Groundwater control uses measures such as pumping or drainage to manage water during or after construction.
Definition
Groundwater control refers to measures used to manage groundwater during or after construction. Depending on site conditions and project requirements, measures may include pumping, drainage, or systems intended to manage water around an excavation or completed work. The approach depends on subsurface conditions, nearby structures and property, permits, and construction sequencing. Design and construction responsibilities vary by contract, and evaluating effects on surrounding ground or water resources may require specialist input. Groundwater control is not a single method or a guarantee that water will be absent; conditions can change and measures have defined limits. It is also distinct from simply measuring the groundwater table, though those observations can inform a plan. For owners, water management may affect scope, schedule, permitting, and coordination with contractors and adjacent owners. The EPA provides environmental information relevant to some water resource considerations.
How owners use it
- Identify who is responsible for design, installation, operation, and monitoring of water management measures.
- Coordinate groundwater assumptions with excavation sequence, nearby assets, permits, and discharge requirements.
- Example: If a project pumps 12 gallons per minute for 5 hours, the volume is 12 × 60 × 5 = 3,600 gallons.
- State project interfaces and limits in scope and contract documents.
