DESIGN OF A MULTILEVEL MONITORING WELL FOR CONTINUOUS SAMPLE COLLECTION

As part of a study of the flow dynamics and sampling environment aroun d a high-capacity irrigation well, it was necessary to design and inst all a multi-level monitoring well network close to the production well , A requirement of the monitoring well network was the capability of c ontinuous pumping over periods typical of those used during water samp le collection. This was accomplished through the use of a control valv e and air manifold system connected to a common gasoline engine-operat ed air compressor. The system provided adequate air pressure to operat e 24 half-size bladder pumps to depths between 21 feet (6.4 m) and 56 feet (17.1 m) below the surface. Preliminary data collected from the m onitoring well network indicate that the system will meet the requirem ents of the high-capacity well study.