Groundwater monitoring is an essential element in any environmental information system. Acquiring a representative groundwater sample, however, can present certain challenges, both in the method and outcome.

When establishing groundwater quality and where it is present, a whole host of logistical, environmental and business concerns can arise.

While there are a handful of methods to sample groundwater today, the objective ultimately remains the same: to collect accurate water level measurements and samples to determine flow and gradient, groundwater conditions and real trends, whilst avoiding altering the sample through disruptive sampling methods.

The key benefits of low flow sampling centre include;

• Low well and aquifer disturbance in the sampling area
• Better accuracy in readings
• Immediate availability of results and readings
• Overall reduction in water disposal and loss.
• Reduced disturbance of soils and silts that have accumulated outside the well

Ultimately the lack of soil disturbance results in far greater accuracy, meaning samples yield consistent and reliable data across samples and there are far fewer false results. It also results in indicator parameters and target analysers stabling sooner at lower pumping rates. Whilst lower stress equals lower sample turbidity, providing a better picture of the true contaminant level and can eliminate the need to filter samples.

The best method for low flow sampling is utilising bladder pumps, which have been proven superior in independent studies for providing the widest range of groundwater quality parameters. Bladder pumps include no suction or high-speed impellers to outgas volatile compounds. The ‘no churning’ action avoids increasing sample turbidity, and no contact of the air drive with the sample.

As a QED company we firmly believe in the benefits of low flow sampling, and that it is the future of the industry as we have already seen the method gaining popular traction in America.

Businesses must remember that as its our natural source of water, it is essential we avoid wasting it with unnecessary purging and contamination that could easily be avoided. We look forward to supporting this progression for the industry to support a sustainable future for us all.

Geotech is a global manufacturer and supplier of portable and fixed gas analysers for the biogas, landfill, CO2 monitoring, groundwater and land remediation sectors. Beyond its market leading gas analysers for landfills and the biogas sector, Geotech also designs, manufactures and supplies a full range of environmental monitoring equipment.

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The IWA is the largest international network of water professionals working towards a water-wise world and has staff and members in 130 countries. The association helps to share knowledge and best practice across borders, through events, congresses and research papers and works towards getting water on the global political agenda to influence better regulation and policy making.

Geotech joined the IWA as a member because of its interest in delivering highly accurate water monitoring technology, particularly for remediation and groundwater applications. By sharing ideas with other members in designated IWA Group forums, the company can not only provide answers for issues in other countries but Geotech can also develop its technology to be more in tune with the needs of global water professionals and the issues they are facing.

Mike White, territory manager from Geotech said: “The IWA is really important to Geotech, as we are doing more work in the waste water sector both in the UK and internationally. By becoming an IWA member, we can actually talk directly to other professional people working in the field, to find out where we need to improve and develop our products to be able to help them better monitor substances in water to create a more healthy and sustainable water future for communities around the world.”

As a QED environmental company, Geotech has invested time and resources over the years into developing state-of-the-art technology and programs to collect groundwater samples that have a true representation of groundwater situations. The company’s Senior Vice President and hydrogeologist, David Kaminski has been a key driving force in the industry for over 34 years and has been aptly recognised for his contributions in developing new devices and methods for groundwater sampling applications.

Geotech is a global manufacturer and supplier of portable and fixed gas analysers for the biogas, landfill, CO2 monitoring, groundwater and land remediation sectors. Beyond its market leading gas analysers for landfills and the biogas sector, Geotech also designs, manufactures and supplies a full range of environmental monitoring equipment.

The post Geotech becomes IWA member appeared first on The Source.