Successful well siting requires more than putting a pin on a map — it involves navigating complex decisions influenced by data, environmental factors, infrastructure needs, and regulatory demands. A collaborative effort grounded in sound scientific information across many disciplines can result in a data-driven approach that meets business-critical project goals such as:

• Protecting water resources
• Achieving water supply diversity
• Accurately projecting costs and schedules
• Obtaining necessary property access or real estate acquisition
• Ensuring regulatory compliance

To illustrate the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, we asked BC’s Groundwater Resources Team to share insights into what their disciplines bring to the well-siting process.

Hydrogeology

Natural systems are highly variable and complex.

Questions? Reach out to Brandon McLean

Understanding the intricacies of local-scale hydrogeology through existing and new data acquisition is crucial. A comprehensive hydrogeologic conceptual site model (HCSM) built from this data provides the framework for understanding aquifer productivity, groundwater quality, and interactions with neighboring wells – factors important for siting and design of wells.
Why it matters: Utilizing a comprehensive, data-driven HCSM enhances certainty and enables informed decision-making for well siting and design.

Groundwater modeling

Groundwater modeling is an industry-standard tool used to inform optimal locations for pumping, injection, and monitoring wells.

Questions? Reach out to Stacia Prazen

Models replicate subsurface conditions, providing predictions of performance from hypothetical well locations, depths, and operational scenarios.
Why it matters: Coupled with a HCSM, a groundwater model can help identify and optimize well locations, depths, and pumping or injection rates to meet project objectives.

Geochemical modeling

Geochemical modeling uses data on mineralogy and water chemistry to evaluate geochemical conditions.

Questions? Reach out to Kelly Donahue

This process helps to assess water quality and identify contaminants, support compatibility with future injection water to prevent scaling or equipment corrosion, and predict potential reactions to mitigate the release of harmful constituents.
Why it matters: Geochemical modeling allows for better decision-making by identifying potential issues during the planning phase, ensuring the long-term viability of well operations, and supporting both current and future project objectives.

Infrastructure and land development

Subsurface conditions are not the only consideration when siting wells; existing and future infrastructure, land use, and property access are also critical.

Questions? Reach out to Steve Netto

Engaging engineering experts and stakeholders helps determine well site locations and conveyance routing based on property access and allows us to integrate with infrastructure.
Why it matters: Early engagement with property owners and consideration of existing and planned infrastructure constraints are essential for feasible well siting.

Decision support solutions

Integrating digital tools supports efficient analysis, standardizes decision processes, and communicates stakeholder goals.
Subsurface conditions are not the only consideration when siting wells; existing and future infrastructure, land use, and property access are also critical.

Questions? Reach out to Steve Young

Tools include spatial analytics, data mining, advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and 3D visualization.
Why it matters: Customized digital tools provide rapid access to data and visualization, supporting robust and repeatable decision-making.

Putting it together

A holistic approach to well siting provides a big picture down to finer scale that allows for near- and long-term benefits:

• Improved decision-making: Combining disciplines leads to more confident well performance predictions and informed decisions.
• Cost efficiency: Optimizes well systems, reducing the number of wells needed and saving time and resources.
• Infrastructure alignment: Ensures new well locations align and integrate with existing infrastructure, accounting for additional infrastructure costs.
• Sustainability: Supports long-term groundwater management, protecting the environment and public health.
• Regulatory compliance: Facilitates agency approvals and permits, ensuring legal access to sites.

Bottom line

Well siting does not have a one-size-fits-all solution. Combining the right tools with multi-discipline technical knowledge supports delivery of a site-specific solution that is practical and technically feasible. This holistic approach supports business-critical decisions that are informed by comprehensive data and expert insights, ultimately leading to more successful project outcomes.