Anyone working on building or remodeling projects needs to be aware of the properties of aquifers, especially when it comes to managing groundwater. Understanding an aquifer’s thickness, depth, and productivity can help guarantee a steady supply of water and avert problems like flooding or contaminated water.
An aquifer’s thickness, or the vertical distance between its upper and lower boundaries, should be measured first. Usually, geological surveys and well drilling are used for this measurement. Planning for the extraction and use of water requires an accurate assessment of the aquifer’s storage capacity, which can be obtained by measuring its thickness.
An additional important consideration is the depth of an aquifer. This represents the separation between the aquifer’s uppermost point and the ground. The type of drilling equipment required and the viability of accessing the aquifer for water extraction can both be determined with the help of depth. Assessing the possible risks of contamination from surface activities is also aided by it.
And last, an aquifer’s productivity—or its capacity to produce water—is a crucial factor in building projects. Pump tests, in which water is extracted at a controlled rate and the resulting water levels are tracked, are typically used to measure this. An aquifer with high productivity can deliver a steady supply of water, which is essential for long-term use and construction.
Construction and renovation projects can be more effectively planned and managed if these characteristics of an aquifer are accurately understood and measured. This prevents future problems by guaranteeing that water resources are used sustainably and effectively.
| Aspect | Explanation |
| Thickness | Measure the distance from the top to the bottom of the aquifer. Use a drilling rig to take samples at various depths to identify the start and end points of the water-bearing layer. |
| Depth | Determine how far the aquifer is located below the ground surface. This can be done using drilling methods or by studying geological surveys that map out subsurface structures. |
| Productivity | Assess the rate at which the aquifer can yield water. This involves pumping tests where water is extracted over a period of time, and the flow rate is measured to evaluate the aquifer"s capacity. |
- What are aquifers?
- By depth
- By characteristics
- How to find an aquifer
- Collection of information
- Study of indirect signs
- Using devices
- Video description
- Exploration drilling
- Video on the topic
- The task is how many times to reduce the power of the pump + questions from Chekhov and Conan Doyle + d.h. from the viewer
- How to calculate the power of electrical appliances. Training video.
- Power
- Mirror of Water. Static And Dynamic Water Level In A Well.
- Estimated capacity of the facility / PROdesigner – #1
- PUMP PERFORMANCE | HOW TO FIND OUT
What are aquifers?
The composition of the soil in the cut is incredibly varied. Its layers are organized into horizontal layers with varying densities. While some of them have a good ability to pass water through themselves, others have very little or none at all, making them waterproof. Drilling water wells makes aquifers extremely visible, and if you go deep, you can assess the composition of every layer.
By depth
Groundwater is separated into various categories as it recedes from the earth’s surface.
- Verkhovodka – at a depth of 3-5 m.
The volume of this extremely erratic layer of water is directly correlated with the season and precipitation levels. It can dry up during protracted droughts or periods of active water intake, and precipitation is the only thing that can restore it. They absorb the pollutants on their path as they permeate the soil. It is strictly prohibited to use perennial water for drinking if there are nearby industrial facilities, wide roads, cesspools, barnyards, or cemeteries. Because such water is saturated with oxygen, microorganisms actively multiply in it, increasing the danger.
- Groundwater – at a depth of 6-8 to 40 m.
This layer sits atop a clay-shaped aquifer that receives water seeping through the soil from both the earth’s surface and natural reservoirs.
When drilling a well, it can be challenging to locate the aquifer and distinguish it from groundwater by looking at perennial water. In order to accomplish this, you must accurately ascertain the water’s apparent depth and assess its quality. The water gets cleaner the further it is from the surface because it contains less oxygen and is better filtered as it passes through sand dunes.
- Artesian waters – at a depth of 70 m.
Since atmospheric precipitation cannot reach the aquifers situated between water-resistant horizons, the water at great depths that is shielded from biological pollution by an impenetrable "lid" is oversaturated with mineral elements instead of biological pollutants. Large volumes and stability, regardless of the time of year or weather, are characteristics of artesian waters, also known as interstratal waters. Drilling and running an artesian well requires a license because the state protects these underground water layers as natural resources.
By characteristics
When preparing to drill or dig a well, you must locate an aquifer and ascertain its properties:
- depth of occurrence – to estimate the volume of work and the amount of materials for arranging the source;
- productivity in the form of the volume of water that can be obtained per unit of time – to understand whether it is enough for your needs;
- amplitude of water fluctuations depending on the season (for groundwater).
Without this information, you risk wasting time and money and not getting the desired outcome.
