Ecologically Responsible Groundwater Sampling Services
Groundwater is a valuable resource that supports ecosystems, agriculture, and urban development. It is also the primary source of drinking water for millions of people around the world. Water quality can be affected by a variety of factors, including natural processes and human activities such as agriculture, mining, and industrial processes.
CABENO is an environment-focused company that specializes in environmental monitoring services and remediation options. Groundwater sampling is a critical component of our environmental monitoring programs that aim to protect this valuable resource.
Capability in Field Service
Based on CABENO’s technical strengths in geology, hydrogeology, regulatory awareness, and sampling methodology experience, we currently conduct regular groundwater monitoring activities at multiple solid waste facilities, several industrial sites, and the occasional last minute large groundwater sampling event.
CABENO combines in-depth knowledge of the governing solid waste regulations chemistry, hydrogeology, and geology with practical “hands-on” groundwater sampling, surface water sampling and NPDES discharge sampling.
Low Flow Groundwater Sampling
Low flow groundwater sampling is a method that involves sampling water at low flow rates to minimize disturbance to the well or borehole. This technique is commonly used for wells and boreholes with low yields or with low hydraulic conductivity. Low flow sampling involves using a peristaltic pump or a bladder pump to pump water from the well or borehole at a low flow rate, typically around 100-500 ml per minute.
Low flow groundwater sampling is a technique that has several advantages over other methods of groundwater sampling. One of the main advantages of low flow sampling is that it minimizes disturbance to the well or borehole, which is important for obtaining accurate samples. By sampling at a low flow rate, the hydraulic gradient is maintained, and the natural stratification of the water column is preserved, ensuring that the sample is representative of the conditions in the well or borehole.
Another advantage of low flow sampling is that it can improve sample representativeness by minimizing the introduction of surface water, which can contaminate the sample. This is particularly important in wells and boreholes that are located in areas with high levels of surface water or in wells that are screened in aquifers with complex stratification.
Bladder Pump Groundwater Sampling
Bladder pump groundwater sampling is a widely used method for obtaining representative water samples from wells and boreholes. This technique involves a submersible pump that is lowered into a well or borehole to collect water samples. The bladder pump operates by using compressed air to inflate a bladder, which creates a vacuum that draws water into the pump. Once the pump is full, the bladder is deflated, and the water sample is ejected from the pump into a sample bottle.
Bladder pumps are available in a range of sizes to suit different well diameters and water depths. They are also capable of sampling at different flow rates, which allows for the collection of samples under different hydraulic conditions. The use of bladder pumps can minimize disturbance to the well or borehole, which is important for obtaining accurate samples.
Bladder pumps are well suited for sampling wells with low to moderate yields. They are not recommended for high-yield wells because they can cause excessive drawdown, which can introduce contaminants from the surrounding formation. The use of bladder pumps is also limited to wells with relatively low turbidity because they are not equipped with a filter to remove suspended solids.
Peristaltic Pump Groundwater Sampling
Peristaltic pump groundwater sampling is another widely used method for obtaining water samples from wells and boreholes. This technique involves a peristaltic pump that uses a series of rollers to squeeze a flexible tube, which creates a vacuum that draws water into the pump. Once the pump is full, the tube is released, and the water sample is ejected from the pump into a sample bottle.
As with bladder pumps, peristaltic pumps are also available in a range of sizes to suit different well diameters and water depths, are capable of sampling at different flow rates, and can minimize disturbance to the well or borehole, which is important for obtaining accurate samples.
Peristaltic pumps are well suited for sampling the same types of wells that bladder pumps are well suited for. And like bladder pumps, they are limited to wells with relatively low turbidity because they are not equipped with a filter to remove suspended solids.
Why Choose CABENO?
At CABENO, we are goal-oriented and always focused on the success of our client’s project. Our approach includes understanding the client’s facility, utilizing established field-tested systems for coordinating and monitoring activities, and direct communication between the client and the sampling crew.
Our efficient and proven management process significantly reduces the amount of time the client spends overseeing these tasks, allowing them to focus on the overarching strategic issues for their facilities. In order for our team to meet our objectives, the CABENO team must effectively communicate with the client, understand the “big picture” for the project site, and be sensitive to the regulator’s perception of the facilities.
How CABENO Achieves Excellence
At CABENO, we believe in addressing issues before they become major problems. For example, if we notice the presence of gas, a broken pump, free product, or compromised well integrity, we will bring the issue to the client’s attention immediately. We will also provide options to address the issue—for instance, bailing if the pump is broken, repairing the well, or planning for earlier notification to shut down leachate pumps prior to sampling.
We are not just on site to collect samples. We view ourselves as client advocates and we are always ready to implement the best solutions, as well as defend them with scientifically and legally supportable data. When you are in need of environmental services, including water or soil sampling, reach out to CABENO for industry-leading service and proven results.
