Design and Installation Challenges of Large and Deep Production Wells in South Florida

A new power plant in south Florida required more than 10,000 gallons per minute (gpm) of reliable groundwater supply for operation. Existing data collected during the design stage indicated poor water quality, especially in the deeper zone of the aquifer. Three production wells were designed, installed and tested on a tight schedule to facilitate plant startup. Each well can yield a minimum of 4,500 gpm. The wells are approximately 1,300 feet in depth and have 24 inch diameter fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) inner casings extending from the ground to approximately 1,000 feet below the ground surface. Each well produces groundwater from 23-inch diameter, 300-foot long open holes in the Upper Floridan Aquifer (UFA). Critical design considerations for the wells included adequate groundwater yield, water quality, cost and schedule. The complexity of the well design required onsite supervision by a qualified local hydrogeologist during critical phases and continuous Black & Veatch (B&V) oversight of all activities. A number of unexpected circumstances were encountered during the installation of the wells. This paper discusses the site hydrogeologic, water quality and aquifer yield conditions considered during the well design. The paper also highlights installation difficulties, as well as steps taken to overcome them.