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water for the needs of 250,000 people. These wells all tapped into giant aquifers, limestone or gravel, holding billions of gallons of water.
Clevenger’s Comer is going to tap into solid rock. Bedrock does not hold water, except in cracks. If you empty the cracks, they have to be refilled. In a discussion with a well driller in the area, he noted that “the big boys,” hydrogeologists, are usually brought in to pinpoint exactly where a field of wells should be drilled.
In Clevenger’s Comer’s case, each well is to produce 72,000 to 140,000 gallons per day (50-97 gallons per minute).
How do “the big boys” do this? Last spring, Emery & Garrett Groundwater, Inc., carried out a hydrogeologic investigation for Centex Homes in the southeast quadrant of Clevenger’s Comer Village Center Plan. They identified eight favorable groundwater development zones. How was this accomplished?
First, there was a detailed investigation of the local bedrock geology: field mapping of its mineral composition and texture; determining the nature of bedrock layering and folds; noting differences in subsurface rock units, and identifying the presence of contact zones of interest and fault zones. In essence, finding cracks that allow water to flow.
Second, a study was made of where fractured bedrock aquifers might be found. This was done by having a group of professional hydrogeologists examine LANDSAT satellite images, topographic maps, vegetation changes on the ground, etc. In essence, noting what “lines” on the ground might indicate bedrock fractures containing water.
Other information consisted of identifying areas where potential groundwater recharge was greatest; locating areas that could potentially degrade groundwater quality; and examining data on existing well depths and flows.
The next phase involves conducting geophysical surveys of the eight favorable groundwater development zones to locate the best places for exploratory test wells. But, what of the current drought? A March 12, 2002 report from the Virginia State Climatology Office noted conditions are worsening, nearing 1930s drought records. Oddly, this fall would be the best time to drill for water at Clevenger’s Comer. It would prove sustainable water was available under adverse conditions.
This is the sixth article in an occasional series on Clevenger’s Corner and its possible impact on Rappahannock County.
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