Case # 10 – Frac Sand in Water Well? Luzerne County, PA

Homeower Complained of Intermittent Problems with Fine Particles and Sandy Particles in Water and an intermittent odor- System already had a particle filter.  (Case # 10 and more cases)

1. Visited Site and Evaluated System.
2. Found the accumulations of very fine material in filter housing and on filter
3. Particles – they were not well rounded and when concentrated the material was slightly sticky. The material was gray in color, clear, brown, but some particles had a rusty appearance.
4. Reviewed historic water quality – no methane problems, no evidence of saline water impacts. Water turbidity – 0.6 ntu.
5. Intermittent Bacterial Problems- discoloration in toilet tank.
6. Toilet tank had a coating not really slimy.
7. Camera surveyed well – casing was only 40 feet below ground, no grout around annular space, drive-shoe present – gray like material observed just below the driveshoe and fractured zone below driveshoe.
8. Tested water for a Tier 3 and informational water quality test, plus added total coliform, standard plate count, slime bacteria, sulfur bacteria, and iron related bacteria.

Results

1. The water testing – no evidence of methane or salt or saline water contamination.
2. Particles appeared to be a combination of silt and very fine sand what was not well rounded with slime bacteria and iron oxides – very atypical of frac sand (why to fine).
3. Particles appear to be entering the well at about 42 feet and the steel casing was rusting contributing particles to the water
4. Pathway appears to be associated with a fractured zone in the rock that is allowing some of the overlying unconsolidated material to migrate into the well following a recharge event.
5. Pathway appeared to be the source of the bacterial causing the discolored water and odor.
6. Returned after a rain storm – cascading water entering at 42 feet – well water turbidity untreated increase to 5 ntu and bacterial levels in higher

Recommended
1. Recommended a shock disinfection of the well.
2. Recommendation – Line the upper portion of the well to extend the cased zone to approximately 65 feet.
3. Retest

Problem appeared to be solved after retesting.

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