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Groundwater source contamination mechanisms: physicochemical profile clustering, risk factor analysis and
Paul Hynds1, Bruce D Misstear1, Laurence W Gill1
1Environmental Engineering Research Group, School of Engineering, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Journal of Contaminant Hydrology
|March 4, 2014
Summary
Domestic well contamination in Ireland is linked to septic tanks and agriculture. Understanding well design and local geology helps predict bacterial presence and improve water safety strategies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrogeology
- Public Health
Background:
- Domestic wells are a critical water source, yet susceptible to contamination.
- Understanding contamination pathways is essential for safeguarding drinking water quality.
- Previous studies have highlighted risks but lacked integrated, cluster-specific analyses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an integrated domestic well sampling and susceptibility assessment in Ireland.
- To identify and characterize distinct groundwater physicochemical clusters.
- To determine risk factors associated with bacterial contamination and develop predictive models.
Main Methods:
- Sampled 211 domestic wells across Ireland (April 2008 - November 2010).
- Assessed groundwater physicochemical profiles, well design, and local geology.
- Utilized statistical analysis (bivariate and multivariate) and developed susceptibility models.
Main Results:
- Identified three distinct well clusters associated with source type and geology.
- Bacterial prevalence (Escherichia coli) significantly varied between clusters (15.4%–47.6%).
- On-site septic tanks, agricultural proximity, and well design (liner clearance) were key risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Cluster-specific contamination mechanisms were elucidated, highlighting septic tanks and surface ingress.
- Developed multivariate models achieved high predictive accuracy (84%–91%).
- Findings inform targeted risk management, wellhead protection, and remediation strategies for domestic wells.
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