What happens during Air Surging?

Air surging is a technique used in groundwater well development to enhance water quality and increase yield. During this process, air is injected into the well to create turbulence and agitation within the water column. This agitation helps to mobilize sediment and other particulates that may have settled at the bottom of the well, allowing them to be displaced and extracted.

The injection of air serves a dual purpose: it not only helps in dislodging sediment but also can aid in the oxidation of dissolved metals, improving overall water quality. The surging action effectively cleans the well screen and surrounding formation, resulting in a clearer and potentially more productive well.

This technique is distinct from merely measuring static levels or simply turning off a pump, which do not involve active intervention to improve well performance. Similarly, while water may be displaced as a result of the surging action, the primary focus here is on the injection of air itself.