Groundwater is water that has drained through surface layers of soil and rock until it reaches a layer of rock material through which it cannot pass, or can pass only very slowly. This results in the accumulation of water in the rock layers above this impermeable layer. The water is stored in gaps in the rock, or between the particles of which the rock is composed. Rocks and sediments that retain water in this way are called aquifers.

Rock and sediment types which can hold water include chalk, limestone, sandstone, gravels and sand-rich soils. Rock and sediment types which do not hold water but can prevent water moving out of a permeable rock type include granite, mudstone and clay-rich soils. Groundwater supplies springs and wells, and when there has been a period with little rain, it is often groundwater that maintains flow in rivers rather than surface drainage from land.

Because it is relatively pristine quality, much of the public water supply comes from groundwater. Households may take their water supply directly from groundwater via a well and use it with little or no treatment. Industry and agriculture also obtain water directly from aquifers.

Groundwater is susceptible to a variety of pollutions, including sewage, gasoline, chemicals and salt. States usually maintain the authority protecting the groundwater.

Groundwater can effect us and our construction plans in so many ways. When it is high, it can flood our buildings and leachfields, create soggy conditions for construction activities, and even impact plants and animals. When it is too low, it can increase the costs for drilling freshwater wells or cause parched surface conditions.

Advanced Geologic are experts in understading groundwater and can help you with your needs. We assist in several groundwater investigations every year, from domestic well drilling, to installing and monitoring wells or piezometers.

So if groundwater is seeping into your construction plans, call us today. Let us help you solve your groundwater problems.