What is a piezometer?

In the purest sense, it is a pressure measuring device or system. However, the term is often used in the groundwater business to refer to a test well used for scientific research of the groundwater itself.

What is a monitoring well?

We generally use the term monitoring well with "piezometer." It is used to refer to a well drilled in an aquifer and completed for scientific investigation, as described below. Wells are drilled to access groundwater; that is, the aquifer. These wells are completed using slotted pipe or a screen in the aquifer interval and a PVC pipe the rest of the way to the surface. The annular space outside the pipe is filled with porous material in the aquifer zone to allow water to enter the piezometer (monitoring well). The rest of the annular space outside the well is sealed with some impermeable material, like bentonite clay, up to the surface. This isolates the aquifer from surface drainage. Many of these wells are 2 inches (5 cm) or less in diameter and require specific equipment to obtain samples and information.

What is low flow sampling?

Low-flow sampling is a protocol for extracting groundwater from a monitoring well (piezometer) at a low flow rate. The general concept is to pump groundwater at the approximate natural flow rate within the aquifer. The idea is not to lower the water table and, hopefully, to minimize disturbance to the natural flow regime. Another important reason for using low-flow sampling is that there is much less purge water than derived from the classic methodology of purging three well volumes. Less purge water means savings in containment and disposal. The downside is that pumps must be dedicated to the well, and that cost can add up. Pumping rates are usually 500 ml per minute or less. Many operators pump the water through a flow cell that can have several probes measuring parameters such as temperature, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and oxidation-reduction potential. Operators look for stability in these parameters over time. When achieved, it is considered that the equilibrium between the aquifer water and well water has been established. A sample is then collected. The "standards" for low-flow sampling vary and must be tailored to the aquifer and monitoring well in question. Your regulator may have much to say about it.

To what depth can I pump with a Waterra pump?

The practical limit with the current equipment is about 200 feet (60 m), and this would depend on the specific characteristics of the situation.

What size of Waterra pipe should I use?

This really comes down to what you are trying to achieve in the field. Factors affecting your decision include the type of pump, flow rate, water table depth, well size, and other protocols imposed by the program. We are here to help you sort it out. Many monitoring wells are completed with 2" Schedule 40 PVC and have a total depth of less than 200 feet (60 m). Waterra pumps generally work very well under these circumstances. You will most likely want to use our standard flow system, which means a D-25 foot valve and standard tubing.

Should we use HDPE or LDPE pipes?

It depends! Here is for LDPE: The LDPE pipe is somewhat more flexible than HDPE, so, for example, many submersible pump users like it because it is easier to connect to the pump. It is less likely for LDPE to develop a stress line and wear out if bent. LDPE pipe is often used with the Waterra pump in shallow monitoring wells, up to a maximum depth of about 60 to 70 feet. Beyond this depth, HDPE pipe is recommended. Here is for HDPE: The HDPE pipe is slightly more inert than LDPE. HDPE is less elastic, and in deep wells, especially if you are using the high-flow system of the Waterra pump , the stiffer, the better, so as not to lose stroke when stretching and unstretching the pipe. Sometimes it comes down to the availability of one type over the other. The costs of LDPE and HDPE are the same.

What is the maximum lift of a Waterra peristaltic pump?

Theoretically, about 33.9 feet (10.3 m) at sea level, but more realistically, around 27 feet (8.2 m) is the maximum elevation at sea level. The higher your altitude, the lower the elevation will be because there is less atmospheric pressure "pushing" the water up the column.

What is a piezometer?

In the purest sense, it is a pressure measuring device or system. However, the term is often used in the groundwater business to refer to a test well used for scientific research of the groundwater itself.

What is a monitoring well?

We generally use the term monitoring well with "piezometer." It is used to refer to a well drilled in an aquifer and completed for scientific investigation, as described below. Wells are drilled to access groundwater; that is, the aquifer. These wells are completed using slotted pipe or a screen in the aquifer interval and a PVC pipe the rest of the way to the surface. The annular space outside the pipe is filled with porous material in the aquifer zone to allow water to enter the piezometer (monitoring well). The rest of the annular space outside the well is sealed with some impermeable material, like bentonite clay, up to the surface. This isolates the aquifer from surface drainage. Many of these wells are 2 inches (5 cm) or less in diameter and require specific equipment to obtain samples and information.

What is low flow sampling?

Low-flow sampling is a protocol for extracting groundwater from a monitoring well (piezometer) at a low flow rate. The general concept is to pump groundwater at the approximate natural flow rate within the aquifer. The idea is not to lower the water table and, hopefully, to minimize disturbance to the natural flow regime. Another important reason for using low-flow sampling is that there is much less purge water than derived from the classic methodology of purging three well volumes. Less purge water means savings in containment and disposal. The downside is that pumps must be dedicated to the well, and that cost can add up. Pumping rates are usually 500 ml per minute or less. Many operators pump the water through a flow cell that can have several probes measuring parameters such as temperature, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and oxidation-reduction potential. Operators look for stability in these parameters over time. When achieved, it is considered that the equilibrium between the aquifer water and well water has been established. A sample is then collected. The "standards" for low-flow sampling vary and must be tailored to the aquifer and monitoring well in question. Your regulator may have much to say about it.

To what depth can I pump with a Waterra pump?

The practical limit with the current equipment is about 200 feet (60 m), and this would depend on the specific characteristics of the situation.

What size of Waterra pipe should I use?

This really comes down to what you are trying to achieve in the field. Factors affecting your decision include the type of pump, flow rate, water table depth, well size, and other protocols imposed by the program. We are here to help you sort it out. Many monitoring wells are completed with 2" Schedule 40 PVC and have a total depth of less than 200 feet (60 m). Waterra pumps generally work very well under these circumstances. You will most likely want to use our standard flow system, which means a D-25 foot valve and standard tubing.

