Groundwater Sampling Methods
by: Sebastien Fortin, E.I.T., M.Sc.
Drainhole Sampling
In underground mines, groundwater can be sampled where drain holes are present. Drainholes are points in the rock mass where groundwater flow exits into a mine working. They are more likely to be found in areas where the bedrock is fractured and hence provide a flow path for groundwater. The geology of the structures and discontinuities should be known in order to define the geometry of the rock mass and hopefully identify the source of groundwater.
Alternatively, groundwater can be collected in underground mines from interception system or drainage pipes. Regardless of where it is collected, the groundwater sampled in underground workings can be very useful for load balance calculations since it can often be combined with flow estimates.
Care should be taken in evaluating whether groundwater discharging in drain pipes or along the rock face is representative of groundwater in the rock mass. For example, any contact of the groundwater with shotcrete used for stabilizing underground workings may significantly alter groundwater quality.
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