Investigation of secondary mineral formation in potable water intake wells

Abstract

The intensification of the operational efficiency of water intake wells, their reliability and safety for the population are considered relevant in terms of the operational practice of water supply systems for urban areas. Due to the lack of regulatory and legislative frameworks for water intake wells, inadequate maintenance protocols, as well as untimely routine and major repairs, many of these wells operate inefficiently, become clogged, and prematurely come out of action. A considerable percentage of non-functional wells are put into conservation without any restoration. Instead, new wells are drilled, causing significant harm to the environment and the earth's interior. In order to restore non-functional wells and enhance the efficiency of those still in operation, it is essential to investigate the processes that lead to the substantial accumulation of sediment, and to identify methods for their removal and prevention. The construction of water intake wells involves casing pipes and wire or mesh filters, which consist of frameworks with slot openings of various diameters. All components are made of steel, and are thus susceptible to corrosion and biofouling. They exhibit low efficiency, reliability, and durability. Important indicators include consideration of the material composition of sediments, their structural and mineralogical characteristics, as well as the mechanisms of sediment formation. The paper presents the results of the investigation of chemical, physicochemical, biological, and bacteriological clogging of water intake well filters, as well as discovers the mechanisms of these processes, develops diagnostic tools, introduces new technologies and systems for the restoration of non-functional wells, and, finally, provides guidelines for their effective operation.