Groundwater Monitoring Services

Low-flow sampling

Low-flow sampling services are available for both shallow (<6m depth) and deep (up to 100m) boreholes. The low flow pumping methodology displaces water from wells into the sample containers minimising disturbance to the water in the borehole. This results in more accurate and representative data, and is the methodology typically prescribed by the Environment Agency.  Low-flow sampling also allows measurement of key groundwater parameters in real-time. Waterman uses the In-Situ AquaTroll 500 for this purpose which generates a full report of the key parameter results.

Waterman owns and maintains our low flow sampling equipment and have significant experience in collection of groundwater using this method.

Benefits:

This technique minimises well disturbance, resulting in more representative water samples and is favoured by the Environment Agency.

AquaTroll reports can form a key evidence base for both water conditions at your site, and for demonstrating sample collection is in line with best-practice and achieving the highest level of accuracy

Bio-bailer sampling

This is simplest and most practical solution to sample groundwater from a borehole. Bio-bailers comprise a hollow plastic tube which is lowered into the borehole attached to a cord.  As the sampling tip enters the water a non-return value allows water to enter the tube. Waterman can complete bailer sampling in-line with CL:AIRE and regulatory best practice guidance, however it should be noted that this methodology is not preferred by the Environment Agency.

Benefits:

Cost-effective solution for groundwater sampling from wells of any depth, particularly where there is a small volume of water in the well.

Allows for the collection of floating oil if this is present the borehole.

Minimal equipment requirements.

HydraSleeve Sampling

Hydrasleeves are an alternative methodology to bio-bailers, designed to passively capture water from a borehole. Unlike bio-bailers, HydraSleeves utilise a ‘set-and-forget’ design. The HydraSleeve is lowered into the water column to be sampled, and left in position throughout the interval between monitoring visits. The design of the Hydrasleeve allows water to filter through the sleeve with no change in water level, and minimal disturbance to the water column. This allows for a more representative sample to accumulate within the sleeve, ready to be withdrawn from the well once sample collection is required.

Benefits:

Allows sampling with minimal disturbance to water column, when compared to bio-bailers.

Effective in wells where groundwater inflow is too slow for low-flow or bio-bailer utilisation.