Should we use HDPE or LDPE pipes?

It depends! Here is for LDPE: The LDPE pipe is somewhat more flexible than HDPE, so, for example, many submersible pump users like it because it is easier to connect to the pump. It is less likely for LDPE to develop a stress line and wear out if bent. LDPE pipe is often used with the Waterra pump in shallow monitoring wells, up to a maximum depth of about 60 to 70 feet. Beyond this depth, HDPE pipe is recommended. Here is for HDPE: The HDPE pipe is slightly more inert than LDPE. HDPE is less elastic, and in deep wells, especially if you are using the high-flow system of the Waterra pump , the stiffer, the better, so as not to lose stroke when stretching and unstretching the pipe. Sometimes it comes down to the availability of one type over the other. The costs of LDPE and HDPE are the same.

What is the maximum lift of a Waterra peristaltic pump?

Theoretically, about 33.9 feet (10.3 m) at sea level, but more realistically, around 27 feet (8.2 m) is the maximum elevation at sea level. The higher your altitude, the lower the elevation will be because there is less atmospheric pressure "pushing" the water up the column.

Waterra Inertial Pumping System

Home

WATER

Waterra Inertial Pumping System

Waterra Inertial Pumping System

The Waterra sampling system is effective and cost-efficient for conducting inspections and taking samples within piezometers from 1" to 4" in diameter.

It is ideal for purging and sampling in turbid or sediment-laden waters.

Do you have any doubts? Contact us and we'll help you.

The Waterra Inertial Pumping System is a portable and highly efficient equipment designed for the extraction of groundwater and surface water, widely used in environmental sampling, hydrogeology, and remediation. Its inertial operating principle allows for the manual or motorized lifting of water without damaging the sample, ensuring that the chemical and physical properties of the liquid remain intact.

The system is easy to transport and install, making it ideal for fieldwork in wells, piezometers, and bodies of water. Its robust design guarantees durability and reliability, while the smooth and controllable operation allows for obtaining representative samples without contamination.

The Waterra System is widely used by environmental consulting firms, laboratories, and field technicians, offering efficiency, convenience, and precision in each water extraction for analysis and monitoring.

• Reduced cost for monitoring a network of piezometers.
• Avoids the risk of cross-contamination. Each piezometer is equipped with its own valve and tube.
• Materials in contact with water are chemically inert (HDPE).
• Integrity of sampling.
• Very easy pumping with loaded water.
• Low maintenance.
• Quick setup and collection of equipment.

Manual Pumping:
The Waterra pump allows for shallow sampling (up to 20 m).
The valves can be used in all existing diameters.
Flow rate: from 0 to 2 liters per minute.

Pumping with electric motor:
The use of the electric motor: allows the Waterra system to deliver very good results in extraction.
Adaptable on piezometers of all diameters, the Hydrolift II motor moves easily and does not require any particular installation.
Extraction depth
– 50 to 60 meters in 2'' wells
– 50 meters in 4'' wells
See the Hydrolift II motor technical sheet.

Pumping with gasoline engine:
The use of the electric motor: allows the Waterra system to deliver very good results in extraction.
Adaptable on piezometers of all diameters, the Power Pack PP1 motor allows easy transportation due to its harness and backpack and can work in environments without electrical power.
Extraction depth
– 50 to 60 meters in 2'' wells
– 50 meters in 4'' wells
See the Power Pack PP1 gasoline motor technical sheet.

Accessories
– High turbidity filter to improve sample quality.
– Tube cutter.
– Wrench for valve disassembly.

The Waterra Inertial Pumping System operates by the reciprocating motion of the piston or internal pistons, creating a pumping effect that gently lifts the water from the well or reservoir to the outlet. This principle allows for minimizing liquid agitation, preventing sample alteration.

The system can be operated manually or electrically, and its portable design enables efficient fieldwork without the need for bulky equipment. The controlled operation ensures constant flow and representative samples, which are essential for reliable hydrogeological studies and environmental analysis.

What is a piezometer?
What is a monitoring well?
What is low flow sampling?
To what depth can I pump with a Waterra pump?
What size of Waterra pipe should I use?
Should we use HDPE or LDPE pipes?
What is the maximum lift of a Waterra peristaltic pump?

FAQs

What is a piezometer?
What is a monitoring well?
What is low flow sampling?
To what depth can I pump with a Waterra pump?
What size of Waterra pipe should I use?
Should we use HDPE or LDPE pipes?
What is the maximum lift of a Waterra peristaltic pump?

Obtaining representative samples without altering them
Portable and easy to transport in the field
Robust and durable design
Minimal and simple maintenance
Efficient and controllable operation
Ideal for environmental monitoring and remediation campaigns

Models

Waterra D-25 Valve in thermoplastic acetal

Ref. 2100000000183

Request a quote
Waterra D-32 Valve in stainless steel

Ref. 2100000000087

Request a quote
Waterra D-32 valve in thermoplastic acetal

Ref. 2100000000184

Request a quote
1'' pead pipe for D-25: 60m - waterra

Ref. 6000000000012

Request a quote
1'' pead pipe for D-32 and SS-32: 30m waterra

Ref. 6000000000002

Request a quote
Hydrolift II Motor

Ref. 2100000000189

Request a quote
FDA Silicone Tube 60 SHºØe10mm X Øi5mm - 5m roll

Ref. 6000000000035

Request a quote
LDPE pipe Natural Color 4x6 - 100m roll

Ref. 6000000000049

Request a quote

Waterra Inertial Pumping System

Waterra Inertial Pumping System

Description

Features

Applications

Performance

FAQs

Advantages

Documents