Approximately 95% of Georgia's rural residents get their drinking water from private water wells; therefore it is critical that these wells function properly and are free of pollutants. Over the past two years, the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service has been using a down-well camera to gain a better understanding of private drinking water wells. Wells were inspected in nine counties across Georgia and the Jackson Purchase Area in Kentucky where a water analysis identified a concern. Concerns consisted of the presence of bacteria (total coliform or E. coli), severe corrosion, organic matter, nitrate, tannin, and BTEX. The down-well camera captures footage that allows a specialist to look for likely causes or entry points for contamination. Images collected are categorized into three groups consisting of organisms, foreign material, and leaks & holes. Down-well videos can identify avenues for contamination and are an effective step beyond traditional wellhead inspections. Complex hydrogeology and well engineering principals are easily conveyed. This visual information has a place in education programs for protecting groundwater resources.
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