Groundwater flow direction is an important consideration when placing a new well. This becomes extremely important in water table aquifers near streams, where groundwater flow direction can change due to effects of high water flows in streams during spring runoff. Seasonally high and low stream levels should be considered when evaluating groundwater flow direction in water table aquifers near streams. The availability and movement of water in the subsurface is controlled by many factors. Obtaining these types of information before drilling will improve the likelihood of drilling and developing a productive well.
Unconsolidated materials range from loose gravel, sand, silt or clay.
Most people are aware how water can travel through unconsolidated aquifers such as gravel, but many people don't know that groundwater moves in consolidated aquifers in much the same way. Open spaces, pores or fractures, can transmit water at varying rates. The decisions about what formation your well will be completed in can affect how much water your well can supply. Aquifers can be classified as unconfined or confined. Unconfined aquifers are water table aquifers that are at atmospheric pressure.