Monitoring Boreholes
Monitoring or piezometers boreholes is drilled holes or shafts that are specifically designed and installed to monitor groundwater levels, quality, and other environmental parameters. These boreholes are frequently used in environmental and geotechnical investigations to assess and manage potential impacts on water resources.
Monitoring boreholes are typically equipped with measuring instruments and devices, such as water level sensors, pressure transducers, and samplers, to gather data on parameters such as groundwater elevation, flow rate, temperature, and chemical composition.
The purpose of monitoring boreholes can vary depending on the project or site requirements. Some common purposes include:
Monitoring boreholes are used to assess and monitor groundwater levels and fluctuations over time. By continuously monitoring groundwater levels, hydrologists and environmental scientists can evaluate the quantity and movement of groundwater in various aquifers.
Monitoring boreholes are also used to obtain ground water data for mine water use licencing. Mining companies are required to drill monitoring boreholes and perform chemical analyses of ground water and ground water levels as mining activities expand.
Monitoring boreholes are used to assess and monitor the presence and movement of contaminants in groundwater. Sampling and testing of groundwater in these boreholes can help identify and track the extent of contamination, assisting in site remediation and regulatory compliance.
Monitoring boreholes are often installed before, during, and after mining, construction, or industrial activities to track any potential impacts on groundwater and surface water. The collected data can help identify any changes in groundwater quality and quantity due to mining or human activities.
Monitoring boreholes are used to gather data on aquifer properties such as permeability, porosity, and water quality. This information is crucial in understanding groundwater behaviour and can assist in managing water resources effectively.
Addressing any physical damage or issues with the borehole infrastructure, such as replacing or installing casing, screens, UPVC casing, or seals.
Installing or upgrading protective measures such as borehole caps, bentonite, or sanitary seals, to prevent contamination from surface runoff or foreign materials.
Monitoring boreholes are typically designed and installed following specific guidelines and regulations to ensure accurate and reliable data collection. They are often equipped with a specified UPVC borehole casing and gravel packs; calibrated instrumentation is used to ensure accurate data collection and long-term functionality of the monitoring boreholes.
