ABSTRACT
There is an extensive literature and body of unpublished and uncelebrated practical experience with prevention and removal of clogging conditions in water supply wells. There is a large parallel body of experience in corrosion prevention in oil field and marine engineering systems. These experiences are directly transferable to the design, operation, and maintenance of monitoring and pumping wells on environmental sites, with some exceptions. However, the quality of existing information varies greatly, and site consultants or managers should not proceed based on armchair research alone. Maintenance is best implemented from the beginning, but can be implemented after deteriorated wells have been rehabilitated to slow or prevent recurrence of the problem. Rehabilitation itself should be the last phase and last resort in the life cycle of a well system. Rehabilitation is frequently limited by environmental protection and safety factors when chemicals are present in the groundwater.
