Global InformationMultilevel groundwater monitoring systems information
Multilevel Groundwater Monitoring Systems, also referred to as Multi-Depth Groundwater Monitoring Systems, Multilevel Systems (MLSs), or Engineered Nested Wells, are engineered technologies installed in single boreholes above and/or below the water table to obtain data from different depth intervals. The technologies may consist of various pipes, liners, access ports, sampling pumps, pressure sensors, and sealing mechanisms that are installed temporarily or permanently in boreholes drilled into unconsolidated sediments or bedrock.
MLS systems facilitate 1) ongoing measurement and monitoring of depth-discrete water pressures (hydraulic heads) and 2) repeated collection of depth-discrete groundwater samples for chemical testing. Commercial MLS systems are available with as few as three ports (CMT System) to more than 20 ports (MP Westbay and Solinst Waterloo Systems). An essential design element of all MLS systems is that they must prevent hydraulic connection of the various monitored intervals within the wellbore.[1]
While installed primarily in water-saturated sediments and rock, MLS systems can also be installed in the vadose zone for the collection of depth-discrete soil gas samples. Hybrid MLS systems can be constructed with some ports in the vadose zone and some ports in the saturated zone.[2]
- ^ Einarson, Murray D. 2006. "Multi-Level Ground Water Monitoring." In Practical Handbook of Ground Water Monitoring, edited by D.M. Nielsen, 807-848. CRC Press.
- ^ Dumble, P., M. Fuller, P. Beck, and P. Sojka. 2006. "Assessing contaminant migration pathways and vertical gradients in a low-permeability aquifer using multilevel borehole systems." Land Contamination &# 38; Reclamation 14 (3):699-712.