THE FOREMAN STORY–CLOSURE OF IDAHO FLOWING WELL AFFECTS GROUND WATER IN ENTIRE AREA |
| |
| Authors: | Sherl L Chapman |
| |
| Institution: | Assistant Director, Idaho Department of Water Administration, Boise 83707 |
| |
| Abstract: | Abstract In 1962, a 2,980-foot deep well was drilled for D. I. Foreman in Middle Castle Creek Valley, Owyhee County, Idaho. This well, which flowed approximately 3,600 gpm, yielded water of 170°F from basalt and silicic volcanic formations; original shut-in pressure was 105 psi. However, leakage began to occur around the casing, and in 1967, a suit was filed on behalf of the Idaho Department of Water Administration to have the well repaired.
The Andrew Well Drilling Company, of Idaho Falls, was hired to repair the well, and was on the site in November 1968. Additional casing, packers, and pressure grouting sealed the well adequately. The effect of closure of the foreman well on ground water of the entire area was dramatic. As an example, within 8 hours of closure, water in an observation well 5.7 miles away, rose more than a tenth of a foot. Net increase in this observation well since closure has been 26 feet. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
|
|
