Model 405 Water Flute

Water Flute Multilevel Groundwater Monitoring System

Since 1996, the Water Flute has been a trusted technology for high-quality multilevel groundwater monitoring. It is designed for depth-discrete groundwater monitoring and head measurement in both overburden and bedrock assessments.

• Uses a flexible liner to seal boreholes, except at sampling intervals
• Can include 15+ monitoring ports, depending on borehole diameter
• Each port has a gas-driven pump for collecting groundwater samples
• Manual or automated water level measurements can be taken at each port
• Compatible with boreholes from 4 to over 19” in diameter (10 cm to over 48 cm)
• Installed to depths of 425 m (1,400 ft)

What are the Advantages of Using the Water Flute?

• Reduced costs and field time while providing high-resolution subsurface data
• Simultaneous purging and sampling of all zones boost efficiency
• Ensures a continuous borehole seal to prevent fluid migration and cross-contamination
• No need for sealing grouts or packers
• Easy-to-locate ports with continuous seal in between ports  
• Install quickly in stable open boreholes or cased wells
• Custom fabricated for various diameters and applications, even in winding passages

How Does the Water Flute Work?

Flute liners are flexible nylon sleeves that seal to the interior of a borehole when pressurized with air, water, or mud. The installation involves pulling the liner off a shipping reel, creating an annular pocket that is lowered inside the casing. Water is added to this pocket to generate pressure for the eversion process, allowing the liner to displace borehole water and seal to the borehole wall. 

The Water Flute multilevel groundwater system can be installed in open bedrock wells and multi-screened cased holes in overburden using the eversion process. Installation depends on factors like hole depth, diameter, and water table level. If the borehole is too tight, water can be pumped from beneath the liner using a pre-installed pump tube, which is removed after installation to create a seal.

Once installed, formation water flows into the screen and up the tubing inside the liner, allowing measurement of water levels from the surface. Gas pressure is applied to purge and sample the Water Flute, with large volumes collected (generally 1 gallon per stroke) without aeration, making it ideal for VOC sampling. The Water Flute ensures high-quality discrete groundwater samples directly from the formation.

How Can You Use the Water Flute?

Conduct multilevel water sampling and level monitoring in unconsolidated soils or bedrock

• Identify and assess both vertical and horizontal contaminant distribution
• Define groundwater flow patterns
• Perform 3D site characterizations
• Develop an early warning system for detecting migrating contaminants
• Monitor the performance of natural attenuation or remediation processes
• Track VOCs, MTBE, and perchlorate at NAPL sites
• Optimize the design and performance assessment of remedial options