Through several programs, NGWA has done much to fulfill our mission statement: Dedicated to advancing the expertise of all ground water professionals and to furthering ground water awareness and protection through education and outreach. Some of these programs are educational short courses and conferences, the NGWA Ground Water Expo, certification programs, publications, Ground Water Awareness Week, and legislative programs.
However, one area that NGWA feels is missing from our efforts to fulfill our mission statement is the development of industry standards.
What is a "standard" and why is it important?
A "standard" is a formal technical document for generally accepted processes, procedures, and policies. NGWA feels industry standards are important for many reasons. A national standard will help protect our limited resources and ensure future sustainability. It will help ensure the most capable professionals are working in the field because it provides a point of reference or benchmark to follow for those in the industry as well as the consumer. It also is a way to ensure proper knowledge is passed on to future members of the industry.
Basis for the new standard
NGWA currently publishes the Manual of Water Well Construction Practices. This book will be the primary basis from which our industry standard will be developed. Areas covered include:
- Siting, testing, and sampling
- Methods of construction
- Casing selection and installation
- Grouting
- Screens and intakes
- Filter construction
- Plumbness and alignment
- Development
- Testing for performance
- Disinfection
- Water sampling and analysis
- Permanent well and test hole decommissioning (abandonment).
Developing the new standard
NGWA will set up a subcommittee for each of the abovementioned areas. Each subcommittee will be open to anyone with a specific interest or expertise in that area.
Why and how to volunteer
The benefits of participating on an NGWA water well construction standard development subcommittee are numerous. You will be able to contribute your experience and expertise in establishing technically sound standards. You will be able to network with other industry professionals.
NGWA is looking for volunteers who have a sense of responsibility, are willing and have the ability to participate in all subcommittee meetings, have good discussion skills, and are committed to the ground water industry.
For more information
For further information, please contact Jonathan Jenkins at jjenkins@ngwa.org or 800 551.7379 (614 898.7791), ext. 511.