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An introduction to Private Water Systems

Wells. Springs. Cisterns. An introduction to Private Water Systems. Private Water System Regulations. No state requirements for construction, maintenance, treatment, etc. No ownership of water “Reasonable use” of water allowed Little protection for existing sources

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An introduction to Private Water Systems

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  1. Wells Springs Cisterns An introduction to Private Water Systems

  2. Private Water System Regulations • No state requirements for construction, maintenance, treatment, etc. • No ownership of water • “Reasonable use” of water allowed • Little protection for existing sources • Deepest well and biggest pump wins

  3. Wells and Springs Utilize Groundwater Aquifers 40 inches of precipitation Well Recharge (12-15 inches) Spring Groundwater feeds streams Groundwater Flow Well Aquifer #1 Impermeable layer (aquitard) Aquifer #2

  4. Pennsylvania Aquifers • Sand and Gravel • Sandstone and Shale • Carbonate (Limestone) • Crystalline

  5. Sand and Gravel Aquifers • Along rivers and glaciated areas of northern PA • Shallow wells <100 ft • Large producing wells >100 gpm are common soil Sand and gravel

  6. Sandstone and Shale Aquifers • Dominate much of state • Most wells are 100-200 feet deep • Few large producing wells Some fractures sandstone shale sandstone

  7. Limestone (Carbonate) Aquifers • Valleys of central and southern PA • Large yield in fractures • Very hard water (lots of calcium) sinkhole Limestone

  8. Crystalline Aquifers • Southeast PA • Very dense rock, few fractures • Low yields (1 to 20 gpm) • Soft, acidic water soil Small fractures Dense rock

  9. Natural Groundwater Fluctuations Fluctuations and drought susceptibility greater in shallow wells and springs Ground Surface Spring recharge Fall recharge Summer Deeper Underground

  10. How Does a Well Work? No pumping “static water level” 150 gallons in a 6” well with 100 feet of water Water stored in borehole Submersible pump

  11. When the Well is Pumped Drawdown Water flows into the well from the surrounding rock The “sustained yield” tells us how much water we can pump over a long time

  12. Why do Wells Go Dry? • Decreased recharge • Drought • Land use change • Increased pumping • Population growth • New users • Well structure • Natural aging • Pump

  13. Monitoring Groundwater Levels http://pa.water.usgs.gov/durplots/well_duration.html

  14. Springs Occur where groundwater comes to the surface Spring

  15. Properly sealing a spring box helps to prevent contamination by surface water, insects, or animals Example of a Poorly Sealed Spring

  16. Components of Proper Spring Development • Collection system to concentrate flow • Reinforced and sealed concrete spring box • Easily accessible for emptying and cleanout • Method of disinfection (if necessary)

  17. Spring Considerations They are susceptible to drought Most (> 75%) contain bacterial contamination and will need disinfection treatment (including roadside springs!) They are more easily contaminated by surface activities – watch land uses around spring

  18. What is a Cistern? A tank that collects and stores rainwater for household or other uses WHAT IS A CISTERN? to house

  19. Utilized in areas where all groundwater is heavily polluted – especially common in mining areas Design based on $$, rainfall, roof size, water needs Minimum recommended size is 5,000 gallons Locate above or below ground near the home Facts About Cisterns

  20. Cistern Maintenance • All require treatment • Disinfection • Corrosion prevention • Sediment removal / prevention • Only use approved materials on roof • Should be drained and cleaned periodically

  21. Private Water Systems in this Region

  22. Characteristics of Private Water Systems in this region

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