EP 1110-1-27
27 Jan 00
(1) Filter and other water treatment clogging occur due to constituents pumped from wells that
supply the treatment plants. Some of this is unavoidable, but others, such as biofouling buildup, can be
minimized by preventive maintenance actions at the well source.
(2) Hydraulic losses due to clogging occur that can be prevented and mitigated in the same way
by maintenance activities at the well source and preventive engineering design that reduces choke points
and permits line service.
(3) Perhaps most costly of all is a situation where the project's objectives (ground water cleanup)
are not achieved or delayed due to preventable well field problems.
d. The extent of O&M monitoring must be determined. Chapter 2 reviews testing recommended
and minimum data elements needed to define conditions that could cause well system clogging and
corrosion. Chapter 3 defines the historical background needed to establish trends. Once a baseline of
information on site hydrogeology, biogeochemistry, and operations is established, and trends become
apparent through scheduled monitoring (Chapter 5), the level of effort appropriate to detect deteriorating
conditions can be established.
4-2. Quarterly Review of Site Performance Data
a. Schedule of performance review. At a minimum, projects should review performance and other
maintenance monitoring data (Chapter 2) regularly. Doing so quarterly is a common recommendation and
fits into typical project review schedules. At this time project's operational team reviews data and
operational information to answer the questions: "Where do we stand now?" and "What do we expect to
happen?"
b. Personnel versatility. A review of the range of information required for baseline well field
maintenance monitoring (Chapter 2) shows that it is multidisciplinary. It is highly recommended that the
project involve personnel experienced in well field maintenance information review and interpretation.
Such persons (or a team of persons) should be conversant with all of the following sections. Desirable
qualifications of personnel should be incorporated in bid specifications if O&M contractors are to be
expected to comply with them.
4-3. Baseline and Historical Data for Wells/Site
a. Background. Chapters 2 and 3 outline necessary baseline and historical well and site
information and how it should be managed to facilitate O&M planning. A crucial element is the
availability of historical information and the means to interpret that information. If possible, information
should be available extending back to site characterization studies and forward to the present to aid in
evaluation of processes and activities affecting the maintenance of the well system. O&M personnel can
predict trends based on data gathered during troubleshooting, but uncertainty is higher than with actual
historical data.
b. Historical data management. An essential element in this process is a data management system
that permits the detailed tabulation, plotting, cross-reference, and statistical analysis of a broad range of
information as described in Section 2-10. A system that stores and permits the easy retrieval and cross-
referencing of a variety of information without artificial topical boundaries helps human troubleshooters
and planners to see patterns that may not be immediately obvious. This archive may be physical and the
retrieval system a knowledgeable human, or on a computer. Project data systems should permit:
4-2
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