Water Supply

“We will never know the value of water until the well runs dry” (Benjamin Franklin). GeoServices, Ltd. specializes in developing water resources for a variety of clients, from developers and gas drillers to public water suppliers. GeoServices, Ltd. routinely develops new water supply sources while working closely with state regulatory agencies and river basin commissions, such as the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC), the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC), and the Interstate Commission for the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB).

Aquifer Testing and Water Quality Services

GeoServices routinely completes pumping tests, gathers water quality data, and collects stream flow data as part of our quest to provide sustainable ground water and surface water sources.

GeoServices, Ltd. can meet all of your water supply needs. Please call us or click “Contact Us” above to request additional information.

Water Supply Services

We offer the following Water Supply services:

    Ground Water Supply

    GeoServices routinely locates and develops new ground water sources. The process of developing a new ground water supply source involves the following:

    • Well siting study
    • Ground water availability analysis
    • Aquifer testing and analysis
    • Water quality assessment
    • Permitting with the appropriate river basin commission (as needed) and with state regulatory agencies

    Developing New Ground Water Supply Sources

    GeoServices has been developing new ground water supply sources for more than 20 years. We have successfully located, drilled, tested, and permitted new water supply wells in a variety of geologic settings and have the experience to develop new ground water resources throughout the Northeast.

    Developing Bedrock Wells

    We have experience developing bedrock wells in sedimentary rocks, including carbonates, shales and sandstone, igneous and metamorphic rocks, as well as in unconsolidated alluvial or glacial materials. We are confident that we can meet your ground water supply needs.

    Surface Water Supply

    GeoServices’ scientists perform surface water evaluations to assess the sustainability of surface water withdrawals. This work has various applications, including the natural gas industry, public water suppliers, and golf courses, to name a few.

    Safe Yield Assessment

    GeoServices utilizes various technologies to assess critical stream flow parameters to determine the safe yield for surface water withdrawals. These parameters include the seven-day, ten-year low flow (Q7-10), the average daily flow (ADF or Qa), mean harmonic flow (Qh), and other low flow events. Additionally, surface water gaging stations, where available, may also be used to assess stream flow conditions and be used to predict the quantity of surface water available for withdrawal. GeoServices has also developed water resource optimization models to balance surface water withdrawals, ground water withdrawals, and reservoir storage to manage public water supplies.

    Passby Flow Determination

    GeoServices uses various methods to assess and determine appropriate passby flows that are protective of aquatic life. Passby flows may be determined through various methods, including use of the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM) and interaction with the Fish and Boat Commission.

    Permitting

    Public water supplies require permits. The extent of the permitting required is based on the volume of water withdrawn, the number of people a public water supply system serves, and the source of the water supply. Not only do public water supplies require permits, but permits are also required for the natural gas industry to withdraw water for fracing purposes. Regardless of the use of the water, GeoServices’ personnel are well versed in the permitting process and are capable of meeting your needs in a timely, cost-effective manner.

    Public Water Supply System

    Public water supply systems in Pennsylvania are classified as transient or non-transient and community or non-community public water supply systems. The designations are based on the number of people or connections served, as well as the length of time that these connections or people use this source. GeoServices works with all public water suppliers to ensure safe, sustainable sources and can aid in obtaining any public water supply permit needed.

    Ground Water Permitting

    GeoServices routinely works with river basin commissions, such as the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC), and state regulatory agencies such as the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) and Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to obtain the necessary permits for public water supply wells.

    Surface Water Permitting

    Withdrawals from surface water may require safe yield assessments, passby flow determinations, habitat loss assessment (using IFIM), average daily flow determinations, or other stream flow assessments to obtain a surface water withdrawal permit.

    Well Head Protection

    As development and urban sprawl continues to expand, ground water source protection becomes an issue of increasing importance. All new community, non-transient public water supply wells must have a Zone 1 wellhead protection area radius of 100 to 400 feet which is dependent on flow rate, open borehole length, and porosity of the aquifer. In developing any new well site, GeoServices’ personnel routinely consider Zone 1 wellhead protection areas.

    Wellhead Protection Area Delineation

    Beyond the Zone 1 wellhead protection area (WHPA), GeoServices’ geologists complete aquifer assessments to develop Zone 2 and Zone 3 wellhead protection areas. These delineations may be completed utilizing various methods, including the WHPA Code, WHAEM (Wellhead Analytical Element Model), Modflow, or volumetric flow equations. Which method is used depends on the hydrogeologic setting and the suitability of each method to the project’s needs.

    Wellhead Protection Program

    The information developed from the wellhead delineation may be incorporated into a Wellhead Protection Program, which is a voluntary program designed to protect the water resource through public participation, education, and prevention. GeoServices can aid in the development of such a program to help ensure the sustainability and reliability of water supply sources.

    Ground Water Protection Planning

    As development and urban sprawl continues to expand, ground water source protection becomes an issue of increasing importance. All new community, non-transient public water supply wells must have a Zone 1 wellhead protection area radius of 100 to 400 feet which is dependent on flow rate, open borehole length, and porosity of the aquifer. In developing any new well site, GeoServices’ personnel routinely consider Zone 1 wellhead protection areas.

    Wellhead Protection Area Delineation

    Beyond the Zone 1 wellhead protection area (WHPA), GeoServices’ geologists complete aquifer assessments to develop Zone 2 and Zone 3 wellhead protection areas. These delineations may be completed utilizing various methods, including the WHPA Code, WHAEM (Wellhead Analytical Element Model), Modflow, or volumetric flow equations. Which method is used depends on the hydrogeologic setting and the suitability of each method to the project’s needs.

    Wellhead Protection Program

    The information developed from the wellhead delineation may be incorporated into a Wellhead Protection Program, which is a voluntary program designed to protect the water resource through public participation, education, and prevention. GeoServices can aid in the development of such a program to help ensure the sustainability and reliability of water supply sources.

    Well Siting

    GeoServices, Ltd. has completed numerous well siting studies to identify areas that may be favorable for development of ground water resources. GeoServices can increase the probability of locating a well to achieve your desired yield.

    GeoServices, Ltd. has completed numerous well siting studies to identify areas that may be favorable for development of ground water resources. GeoServices can increase the probability of locating a well to achieve your desired yield.

    Regional Ground Water Evaluation

    The first step of a well siting study is to evaluate the regional geology and hydrogeology of the area. This includes the identification and consideration of the following:

    • Geologic formations that tend to be higher-producing aquifers
    • Potential contaminant sources
    • Large quantity withdrawals from the area to assess potential well interference
    • The impact of wetlands and species of concern on development of new wells
    • Zoning and current land use conflicts

    Geologic formations and their properties are identified. Recharge rates applicable to each formation are included to demonstrate the relative availability of ground water for the area.

    GeoServices searches several databases (DCNR, PaGWIS, SRBC, eFacts, and eMapPA) for existing wells and their yields to identify the impact of those wells on the study area. Identification of wetlands and species of concern is completed to identify any impact on well site development. Another database search is then completed to identify potential contaminant sites, which could impact well sites. Other assessments are made of zoning, current land use, and potential interference that future well sites may have on existing water supplies.

    Well Siting Study

    The purpose of the well siting study is to locate potential well sites to supply sufficient water to meet current and future water demands. A fracture trace analysis is completed on the study area. Fracture traces are linear features in fractured bedrock that often represent zones of higher permeability than are found in adjacent rocks.Fracture zones are potential pathways for enhanced movement of ground water, and wells drilled on those fracture traces are often more productive than wells drilled at random locations. Fracture traces are assessed using aerial photographs, high altitude photographs, on-line photos and light detection and ranging (LIDAR) images. A field survey is also completed to confirm the presence and strength of any features identified.

    Well sites are chosen based on the fracture trace analysis and field investigation. The sites are ranked based on the strength of the features observed, the geology of the well sites, wellhead protection radius availability, potential contaminant issues and other factors. A recommendation is then made for the site that should be drilled first. Upon selection of a well site or well sites, a sanitary survey with the state regulatory agency is completed.

    GeoServices has the experience and expertise required to meet your water supply needs. Please contact us for additional information.

    The first step of a well siting study is to evaluate the regional geology and hydrogeology of the area. This includes the identification and consideration of the following:

    • Geologic formations that tend to be higher-producing aquifers
    • Potential contaminant sources
    • Large quantity withdrawals from the area to assess potential well interference
    • The impact of wetlands and species of concern on development of new wells
    • Zoning and current land use conflicts

    Geologic formations and their properties are identified. Recharge rates applicable to each formation are included to demonstrate the relative availability of ground water for the area.

    GeoServices searches several databases (DCNR, PaGWIS, SRBC, eFacts, and eMapPA) for existing wells and their yields to identify the impact of those wells on the study area. Identification of wetlands and species of concern is completed to identify any impact on well site development. Another database search is then completed to identify potential contaminant sites, which could impact well sites. Other assessments are made of zoning, current land use, and potential interference that future well sites may have on existing water supplies.

    Well Siting Study

    The purpose of the well siting study is to locate potential well sites to supply sufficient water to meet current and future water demands. A fracture trace analysis is completed on the study area. Fracture traces are linear features in fractured bedrock that often represent zones of higher permeability than are found in adjacent rocks.Fracture zones are potential pathways for enhanced movement of ground water, and wells drilled on those fracture traces are often more productive than wells drilled at random locations. Fracture traces are assessed using aerial photographs, high altitude photographs, on-line photos and light detection and ranging (LIDAR) images. A field survey is also completed to confirm the presence and strength of any features identified.

    Well sites are chosen based on the fracture trace analysis and field investigation. The sites are ranked based on the strength of the features observed, the geology of the well sites, wellhead protection radius availability, potential contaminant issues and other factors. A recommendation is then made for the site that should be drilled first. Upon selection of a well site or well sites, a sanitary survey with the state regulatory agency is completed.

    GeoServices has the experience and expertise required to meet your water supply needs. Please contact us for additional information.

    Aquifer Testing and Pumping Tests

    Aquifer Testing ImplementationGeoServices routinely completes aquifer tests (pumping tests or pump tests) to determine the safe yield of a well or an aquifer. Aquifer tests are needed to satisfy requirements of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC), the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to ensure safe, sustainable, and reliable water supplies.

    Aquifer Testing Regulatory Requirements

    Prior to conducting an aquifer test, some or all of the following documents may need to be prepared, depending on the agencies involved:

    • Pre-Drilling Plan
    • Aquifer Testing Plan
    • Hydrogeologic Description
    • Ground Water Availability Analysis
    • Monitoring Plan

    GeoServices completes all of the required documents for testing and works with the appropriate regulatory agency to design pumping tests to meet regulatory needs while balancing budgetary concerns. GeoServices strives to create scientifically sound and defensible plans and aquifer tests that are also fiscally responsible.

    Aquifer Testing Implementation

    Upon approval of the appropriate aquifer testing plan, GeoServices implements the monitoring aspects of the plan, which involves placing data loggers in monitoring and pumping wells, building weirs or other stream flow measurement devices and gauging, and installing testing equipment. GeoServices utilizes the results of all of the monitoring data, the stepped drawdown test (step test) and constant rate test to develop a Hydrogeologic Report that documents site conditions and aquifer characteristics. The Hydrogeologic Report is completed to support and document the requested withdrawal.

    Well Rehabilitation

    aThe condition of your water supply well is often overlooked, until a problem arises. Wells often lose efficiency over time, which lowers well yields, increases drawdown, decreases water quality, and may create reliability and yield concerns. Wells may become encrusted with mineral deposits, plugged by bacteria, or physically blocked by sediment. Well maintenance, while commonly overlooked, should be part of every water supplier’s routine work to ensure sustainable, reliable water supplies.

