Pearched Water / Spring Water Problem

[fabbdc]

I’m working on a Residential home that has a constant water problem in the front yard. This lot is in residual soils (cut out of a hill). The majority of the water appears to be near the utility lines (ie. deepest cut in the yard). I tested the water for Floride and found non, so it appears to be natural water most likely Pearched Water or Spring Water caused be the removal of the overburden pressure (ie removal of several feet of soil). I plan on installing a series of trenches (ie. french drains… I like using vertical wick drains with sand as my components) to collect the water and then discharge it to the storm water system.

Now the question……..

I am looking for any recommendations for estimating the quantity of water that I will be collecting. Do to elevation issues, I will have to install a sump and pump to remove the water. I’m thinking that this is probably going to have to be a WAG, and if that’s so…. I will use a ½ horse pump.

Any thought or help is welcome.

Thanks

 

[cvg]

just because your test for flouride was negative does not mean it's not a leaking waterline. Are you sure your water system is being treated with flouride? Wouldn't you want to be absolutely sure its not a leaking pipe before going to all the trouble?

 

[Focht3]

I agree with cvg - check the water lines first.

 

[TJWATKINSPG]

I think that the flow of water into your drains is going to be related to the permeablitity of your soils( disturbed or not). One inexpensive way to test the perm. might be double ring infiltrometer tests. While these are typically used to estimate the infltration rate, they can also be used for exfiltration, as the flow of a fluid through a porous media usually does not depend on the direction( bedding layers excluded).

The truth will set you free. Best of luck. Geodude

 

[Focht3]

SDRI - cheap? Please define "cheap."

 

[TJWATKINSPG]

Inexpensive is designing an adequate system the first time. This can be done best with a little more knowledge. Expensive is having to replace your system because you WAGed too far off base. I do understand that often one can overbuild for less than testing costs. This sounds like a system that will be around for some time so perhaps operating costs could be part of whole equation. Just trying to cover all the bases.

The truth will set you free. Best of luck. Geodude

 

[Grouser]

The utility trench may be intercepting a 'natural' flow. The sewer may be leaking. The house's water service may be leaking; check meter vs usage or pressure test water line. How about building a water garden or pond in the yard?

TJWATKINSPG is right. A percolation test is needed to properly size an exfiltration system. Cheaper test methods may be acceptable. Contact the local public works dept. or water management agency for direction.

As far as estimating the volume of water, collect it and measure it. Does the flow vary with time or off-site rain events? With usage in the house? Other upslope building sites that could be source of water? Nearby water courses? Are site subsoils consistant? Are there known springs/artesian wells in the area? Does the house have 'city' water or a well? What does the well driller say?