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An introduction to Private Water Systems
Wells Springs Cisterns
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Private Water System Regulations
No state requirements for construction, maintenance, treatment, etc. No ownership of water “Reasonable use” of water allowed Little protection for existing sources Deepest well and biggest pump wins
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Impermeable layer (aquitard)
Wells and Springs Utilize Groundwater Aquifers 40 inches of precipitation Well Recharge (12-15 inches) Spring Groundwater feeds streams Groundwater Flow Well Aquifer #1 Impermeable layer (aquitard) Aquifer #2
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Pennsylvania Aquifers
Sand and Gravel Sandstone and Shale Carbonate (Limestone) Crystalline
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Sand and Gravel Aquifers
Along rivers and glaciated areas of northern PA Shallow wells <100 ft Large producing wells >100 gpm are common soil Sand and gravel
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Sandstone and Shale Aquifers
Dominate much of state Most wells are feet deep Few large producing wells Some fractures sandstone shale sandstone
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Limestone (Carbonate) Aquifers
Valleys of central and southern PA Large yield in fractures Very hard water (lots of calcium) sinkhole Limestone
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Crystalline Aquifers Southeast PA Very dense rock, few fractures
Low yields (1 to 20 gpm) Soft, acidic water soil Small fractures Dense rock
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Natural Groundwater Fluctuations
Fluctuations and drought susceptibility greater in shallow wells and springs Ground Surface Spring recharge Fall recharge Summer Deeper Underground
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Water stored in borehole
How Does a Well Work? No pumping “static water level” 150 gallons in a 6” well with 100 feet of water Water stored in borehole Submersible pump
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When the Well is Pumped Drawdown Water flows into the well
from the surrounding rock The “sustained yield” tells us how much water we can pump over a long time
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Why do Wells Go Dry? Decreased recharge Drought Land use change
Increased pumping Population growth New users Well structure Natural aging Pump
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Monitoring Groundwater Levels
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Springs Occur where groundwater comes to the surface Spring
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Example of a Poorly Sealed Spring
Properly sealing a spring box helps to prevent contamination by surface water, insects, or animals Example of a Poorly Sealed Spring
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Components of Proper Spring Development
Collection system to concentrate flow Reinforced and sealed concrete spring box Easily accessible for emptying and cleanout Method of disinfection (if necessary)
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Spring Considerations
They are susceptible to drought Most (> 75%) contain bacterial contamination and will need disinfection treatment (including roadside springs!) They are more easily contaminated by surface activities – watch land uses around spring
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A tank that collects and stores rainwater for household or other uses
What is a Cistern? A tank that collects and stores rainwater for household or other uses WHAT IS A CISTERN? Cisterns date back to Greek & Roman civilizations Still used today used in areas of Pennsylvania where mining has contaminated ground and surface water commonly used by farmers to house
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Facts About Cisterns Cisterns date back to Greek & Roman civilizations Still used today used in areas of Pennsylvania where mining has contaminated ground and surface water commonly used by farmers Utilized in areas where all groundwater is heavily polluted – especially common in mining areas Design based on $$, rainfall, roof size, water needs Minimum recommended size is 5,000 gallons Locate above or below ground near the home
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Cistern Maintenance All require treatment Disinfection
Corrosion prevention Sediment removal / prevention Only use approved materials on roof Should be drained and cleaned periodically
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Private Water Systems in this Region
# of homes served by private water systems % of all homes served by public water % of all homes served by private water system County 1980 2000 Allegheny 15,216 9,136 98 2 Armstrong 13,240 14,242 44 56 Beaver 15,187 15,029 80 20 Butler 26,272 33,024 50 Clarion 8,241 12,505 42 58 Lawrence 19,290 19,858 77 23 Mercer 18,145 20,655 60 40 Venango 9865 14,917 54 46
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Characteristics of Private Water Systems in this region
County % drilled wells % hand-dug wells % springs or cisterns Allegheny 81 7 12 Armstrong 69 9 22 Beaver 90 4 6 Butler 88 Clarion 55 33 Lawrence 5 Mercer 87 Venango 73 21
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