Groundwater Wells - Clara Walker

Groundwater wells are the primary source of water for many Canadian households [1]^[2].

Parts of a well system. ^[3]

The Pump
The most common pump for groundwater wells is the jet pump, which is mounted above ground and uses suction to pull the water up from the water table. This suction is a partial vacuum caused by a motor and air pressure. Water gets pulled up the well casing, and enters the storage tank. There are two types of jet pump, one for a shallow-well system, and the other for a deep-well system. Deep-well systems are primarily for communities, whereas shallow-well systems are for individual houses ^[4].

Comparison of Pump Systems. ^[5]

The Storage Tank
The storage tank holds the water until it is used. It operates on pressure, filling to a set pressure point, and emptying to another set pressure point. As water is released from the tank, the pressure falls, and the pump sucks up more water to replenish the tank ^[6].

Exterior of storage tank. ^[7]

Did you know?
1. Roughly 25% of Canadians use private water systems, mostly in rural areas ^[8].
2. Ground water must be filtered and treated. Chlorination is not the only way to treat it; other methods include ozonation and ultraviolet disinfection ^[9].
3. There are three ways to make a well: dig it, drive it, or drill it ¹⁰.

Issues
Contamination: Do not allow spills or leakage near the well, and be sure to locate the septic tank away from the well ^[11].
Testing: Ground water must be tested to ensure it has not been contaminated ^[12].
Priming: The pump needs to be primed before use - this means manually creating the suction beforehand ^[13].

Sources:
1. Canadian Water and Wastewater Association, "Frequently Asked Questions," ^{Private Water Supplies}, 2009, http://www.cwwa.ca/faqprivate_e.asp (accessed November 2, 2009.)

2. Wellcare, "Well Components: Your Well Tank," 2005, http://www.royallpumpandwell.com/education/Well%20Tank.pdf (accessed November 2, 2009.)

3. Image: http://www.inspect-ny.com/water/JetPump2Line010DFs.jpg

4. Thomas Klenck, "Popular Mechanics," How it Works: Water Well Pump, May 1997, http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/how_your_house_works/1275136.html?page=2 (accessed November 2, 2009.)

5. Image: http://www.popularmechanics.com/content/imageview.cfm?img=http%3A//media.popularmechanics.com/images/lg_3251_2_lg.gif&caption=

6. Wellcare

7. Image: http://www.lakeaustinpumps.com/Images/well-tank-and-Goulds-pump--WEB.jpg

8. Canadian Water and Wastewater Association

9. Ibid

10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Drinking Water," Well Basics, April 10, 2009, http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/wells/basics.html (accessed November 2, 2009.)

11. Canadian Water and Wastewater Association

12. Ibid

13. Ibid

Septic Systems - Clara Walker

Septic systems are a great way to treat wet waste from a household and then return the safe waste to the groundwater system. The systems are comprised of two main areas, the septic tank, and the leaching bed. 1

The general processes of the system. 2

Septic Tank
The separation of liquids and solids occurs in the septic tank. 3 The tank is a watertight container buried underground, and provincial regulations impose the size specifications. 4 As the waste water enters the tank, the solids (sludge) sink, and the lighter materials (scum) rise to the surface. Some of this organic matter is eaten by anaerobic bacteria. Then the partially treated wastewater is displaced, by new waste, into the leaching bed to continue in the purification process. 5

Components of a tank. 6

Leaching Bed
The leaching bed, or septic field, is a soil filter made up of a network of trenches and distribution pipes. A biomat layer (bacteria slime) in the trenches consume the organic matter. This bacteria also reacts with the ammonia nitrogen to form nitrate nitrogen, which is less harmful and less toxic. Other viruses and bacteria in the waste are simply filtered out. 7 Oxygen plays an important role in these processes, so to ensure proper circulation nothing can be built on top of the septic field. 8 From here, the water seeps through the soil and into the water table for reuse. 9

The location of the leaching bed. 10

Did you know?
1) Roughly a quarter of Canadian homes use a septic system, mostly in rural areas. 11
2) Most septic system failure occurs when the soil will not allow any more moisture to pass through. To avoid this, divert run off water away from the septic field. 12
3) Trees planted on top of the septic field can damage the filtration system, but the nutrients are beneficial to smaller plant life. 13

Issues
Clogging: When the slime and sludge build up and interfere with the system flow, the septic tank will need pumping to remove the clog. It is recommended that this happens every five years. 14
Freezing: With little usage in the colder months, the tank can freeze. To prevent this, insulate the tank, or maintain a consistent level of water flow. 15
Water supply contamination: Do not place the septic system near a water supply, like a river or a well. 16


Sources:

1. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, "Your Septic System," 2008, http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/gemare/gemare_009.cfm (accessed October 25, 2009).

2. Image: Ibid

3. Ibid

4. Prince Edward Island Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry, "Septic Systems," October 20, 2006, http://www.gov.pe.ca/envengfor/index.php3?number=43823 (accessed October 25, 2009).

5. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

6.Image: http://www.esse-environmental.com/images/septic_system.jpg

7. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

8. Corey Tournet, "Septic Secrets," July 2000, http://www.elements.nb.ca/Theme/health/corey/septic.htm (accessed October 25, 2009).

9. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

10. Image: Ibid

11. Corey Tournet

12. Ibid

13. Prince Edward Island Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry

14. Corey Tournet

15. Ibid

16. Prince Edward Island Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry