During monitoring well development, what should be done if recovery of water is slow?

During monitoring well development, if the recovery of water is slow, allowing the well to remain idle for several hours gives it the opportunity to recharge and recover naturally. This practice acknowledges that the formation surrounding the well may need time to equilibrate and refill the well with groundwater.

When a well is developed, the aim is to enhance water flow from the surrounding aquifer into the well, and sometimes this process can take a bit of time. Leaving the well idle supports the natural hydrological processes, permitting water to seep into the well from the surrounding soil formations at their inherent rates, thus ensuring that the sampling reflects a stable and representative water level.

This approach is crucial for obtaining accurate data and understanding the water level dynamics within the well. It also reduces the risk of drawing down the water table excessively or causing unnecessary stress to the aquifer, which can lead to inaccurate readings or even damage the well infrastructure.