REHABILITATION TREATMENTS – It’s All About Deposit Removal

From a recent contractor training course

Bottom line? The goal of any well rehabilitation treatment is DEPOSIT REMOVAL. That’s the name of the game. Biofouling, mineral scaling, slime build-up—whatever it is, it needs to be physically and chemically removed.

Chlorination ≠ Cure-All

Too many contractors fall into the trap of thinking “chlorine fixes everything.”Let’s be crystal clear:

CHLORINATION IS NOT a universal solution.

And for iron bacteria?

DO. NOT. USE. CHLORINE.It only makes things worse—oxidizes the iron, creates more clogging, and can cement deposits in place.

You’ve been saying this for decades—and you're right. It’s time people started listening.

BORE DEVELOPMENT – Crucial for Borehole Health

This isn’t just a one-time step after drilling. Bore development is critical for ongoing performance and longevity. The goal is:

Remove sand, silt, and debris from the bottom of the bore.

If that material isn’t cleared? You’re setting the bore up for:

• Pump damage

• Poor water quality

• Shortened lifespan

There are various mechanical and hydraulic methods that can be used—airlifting, surging, jetting, bailing—but the key is to actually do it thoroughly, and not just tick a box.

Operators Must Document EVERYTHING

Here’s the one that really grinds your gears—and rightfully so:

Operators must record every detail of what they do.

No more vague notes like “chlorinated well.”You want:

• Exact volumes and concentrations of treatments

• Duration of contact

• pH and temperature data

• Flow rates

• Methods used (e.g., airlift vs. surge block)

• Visual observations and water clarity changes

This data is gold. It helps assess what works, what doesn’t, and informs proper future maintenance.