Topic outline

  • NRCS: Groundwater Resources - Springs and Wells

    Credits: 5 PDH

    Course Description:

    The purpose of this course is to provide engineers with some of the fundamentals of planning and developing groundwater resources. The course contains information that must be considered and analyzed if a successful and long-lasting water supply is to be obtained from wells or springs.
    The nature of groundwater, methods of obtaining it from springs or wells, and the development and maintenance of groundwater recovery systems are described. Groundwater has many advantages over water from other sources, and its economic importance cannot be overemphasized.

    Topics:

    • Sources of water supply
    • Water-bearing materials
    • Aquifers in the continental United States
    • Effects of geologic structure
    • Conservation of groundwater resources
    • Springs and seeps
    • Spring design and maintenance
    • Types of wells
    • Site selection
    • Hydraulics
    • Design, construction, and testing
    • Well development after installation
    • Selecting a pump
    • Applicable state laws and groundwater rights
    • Contracts and specifications
    • Records
    • Abandonment

    To take this course:

    1.)Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion


    Intended Audience: civil, construction, mechanical, and water resources, and other engineers concerned with the design, development, maintenance, and construction of groundwater resources.

    Mark Rossow, PhD, PE (retired)
  • Topic 1