Corrosion of Water Wells

This chapter focuses on the corrosion issues related to commonly used water well casing and screen materials (carbon steel, alloy, and stainless steels). The various types of corrosion that are generated from contact between water well components and groundwater include electrochemical, crevice, and galvanic corrosion and stray electrical current or microbially influenced corrosion. The environment around a metal surface, including both the chemical and physical properties of the water, controls the corrosion rate. The chapter discusses the factors to consider when evaluating corrosion data. The major design choices that can have a significant effect on corrosion within the well are well screen placement, casing, well screen material selection, casing thickness, gravel pack choice, and operational factors. The chapter also outlines the troubleshooting aspects for well corrosion.