The results were very promising and field trails are scheduled for fall 1997 to confirm the effectiveness of the UAB TM treatment process on typical farm wells. Studies are currently underway to determine the optimum well maintenance and monitoring strategies for this area. Shock chlorination once or twice a year is currently the method most often recommended to control biofouling. Well owners can do this themselves or they can hire water well drillers or well service companies. Well owners should monitor their wells on a regular basis.
Monitoring allows a well owner to determine the optimum time between well maintenance.
In the study area, monitoring of sulfate reducing bacteria levels will determine the degree of biofouling in about 90 per cent of the wells. Alternatives to well replacement should be investigated when biofouling has progressed to the stage where well maintenance will no longer work effectively. Technologies have emerged in recent years that may allow wells to be rehabilitated rather than replaced. As well rehabilitation generally requires the presence of a drill or service rig, the addition of chemicals, and substantial experience with this type of work, qualified members of the water well drilling or well servicing industries should be consulted. Technical assistance provided by Dr. Roy Cullimore and Twyla Legault of Droycon is gratefully acknowledged.