What process is used to prevent aquifer contamination from well bores?

The process used to prevent aquifer contamination from well bores involves the decommissioning and plugging of the well bore. When a well is no longer in use or needs to be abandoned, proper decommissioning includes filling the well with appropriate materials to prevent any pathways for contaminants to enter the aquifer. This is critical because an improperly abandoned well can allow surface water, which may be contaminated, to travel down the well casing and affect the aquifer.

Decommissioning and plugging involve sealing off the well from the aquifer and ensuring that the materials used to fill the well are suitable for maintaining the integrity of the surrounding environment. This practice is essential in areas where the groundwater is a source of drinking water or is otherwise environmentally sensitive.

While surveillance of groundwater levels, dewatering before construction, and regular water quality testing are vital components of a comprehensive groundwater management strategy, they do not directly prevent contamination from occurring via an abandoned or poorly sealed well bore. Instead, these activities are more about monitoring and managing water resources rather than directly addressing the integrity of well caps and seals that protect aquifers.