Research Needs in Well Hydraulics

In this paper research needs for the well hydraulics area are presented in response to the challenges as a result of the emergence of new problems in the area of ground water. Degradation of ground water with reference to its quality and quantity has posed serious problems of environmental concerns which must be addressed. The topics recommended for further research are related to the water-bearing aquifers, gravel packs, well screens, casing pipes, pumping equipment, aquifer leakage, aquifer compressibility, land subsidence, influence of nearby streams, effects of multiplicity of pumped wells, effects of impermeable barriers, configuration of flow field in the well-aquifer system, incrustation of water wells, and corrosion of water wells. Each one of the topics enumerated above is discussed independently and its research needs are pointed out as affected by the use of ground water. For example, when the case of well screens is considered, it is pointed out that the screen materials need to withstand the incrustation and the corrosion effects of the ground water environments. Similarly, it is stated what research measures should be taken to optimize its efficiency, discharge, and other useful parameters; or, to minimize its most unwanted characteristics such as the head loss. In the same token, when the case of the effects of multiplicity of wells is discussed, it is stated that what kind of research activity should be entertained in this area so that optimal parameters are available to the design engineer for an appropriate solution to the given problem on hand. All in all, it is shown that a well can be designed quite safely such that the environments are protected in the absolute sense and that quality and quantity of the ground water are preserved and public needs of water usage are met adequately and that their health is maintained at best.