How Groundwater Exploration Can Be Done
If you’ve ever watched an old movie where settlers are looking for water, you may have seen the characters use a dowsing rod. Also called “water witching,” dowsing is an antiquated method using a forked branch – when water is present, the rod appears to point downward. However, this practice has been disproven and mostly discarded in modern practices. With all of the advancements in locating groundwater reservoirs, there are several important factors considered. Hydro Resources, an expert in water well drilling, shares several ways how groundwater exploration can be done.
Looking for Liquid: Groundwater Exploration
Landscape
One indicator of groundwater is to look at the surrounding environment. Though many industries are located in seemingly desolate areas, the landscape provides several clues about water. Professionals look for signs such as native plant life to give them an idea about potential water surpluses. Locations like valleys or draws can also provide groundwater exploration teams a visual clue about the environment.
Geology
Rocks are the most significant natural indicator of water. Sedimentary rocks, which are made up of sand and small stones, are more porous than other types of rocks. This composition allows water to flow more easily through and between it. The presence of sedimentary rocks creates an ideal groundwater environment.
Science
Geologists and hydrogeologists consult existing geological maps to determine the makeup of an area’s environment. These plans are helpful in determining the best locations for water exploration, based on a variety of factors. Additionally, these maps assist water well designers in determining the right equipment and idea placement to maximize water production.
Technology
Mechanical advancements take the guesswork out of looking for water. Options, such as our surface hydrogeophysics equipment or state of the art exploratory drilling methods, help companies to save time and money when it comes to locating the best groundwater options. Technology has provided the water location industry a variety of options when it comes to efficiently identifying more productive areas for water.
Are you interested in the different ways how groundwater exploration can be done? Schedule a consultation with the team at Hydro Resources now.
Energy Industry Water Consumption
Many people assume that energy drillers merely dig a hole, and oil and gas instantly pop up from the ground. However, professionals with experience in the petroleum industry understand that water plays a pivotal role in the operations and drilling process. It is critical to work with a water well drilling company with extensive experience with energy industry water consumption needs.
Water and the Energy Sector
Water is an essential element in a variety of industries. The oil and gas sector is no different. When you need to establish a steady source of water for your energy company operations, an onsite water well helps you achieve a variety of objectives.
Mud Mixing
Water is a critical component of the vast majority of drilling muds, which are a staple in all oil and gas operations. Choosing to drill a water well onsite minimizes the need to install pipelines or truck in water, therefore reducing operating costs.
Hydraulic Fracturing
This process is also known as “fracking.” An oil formation is injected with pressurized liquid to fracture the formation, thus releasing oil and gas deposits. Water is a necessity when it comes to fracking. Without it, the entire operation wouldn’t be possible. The amount of water needed to complete fracking may be more than what trucks can bring in. Using a water well at your rig location saves time and money.
Pressure Control
Water is used as a means of maintaining pressure on the wellhead. A reliable, consistent water supply promotes safety and helps to minimize downtime due to lost pressure.
When you work with the professionals at Hydro Resources, know that your water needs are our top priority. We work with your team to ensure that we’re balancing your corporate goals with environmental stability. Safety is always a priority with Hydro Resources, for our employees and yours. Schedule a consultation with us today to see how an onsite water well can help you to manage energy industry water consumption.
Equipment Used in Groundwater Exploration
Unfortunately, it’s not likely that you can drill a hole in your property and instantaneously find water. There are a variety of scientific methods which are employed to determine the presence of water. Each technique implements specialty instruments used to fine-tune that process. Hydro Resources discusses several pieces of equipment used in groundwater exploration and explains how they simplify the process.
Tools of the Trade: Equipment Used in Groundwater Exploration
There are a variety of highly technological apparatuses that help professional water well drilling companies locate and drill for groundwater. When you choose to work with Hydro Resources, our exploration team provides you with several technology-based options that will help assess the availability of water at your location. Some of these methods include:
- Surface Geophysical: Hydrogeologists can identify water deposits and reservoirs deep below the earth’s surface by employing maps, collected historical data, and specialty tools. Our experienced professionals use electrical resistivity equipment to map water options and estimate the duration of your water supply. This method is relatively “non-invasive,” meaning that minimal digging is required.
- Well Logging: For more substantial results, your water exploration company may recommend well logging. Similar to logging in the oil and gas industry, water well logging uses equipment to capture a picture of the water formation from pre-existing water wells. An experienced logger can verify the best places to drill, as well as areas that may have dried up.
- Test Wells: In areas with no nearby water wells, a test well might be necessary to help assess water availability.
- Aquifer Testing: Also referred to as “slug” testing, water exploration companies will often use high-tech equipment to assess and monitor the flow of an existing aquifer. Hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, and storage are three tests that determine the quality of an aquifer.
Contact the Professionals at Hydro Resources
Though this is a simple explanation of the testing and equipment used in groundwater exploration, know that you can rely on the professionals at Hydro Resources. Our experienced team provides solutions to a variety of environments and industries. If you have questions about the equipment used during our exploration process, contact us today.
Agricultural Water Uses
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the agriculture industry accounts for approximately 80% of consumptive water use in the United States. Though this seems like a significant amount, there are a variety of agricultural water uses which explain this data.
Agricultural Water Uses in the United States
Types of Agricultural Water Uses
To the layperson, water is only used to irrigate crops for food use. However, there are a variety of other purposes that require quality water solutions. In addition to irrigation, the agriculture industry implements water to hydrate livestock, apply pesticides and fertilizers, and manage frosts during colder months. Without an adequate quantity of water, crops would be more difficult to grow, and livestock would suffer. It can be reasoned that below-average water solutions could contribute to reduced supply and an increase in pricing for end consumers.
Where Water in Agriculture Originates
The majority of agricultural water supplies originate from three sources: surface water, groundwater, and rain.
Surface Water: Some farms are fortunate enough to be located near an open water source such as a lake, river, or pond. However, surface water levels fluctuate considerably with drought conditions.
Groundwater: While water levels can fluctuate, they are far more stable as a sustainable source for agricultural water needs. However, accessing reservoirs requires specialty drilling and equipment.
Rainwater: It is difficult to rely solely on rain as a water source due to the ups and downs of Mother Nature. Rainwater gathering methods are highly beneficial, though they require experienced engineering to maximize the collection efforts.
How Hydro Resources Can Help
The experienced team at Hydro Resources evaluates water solutions based on your specific needs. Our professionals can conduct site visits and geophysical studies before drilling to create a tailor-made plan for sustainability and usage. At Hydro Resources, our experience can help you construct water solutions that maximize agricultural water uses and sources.
Are you looking to work with an experienced water well drilling company for your agricultural business? Hydro Resources is the right choice for you. In addition to providing exemplary support and service, we utilize a variety of state-of-the-art methods to meet your water needs. Schedule your consultation with Hydro Resources today.