Borehole regeneration - Atlantis Wellfield, Cape Town, South Africa

There is much written and talked about of how precious and vital our groundwater resources are and that they should be protected and managed properly.  Over many years of applying various borehole remediation methodologies and technologies along with consulting on sites and projects and reading reports I have seen and read of very few cases of proper management of the resource.  In essence very little is actually done to keep the boreholes/wells operating efficiently and effectively. 

It "appears" that in general with few exceptions the old adage of “suck it & see” still is practiced when it comes to “fixing” problems with boreholes especially where declines in production due to biofouling is concerned. 

This report covers one such program (2014-2016) to restore are far as is humanly possible the yields of boreholes in the Atlantis Wellfield in Cape Town.   The process called the BCHT  - blended chemical heat treatment - was used previously (1999-2002) and again during this program.  It is not the only technique which can be applied but it has proved to be in the authors experience the most successful and long lasting (with appropriate management) for the biofouling problem.   The challenge comes once the boreholes have been regenerated (a term I prefer to rehabilitation).  In many instances worldwide and especially here in South Africa the follow-up recommended management protocols is not adhered to leading to further problems.

In the hope of advancing a more integrated approach to groundwater sustainability I am putting this report out there for perusal and discussion.   Any comments or criticisms positive or negative on this or similar experiences would be most welcome.

The report is also available on the website of the South African Department of Water & Sanitation

http://www.dwa.gov.za/ghreport/ 

Enter Atlantis in the search box and the report 2.2(4876) can then be downloaded.

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