Using Airburst® Technology to Restore Municipal Well Capacity
Matt Hohnstein of Water Systems & Pump Services Ltd recently reached out to JKA Well Drilling & Pumps regarding the rehabilitation of Well 5A, located in the City of Auburn, Washington. This municipal well had experienced a significant decline in specific capacity, and the city needed the well restored to full output to support its water supply system.
Original Well Construction and History
Well 5A was initially constructed prior to 1990, with an estimated total depth of 432 feet and 16-inch steel casing. Although the original well log is missing, we have access to the 1990 deepening log when Oelke Drilling, Inc. extended the well using an air rotary drill rig.
-
The 1990 project deepened the well to approximately 560 feet.
-
New 10-inch casing was installed from surface to bottom.
-
The well was completed through silty gravel, coarse sand, and water-bearing gravels, terminating in bedrock.
-
Using a Holte air-operated perforator, Oelke installed approximately 1,440 perforations (1″ x 1/8″) between 510 and 560 feet.
Rehabilitation Plan and Initial Video Inspection
Following pump removal and video inspection, JKA partnered with Water Systems & Pump Services to create a targeted well redevelopment plan involving:
-
Wire brushing of the casing.
-
Debris bailing using a pump hoist.
-
High-energy Airburst® redevelopment to clean and reopen plugged perforations.
Video Documentation – June 19, 2025
The first video inspection confirmed that several perforations were partially or completely blocked, including one at approximately 565 feet.
Wire Brushing and Follow-Up Inspection
On July 18, 2025, after brushing and bailing:
-
A second video inspection showed that one original perforation had improved visibility.
-
A second perforation was now visible, previously covered by debris.
This confirmed initial success in removing biological or mineral blockages from the perforation zone.
Airburst Redevelopment – July 29, 2025
The Airburst® system was deployed to stimulate and redevelop the well’s perforated section:
-
Airburst tooling was operated from the surface using Water Systems’ hoist.
-
Pulses were applied at 15–20 second intervals using 1,500 PSI compressed air.
-
The crew performed 5 full passes through the perforated zone over 4 hours.
Post-Airburst Results: Sand Production and Visual Improvements
On July 30, 2025, post-Airburst bailing operations removed over 12 feet of sand and small gravel, confirming:
-
Perforations had reopened and allowed significant material influx.
-
The redevelopment restored permeability in water-bearing zones.
Final Video Inspection – August 1, 2025
The concluding inspection provided visual proof of Airburst’s success:
-
Perforations at 565 feet were now fully exposed and free of obstructions.
-
This confirmed increased hydraulic connectivity to the aquifer.
Why Use Airburst® for Well Rehabilitation?
If your water well is suffering from low production, clogged perforations, or restricted flow, Airburst® technology offers:
-
A non-invasive, high-efficiency redevelopment method.
-
Effective reopening of old or plugged well screens and perforations.
-
Excellent results in residential, municipal, agricultural, and industrial wells.
Need Help With a Low-Yielding Well? Contact Us Today!
At JKA Well Drilling & Pumps, we specialize in well rehabilitation, pump services, and complete water system solutions. Let us evaluate your well and determine whether Airburst redevelopment is right for you.
📞 Call us now or visit jkawelldrilling.com to schedule a consultation!
