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The Water Well Camera
A well camera is a reliable way to collect information to make informed decisions concerning water wells.
Low production, sand and contamination are all well water issues that get our attention, and a clear view leads to a positive diagnosis to solve these issues.
Viewing a well when the pump is out for maintenance allows for preventative action to be taken before a water issue develops.
Take the dark out of well repair
Laval water well camera took stereo picture at 2-foot intervals
Pictures were viewed with 2 side by side slides
History of the water well camera
The first well cameras took black and white pictures, they were taken in the blind and the film needed to be developed before viewing. They were difficult to read and often it was not possible to tell the difference between a lump of scale from a hole in the casing.
It was discovered during the first world war that overlapping pictures gave us the perception of depth.
Claude Laval, Jr. following in his famous father’s (Photographer Pop Laval) footsteps, develop the idea of a stereo well camera to be used in the deep wells in the central of California.
We started doing well surveys in the early 1970s and used Laval 3D cameras because they gave the best true view.
Today we use video cameras because they give us immediate results for on the spot viewing.
What most don’t realize is video images can be difficult to read. Without the best camera, a knowledgeable operator, and proper lighting we often find ourselves guessing at what we are looking at.
In video we see depth from constantly changing viewpoints
Until the camera begins to move the picture looks flat.
In video we see motion from constantly changing images
Until the image begins to change there is no movement.
Camera lens and lighting
Reality is video only sees light reflected off objects and wells are hardly ever debris free. A camera needs to use different focal lengths and different lighting for different downhole situations to get clear images.
Lighting
Lighting needs to match with well size and water turbidity. Not enough light and the video image is grainy, too much light and it’s a whiteout. A light mounted on the camera gives the best view above water, but it often looks like you are in a blizzard below water. A light bar works best below water but may block the view in a fishing job. A sideview is good for a close up, but it is terrible at giving perspective. Wells often change sizes at depth and have areas of murky water, it may require more than one light and more than one run to get the view needed.
YES, We still produce the best written reports in the business.
Digital Reports
Nobody wants to watch hours of a camera going up and down or side to side while the technician tries to capture a seen. We edit out unnecessary repeated action, then insert a well log along with a description of findings to be viewed in one easy to look at report. It is a big advantage to view a well with a prospective of where you are from top to bottom without having to go to a separate report. The video can also be made in power point where you can add your own notes or add a note after repairs have been made.
Yes, we provide answers
The Guardino family has been in the groundwater industry since 1929
You don’t need to be a well expert to do a well camera survey, but after doing downhole camera and well repair work for more than 50 years you learn a few things.
We know when it comes to your well, we are not the decision maker, but our extensive knowledge in doing water well repair and rehabilitation gives us the ability to point out the different options available to correct it.
A high quality portable camera or Van service
Need A well camera Survey?
Please call us:
Sacramento Office
Bob
Tel. 916 765-5221
Email: waterwellbob@gmail.com
Bakersfield Office
Mike
Tel. 916 779-0553
Email: wellboyh2o@gmail.com
