Nearby construction can drastically impact your well. Construction activities close to your property can disrupt the water supply and cause contamination. If the yield or quality of your well water suddenly changes, neighboring construction projects could be the cause.
Reduced Water Supply
Construction projects take many forms. Not every job will affect nearby wells, but certain construction activities are more likely to impact the local water supply.
For well owners, this can manifest as low water yield, low water pressure, and frequent pump cycling as the well system struggles to adapt to changes. Left unchecked, these issues could cause system damage or lead to your well drying up over time.
Excavation
Excavation poses a major risk to the underground water supply due to potential damage to the aquifer. Excavating into the aquifer will create new cracks and pathways for groundwater, altering the overall water distribution in the area.
Even a minor change to the aquifer can have far-reaching consequences. Since water follows the path of least resistance, a single new crack can drain water away and impact the regional water supply.
Blasting
Construction that requires underground blasting also increases the likelihood of disruptions to water systems. Blasting is typically part of road construction or quarry projects, where deep underground access is needed to shape the site.
Because blasting penetrates deeper underground than conventional excavation, it can cause fractures and fissures in the bedrock. These new pathways function as drains, allowing the water supply to flow down and away to alternative locations.
De-Watering
Dewatering can also reduce the underground water supply. Dewatering involves removing surface water and groundwater to ensure a building’s structural stability and to protect construction materials and equipment from water damage.
While dewatering is essential for construction, it can have far-reaching effects on surrounding wells. Dewatering the construction zone can significantly decrease the water supply across the area.
Water Contamination
Construction projects can also cause water contamination that negatively affects well water. While contamination can come from many sources, nearby construction significantly increases the risk.
Introduction of Contaminants
First, construction projects introduce new potential contaminants into the environment, such as:
- Fuel for equipment and machinery
- Chemicals used for waterproofing, concrete mixing, and more
- Chemicals in building materials
Even with the best safety standards, there’s no way to completely prevent these contaminants from entering the local ecosystem and water supply. Depending on the site’s proximity to your well and the level of contamination, your water supply could be affected in the short term and/or the long term.
Changes in Runoff
Second, construction can significantly alter the runoff pattern in an area. When construction crews clear or grade land to prepare for new builds, changes to existing drainage patterns are inevitable.
Altered drainage patterns can direct preexisting contaminants towards your property and water supply. The same holds for contaminants introduced during construction. Again, these changes can pose both immediate and long-term risks to your water’s health.
For help assessing and improving your water supply and water quality in Valatie and the greater Albany region, call Goold Wells & Pumps today. We have been providing the area with superior well drilling, well pump repair, and water testing services for over 90 years. Our family-owned company offers outstanding workmanship and top-notch customer support so you can enjoy safe, reliable water without interruption. Goold Wells & Pumps—Trusted Name Since 1928.