GROUNDWATER RESOURCE analysis
Often, groundwater resource data (driller’s logs, water level measurements, water quality data, geophysical logs, surface geologic maps, etc.) may seem disparate and unmanageable. We have 20+ years of experience transforming these big data sets into fully integrated, three-dimensional (3D) visualizations to help water resource managers see their big picture and clearly communicate it to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
It’s not just our proven expertise in the software tools and techniques, like GIS methods, 3D geologic modeling, etc., that help us analyze geospatial datasets, but our forward-looking and creative use of those tools that benefits our clients in gaining insights and managing their groundwater resources.
We’ve used 3D Geologic Models to support clients with:
· Public outreach and education
· Creating the framework for numerical models, such as MODFLOW
· Creating exhibits for courtroom use and deterring litigation
· Predictive drilling tools for groundwater wells and aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) (useful for siting wells and cost estimation)
…and they’ve proven to be ideal for our clients’ studying:
· Interactions of surface and groundwater systems
· Mapping the 3D extent of water quality parameters
· Visualizing geologic facies and aquifer materials
· Impacts of aquifer structure on groundwater flow
WATER QUALITY and Treatment
Whether you’re a small or large municipal water system or providing water for an industrial system, your needs are basically the same: a reliable water source and water quality that satisfies your needs and costs. After working with various water qualities (from reverse osmosis (RO) permeate to produced water), contaminants (total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) to per- and polyflouoralkyl substances (PFAS)), and treatment processes (25+ conventional and advanced technologies), we have the experience to meet your needs. This may include investigating a specific water quality issue(s), planning next steps for upcoming regulatory changes, or a holistic water quality evaluation of your treatment and distribution systems.
Examples of how we've supported water utilities includes:
For Treatment Process Water Quality-
- Diagnosing issues with an unexpected change in source water quality
- Planning alternative treatments for a new source water blend
- Troubleshooting RO membrane performance issues
For Distribution System Water Quality-
- Evaluating alternatives for corrosion control (iron, lead, and copper)
- Investigating and mitigating nitrification events
- Identifying and correcting scale and sediment formation
- Assessing water blending challenges
Applied REsearch
With 25+ years of practical experience identifying and delivering real-world solutions, our greatest strength is understanding our clients’ needs and tailoring a testing approach for their situation, whether bench- or pilot-scale. Our mantra is “it’s all about the data!”
Bench-scale testing is a cost-effective initial step to assess a project’s challenges and parameters for success. We can provide on-site testing for some processes. However, we offer a streamlined approach for your bench testing and treatability needs through our Water Process Engineering Research Lab (Water PERL(SM)). When needed, we can build customized bench treatment equipment to complete your testing. Examples of processes we can test include:
- Coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation
- Ozonation
- Filtration
- Simulated distribution system testing
- Desalination
- Corrosion control
- Aquifer material compatibility
When you’re ready to develop design parameters and optimize a process for full-scale design, it’s time for a pilot-scale test. A successful pilot study starts with a sound experimental plan and requires a flexible, robust, and safe facility to make it happen. Our experience designing, constructing, operating, and supporting (including operator training) these types of facilities for pilot studies means we’ve identified and tested creative solutions to save time and costs and improve confidence in the data.