How to find an aquifer
When it comes to drilling, studying the earth’s layers in chronological order is the most dependable method of looking for water. It also makes it possible to precisely ascertain the aquifer’s thickness, productivity, and depth.
Collection of information
There are less complicated and costly alternatives to exploratory drilling.
- Study of existing sources.
It suffices to speak with the owners of any nearby residential buildings that have an independent water supply to find out about their well’s depth, flow rate, water quality, and seasonal variations in level.
- Contacting organizations involved in drilling wells in your area.
They most likely have information on aquifers, soil composition, and other relevant topics.
- Studying the map of aquifer occurrence.
However, these approaches are all too "large-scale." Similar to rivers, earth’s aquifers can resemble a vein or channel that is best to enter; otherwise, the source runs the risk of drying up over time. Consequently, natural cues and folk signs are used to locate well sites.
Study of indirect signs
It was not possible for our ancestors to study maps that showed portions of the earth’s crust or to drill tens of meters into the ground. They made use of both natural phenomena and their own observations. This information is still applicable today.
The most noticeable indications that groundwater is nearby are patches of moist vegetation and patches of fog that form in the morning or evening. The water is closer when the fog is denser. Thickets of lingonberries, nettles, blackberries, wild rosemary, coltsfoot, and wild sorrel are among the best plant indicators. The most water-loving trees are willow, birch, alder, and willow.
Additionally, you can observe animals. For instance, in hot weather, chickens lay their eggs in the driest spots that are furthest from water, while dogs dig holes for themselves in the wettest and coolest spots. Where the aquifer is shallow, you will never find an anthill, but in the evenings, the midges will squabble over this spot.
Many still believe that dowsing, which involves looking for water with a willow vine or a metal frame, is the most accurate method of locating a water vein. However, a sizable portion of the public views it with skepticism, viewing it as either a fraud or a sort of magical ritual.
If you’d like, you can research these techniques and watch videos to see if they’re a good fit for you.
Using devices
The question of how to calculate the depth of an aquifer can be answered with the aid of basic tools like a compass and a barometer.
If there is water nearby, an aneroid barometer will be useful.
- First, measure the pressure near the water itself.
- Then they move with the barometer to the point where they plan to drill a well or dig a well, and take readings again.
- Determine the difference between the readings and multiply it by a factor of 10.
- The resulting value is the depth of the aquifer from the surface of the earth.
For instance, if the barometer’s rifle started to indicate that the reservoir’s column is smaller than the barometer’s, then the water is at a depth of 8 meters, giving an error of up to 1 meter.
An aquifer’s thickness, depth, and productivity must be determined in order to manage water resources effectively. Homeowners and builders can guarantee a dependable water supply for a range of applications, including irrigation and drinking, by being aware of these crucial factors. The process entails precise measurement of the aquifer’s dimensions and capacity through the use of geological surveys, drilling tests, and water quality assessments. An efficient and economical use of water is ultimately the result of well-informed decisions regarding sustainability and well placement, which are aided by proper evaluation.
Video description
Watch the video to learn how to use a compass to determine depth:
Exploration drilling
All the techniques mentioned above work well when you are not confined to one location. However, since a source should be placed inside the site’s boundaries, nearer the house, and away from other "hot spots," there are typically not many places on the property where one can set one up.
Water is actually present everywhere; the only uncertainty is the depth of the aquifer. A standard garden drill, which lengthens with use, can be used to determine the ideal location for a well or sand well if you are not trying to dig an artesian well. Wet coarse sand is a sign that water is nearby.
Anyone working on building or renovating projects needs to know the aquifer’s thickness, depth, and productivity. A precise evaluation of these variables guarantees a dependable and adequate water supply for your requirements. Geological surveys, well logs, and contemporary technology can all help you obtain a comprehensive understanding of what is below the surface.
The vertical extent of the aquifer is referred to as thickness, and depending on where you live, it can vary significantly. Determining the thickness facilitates estimating the available water volume. Depth plays an equally important role in determining how far down the aquifer needs to be drilled. This affects the viability and cost of getting groundwater.
The material composition and the availability of recharge sources are two examples of factors that affect productivity, or the aquifer’s capacity to yield water. A high productivity allows for increased water extraction without prematurely depleting the aquifer. Pump tests can be used to test the productivity of the aquifer and provide a reasonable estimate of its performance.
You can make well-informed decisions that will ultimately benefit your project by carefully investigating and testing these aspects. Evaluating an aquifer’s productivity, depth, and thickness properly guarantees the sustainable and effective use of groundwater resources. This information not only helps your ongoing project but also preserves the supply of water for later use.
