Hydrogeology / Water Supply Development

We strive to help organizations and agencies preserve the nation’s vulnerable ground water supply.

Ground water is the water that fills, or saturates, open spaces in consolidated or unconsolidated rock formations in the subsurface environment below the water table. This straightforward definition goes to the heart of one of HW’s core businesses —–the study, development and protection of ground water. 

We’ve often been stereotyped as a “ground water” firm. And while we provide many other services, we haven’t fought too hard to dispute this allegation, because our staff consists of nationally known hydrogeologists and water resource engineers; recognized experts in new source development and protection, contaminant identification and remediation. We have conducted hundreds of hydrogeologic field assessments using state-of-the-art drilling, monitoring well installation and water quality sampling techniques.

Hydrogeology
This refers to the study of the quantity, quality, and movement of groundwater beneath the land surface.  It integrates an understanding of geologic and soil processes with the three-dimensional movement of groundwater, and the interplay between groundwater and surface water resources.  Understanding hydrogeologic processes provides the foundation upon which meaningful decisions can be made regarding the development of water supplies and wastewater or stormwater infiltration systems; the assessment of watershed dynamics; the movement of contaminants in the subsurface environment; and the interrelationships between activities at the lands surface and downgradient water resources.

Water Quality Assessments
We ensure the protection of groundwater resources through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates science, engineering, land use planning, public education, and outreach.  Our staff is adept at working with municipalities to promote aquifer and wellhead protection through regulatory reform and the development of best management practices and guidance documents. We collect surface and groundwater samples, bugs, sediment, etc. to develop monitoring plans for specific watershed needs. We then work with communities to implement these regulatory changes and standards, beginning with public education and outreach assistance, and then groundwater quality analysis, the design of infrastructure improvements, and water quality sampling and monitoring.