How to Plan a Dewatering Project - Checklist

Developing an efficient dewatering management plan is the first step in a successful dewatering project. Utilize our project checklist to ensure you don’t miss a step when gathering important information and planning dewatering activities.

Collect Project Information

1. Type of Project (utility, commercial, infrastructure)
2. Excavation size, depth, type
3. Shoring method
4. Excavation / Dewatering duration

Understand Site Hydrogeology

1. Analyze Geotechnical Report/Borings
   1. Boring logs
   2. Lab analysis (soil grain size)
   3. Geologic setting (alluvial, glacial, coastal)
   4. Pump/Slug test data

Calculate Flow Rate

1. Groundwater Modeling
2. Analytical calculations (Thiem, Dupuit)

Groundwater Discharge Considerations

1. What contaminants are in the water?
   1. Water quality reports
   2. Environmental site study/Assessment
2. How much water will be discharged?
   1. Constant vs. Intermittent and Total volume
3. Where to discharge water?
   1. Onsite holding/Recharge
   2. Sanitary or Storm sewer
   3. Surface water body
4. Permitting for discharge
   1. Who regulates the discharge point?
   2. What are the water quality requirements?

Dewatering System Selection & Installation

1. Consider these project factors when choosing a dewatering method
   1. Geologic conditions
   2. Subsurface water table
   3. Depth of excavation
   4. Amount of drawdown
   5. Required pumping rate
   6. Constant vs. Intermittent pumping
2. Assess required installation technique
   1. Bucket auger, jetting, wash/air rotary, sonic
      (May be dictated by site/geologic conditions)
3. Create a system layout to verify system component locations compliment the site logistics and do not interfere with construction activity or utilities