DEEP WELL DEWATERING

 

Groundwater control is a fundamental part of many construction or mining projects where excavation must be made below groundwater level. As described in a previous blog, groundwater control can be achieved by pumping (where groundwater levels are temporarily lowered to allow excavation) or by exclusion methods (where low permeability cut-off walls are used to keep water out of the excavation).

Several methods can be used for groundwater control by pumping (commonly known as dewatering). The most common types of groundwater control by pumping are – in order of sophistication:

sump pumping;

wellpoints;

deep wells; and

eductor wells.

Other methods are also available, including electro-osmosis, horizontal wells and relief wells, but these are much less commonly used.

This blog discusses deep well dewatering for construction dewatering and mine dewatering projects.