Recently, our environmental department observed test hole drilling conducted for a potential
public water supply well. This process provided an excellent opportunity to highlight the role of
air rotary drilling in locating and evaluating groundwater resources, a crucial step in helping
municipalities secure sustainable water supplies while maintaining compliance with state
environmental regulations.
Understanding Aquifers and Their Importance
Aquifers are subsurface layers of permeable rock, sand, or gravel that store groundwater. They
act as natural reservoirs that provide much of the drinking water used by millions of Texans.
Before a new well can be developed, it is essential to confirm that an aquifer can supply
sufficient yield and meet quality standards for public consumption.
Test hole drilling allows engineers and scientists to characterize subsurface conditions, identify
water-bearing zones, and evaluate the potential productivity of a proposed well site. The
resulting data helps municipalities make informed decisions about future water infrastructure
investments.
The Drilling Process
Air rotary drilling is a common and efficient method for advancing test holes in consolidated
formations such as limestone or sandstone. Compressed air is circulated down through the drill
string and exits at the bit, lifting rock cuttings to the surface and keeping the borehole open
during drilling. Because no drilling fluids are introduced into the formation, lithologic samples
remain clean and unaltered. This creates ideal conditions to observe formation changes and
identify aquifer boundaries in real time. The method also helps protect the integrity of
groundwater resources by minimizing the potential for contamination.
Environmental and Regulatory Oversight
Public water supply wells are subject to stringent state and local regulatory requirements
designed to protect aquifers and public health. These include well construction standards, aquifer
protection measures, and water quality sampling protocols.
At JACOB | MARTIN, our environmental department has a passion for guiding municipalities
through these regulatory processes. This includes coordinating with state agencies such as the
TCEQ, and groundwater conservation districts, to ensure that each phase of the investigation
adheres to applicable standards. Through this collaboration, municipalities can move forward
with confidence, knowing their projects meet both technical and environmental compliance
expectations.
Why It Matters
The development of public water supply wells extends beyond technical execution, it represents
a community’s commitment to providing safe, reliable drinking water for current and future
generations. The process of air rotary drilling and aquifer evaluation demonstrates how
engineering and environmental stewardship intersect to support that mission.
By assisting municipalities in properly assessing groundwater resources, environmental
professionals help ensure that public water systems remain resilient, sustainable, and fully
compliant with regulatory standards.
Every successful well begins long before water reaches the tap. Careful planning, proper drilling
techniques, and sound environmental oversight form the foundation of a community’s water
security. Through collaboration with municipalities and regulatory partners, our environmental
department remains dedicated to supporting projects that protect natural resources while ensuring
dependable access to clean water.