The Advance of Water Well Design

Robinson & Noble geologists have witnessed many changes during the evolution of well design and testing in the Northwest. We have directly influenced that evolution process. John Robinson was responsible for the more frequent use of wire-wrap well screens in wells during the 1940s. In the 1950s, he assisted C.V. Theis with the development of testing procedures used today to evaluate aquifers. Prior to this work, wells were considered to be only “good” or “bad”, and rating of wells was difficult. By combining design and testing methods, Robinson was able to optimize the performance of wells in aquifers of various capabilities.

The company has continued to use all available methods of modern design and testing to keep abreast of today’s needs. In the 1960s, the use of analog water level recording devices allowed a more exact method of aquifer testing. The use of borehole geophysics was developed from oil industry methods and has been used by us since the 1970s for exploration and production wells. After 1980, underwater video technology became readily available for inspection of deep wells. Well videos are not only valuable for well repair, but also for detection of water transfer between aquifers and in the optimization of flow in pumping and recharge wells. The 1990s saw progressive use of reverse and dual-tube rotary drilling methods for wells to depths of 1,500 feet. Today, use of these methods is becoming a more common occurrence.