    Well Yield Testing

    GeoServices completes well yield testing to assess and predict when wells may need to be rehabilitated, and then develops a rehabilitation plan to increase water supplies.

    Effectiveness of Well Rehabilitation

    Once the well is rehabilitated, we can then assess the effectiveness of the well rehabilitation. This information is critical in understanding the potential lifespan of the well and when a new well may need to be drilled to replace a well that has been neglected.

    Ground Water Availability

    Whether you are a public water supplier, developer, or gas driller seeking frac water supplies, responsible, sustainable development of ground water resources requires the completion of a comprehensive ground water availability analysis. The ground water availability analysis is used at various stages of ground water supply development to assess the potential resource available for development and can be used to focus future work on areas with surplus ground water resources.

    River Basin Commission and State Regulatory Requirements

    River Basin Commissions such as the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) require that a ground water availability analysis be completed as a part of an Aquifer Testing Plan to ensure that sufficient ground water is available for development. Other state regulatory agencies also require that these basin analyses be completed to insure that ground water resources are developed responsibly and in a sustainable manner to minimize impacts to other users and habitat. GeoServices routinely completes both detailed and preliminary ground water availability analyses during ground water development projects.

    Preliminary Ground Water Availability and Comprehensive Ground Water Availability

    GeoServices completes preliminary ground water availability analyses to focus future studies in areas where sufficient ground water is available for development. These preliminary analyses are completed during well siting studies to either eliminate well sites or to rank sites higher, based on ground water availability. A comprehensive ground water availability analysis is completed to demonstrate to the appropriate regulatory agency that all of the significant water uses in the basin have been assessed and that sufficient water resources are present in the basin to satisfy the needs of all the users.

    Water Quality Issues

    Water quality sampling is an integral aspect of our business. GeoServices’ staff of scientists routinely develops work plans or sampling plans to assess water quality for a variety of purposes, including:

    • Environmental characterization
    • Water supply quality assessment
    • Act 2 (Land Recycling)
    • Storage tank releases (LUSTs)
    • Litigation support
    • Natural gas investigations (stray gas assessment, baseline assessments, impact assessments)

    Developing a Hydrogeologic Sampling Plan

    Sampling may require vastly different methods and analysis. GeoServices’ expert hydrogeologists and scientists will design and implement a sampling plan that is appropriate for your site.

    River Basin Commission (RBC) Permits

    In the mid-Atlantic and northeast states, two river basin commissions are Federal Interstate Compact Commissions. These are the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC). These two RBCs have strong regulatory authority over allocation of water within the respective basins. Other RBCs, such as the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICRP) and the Ohio River Basin Commission (ORBC), are active and although they currently lack strong regulatory authority, consideration of these RBCs must be included in any plans for major withdrawals within the respective basins. While both the SRBC and the DRBC have threshold withdrawals which trigger regulatory action, any water withdrawn for use in Marcellus Shale drilling activities requires a withdrawal allocation from the respective RBC (or Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in basins outside the Susquehanna and Delaware basins).

    GeoServices has an excellent working relationship with the SRBC and our office is only minutes from the SRBC office in Harrisburg. We have prepared dozens of applications for the SRBC and DRBC and routinely represent clients before the Technical Support Commission Hearings of the SRBC.

    Types of Permits and Plans

    The list below is only a partial listing of permits and plans we have prepared on behalf of our municipal, natural gas, golf course, quarry, agricultural, commercial, and industrial clients.

    • Ground Water Withdrawal Applications
    • Surface Water Withdrawal Applications
    • Approval by Rule Applications
    • Consumptive Water Use Applications
    • Aquifer Testing Plans

       

      • Ground Water Availability Studies
      • Hydrogeologic Description
      • Monitoring Plan
    • Pass-by flow determinations
    • Aquifer testing waiver applications for existing sources
    • Property owner notifications, notifications to state and local governments, and newspaper of record

    For a more complete understanding of how we can assist you with your permitting and water allocation needs, please contact us.