Regular inspection and maintenance: This helps end users ensure the safety of their water supply and to catch any potential issues before they become serious.
• Measured use: Over-pumping can cut a well’s lifespan.

Now that we have the basics laid out, we can add enhancements to well safety or capability. Let’s say your well’s end-user is a hospital, brewery or one of the hundreds of cannabis grow warehouses dotting some states. Some customers have exacting standards for:

• pH
• Bacteria, viruses and other pathogens
• Dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium
• Turbidity
• Temperature

Sensors available today can help well users monitor water qualities like these in real-time (often with a mobile app). Treatment solutions like filtration, chlorination, ozonation or reverse osmosis can kick in to adjust water to customer needs.

Then, we have water well innovations like:

• Solar pumps, which can ensure power to a well in remote or off-grid conditions, or as complementary power for critical wells.
• Smart meters, which can optimize flow, identify areas where water is wasted and otherwise help well owners manage water resources.
• Improved wellhead protection, which can better prevent contamination from the surface.

When people talk about water well innovations, these types of products lead the discussion. What improves the safety of a water well? What improves the reliability, capabilities or climate resilience of a water well? Contractors need to be prepared to answer these questions for their clients.

Well innovations depend on the basics: siting, materials, development and maintenance. Then, today’s customers can choose to upgrade or add to meet their specific needs. You may have customers who value clean laundry above all else. Other end-users may need exactly 6.4 pH, low dissolved minerals and the ability to get text alerts when water falls outside of those parameters.