We utilize geophysics to obtain a view of underground layers and how they vary by depth and quality. The images provided are a colorful representation of the subsurface sand, gravel, clay, or bedrock resistivity zones in a 2D or 3D format. The resulting resistivity profile can be evaluated for porosity, permeability, and/or water quality, among other subsurface properties.

Random test-hole drilling alone has been very helpful in finding good well locations, but water-level decline, groundwater regulations, and other factors have created difficulty in obtaining the desired well yield in many areas. Whether the purpose is to evaluate deeper groundwater horizons, new aquifers, or areas with difficult drilling conditions, hydrogeophysics/aquifer-imaging provides a cost-effective method to evaluate subsurface conditions for the most promising well location. If the property is imaged before well drilling, there is a much higher probability of finding the deepest and the most porous/permeable areas of the aquifer with the least number of test holes.

Our highly trained field crew collects a series of soundings with stainless steel electrodes and ground cables to a receiver. A non-invasive transmitter is utilized to allow measurements of shallow subsurface information, allowing a continuous shallow to deep profile on one sounding. Soundings are processed, inverted, and interpreted to provide a true resistivity profile of the property in 2D or 3D.

We work with each client to custom-design each survey based on their water needs, the unique property hydrogeology, and any other site limitations. We provide a process flow to guide our clients through the water-finding process and where they should start groundwater investigations on their property.

Our standard images typically extend to 1,500 feet but can be up to 4,000+ feet! The depth range is project-specific, dependent upon the ability of the subsurface materials to carry the signal.

Because we are using an electromagnetic system, our sensors are susceptible to man-made power sources. Power lines, pipelines, well pumps/casing create “amplification” if we are too close to the power sources. Image amplification makes aquifers appear to be thicker, better, and deeper than they really are. A 600 foot buffer from power lines is recommended when we set up our sensors to avoid excessive amplification, however, we have had success imaging in high culture areas utilizing our new system obtained in 2018.

No. Our surveys are generally conducted with a two-or three-man crew, four-wheel-drive truck (sometimes with an ATV), 150 pounds of portable equipment and cables, and lay all the equipment on the surface of the property to obtain the image. The maximum surface footprint of a single setup is less than 200 feet. The equipment does not damage the property and is very friendly to the environment.

No, the pathway can be curved or bent around surface obstructions or to fit well-spacing requirements in nearly any line shape needed!