scope:

Chapter 1 is an overview of the occurrence and behavior of groundwater, including the geology, hydrologic cycle, and aquifer characteristics that define groundwater flow.

Chapter 2 is an overview of the process to evaluate aquifers and water quality to allow engineers, hydrogeologists and administrators to make decisions on aquifer use. Aquifer tests to define water availability and quality are also presented.

Chapter 3 is an extension of chapter 2 that covers the areas of groundwater protection and management, like source water protection efforts and land use controls.

Chapter 4 outlines the type and construction of wells that can be used for water supplies for utilities.

Chapter 5 demonstrates the use of the standard groundwater equations to evaluate wellfields and develop computer modeling. An outline of common modeling software is included.

Chapter 6 describes the types of pumps used in well applications, maintenance requirements, pump problems and solutions to those problems.

If wells are constructed as discussed in chapter 4, they should be operated, as defined in chapter 7, and the problems likely to be encountered, as well as plugging and fouling problems and their correction, are also discussed. Microbiological fouling is a major topic discussed in detail in this chapter, as it has been found to be a major issue throughout the world, albeit one that is not commonly understood.

Chapter 8 presents issues associated with water quality and contaminant transport resulting from organic, inorganic, and bacteriological pollution; the methods to test and monitor these problems; and treatment methods to maintain the water supply quality and reduce maintenance costs.

Chapter 9 summarizes water treatment issues arising from groundwater sources. The discussion is not meant to be exhaustive of the treatment options available but is instead intended to describe common treatment options that the operators, engineers, and administrators of water supply agencies should be aware of.

Chapter 10 discusses the record-keeping used with wells and wellfields systems. These records provide utility personnel with insight into the occurrence of problems and long-term trends.

Chapter 11 presents emerging groundwater technologies such as aquifer storage and recovery, artificial recharge, and salinity barriers.

This manual should help operators and engineers gain enough background on the subject of groundwater to improve their decision making. The manual should help these professionals answer many of their questions about complex aquifer systems and improve their response to problems. The Groundwater Committee is hopeful that the new edition will meet the industry needs of the new millennium and will be as useful as the prior editions have been.