What Is a Piezometric Pipe? Groundwater Monitoring Well Basics

A piezometer is an installation used to measure groundwater level or pressure at a chosen depth. The piezometric pipe is the pipe that forms it: a plain riser pipe from the surface and a screened section at the depth being monitored. The same construction is used for groundwater monitoring wells in environmental, hydrogeological and geotechnical projects.

How a monitoring well is built

• Protective cover and concrete pad at the surface protect the well head.
• Grout backfill and a bentonite seal stop surface water from running down the outside of the pipe.
• Riser pipe, plain uPVC, runs from the surface to the monitoring zone.
• Screen section lets groundwater enter at the target depth.
• Sand or filter pack surrounds the screen.
• End cap closes the bottom of the pipe.

What piezometric pipes are used for

Professionals in geology, hydrology and environmental engineering use Vinyl Piezometric Pipes for:

• Monitoring groundwater levels in wells or boreholes
• Hydrogeological impact studies
• Housing data loggers in automated monitoring systems
• Drinking water quality monitoring

Why uPVC is used for monitoring wells

Monitoring data is only useful if the pipe does not change the water it is measuring. Vinyl piezometric pipes are made from premium-quality uPVC with chemical inertness, so no reaction occurs with groundwater or geological formations, and there is no leaching or contamination during long-term monitoring. They also offer:

• A service life of over 100 years
• A secure trapezoidal threaded coupling with O-ring seals for leak-free assembly
• Light weight for installation in remote or rugged terrain
• Biodegradable sleeve wrapping verified to ASTM D5511 for landfill biodegradation
• Certification as safe for drinking water applications

Piezometric pipe sizes

Choosing pipes for a monitoring well

1. Size for the instrument. The pipe must fit the water level meter, sampling equipment or data logger you plan to use.
2. Screen only the zone you want to monitor, and seal above it so readings are not mixed with other layers.
3. Use sealed joints. Threaded joints with O-rings keep the riser watertight.
4. Think long term. Monitoring programmes often run for decades, so material durability matters.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a piezometer and a monitoring well?

The terms overlap. A piezometer is typically installed to measure groundwater level or pressure at a specific depth, while a monitoring well may also be used to take water samples. Both use a riser pipe with a screened section.

Are piezometric pipes suitable for long-term monitoring?

Yes. Vinyl piezometric pipes offer a service life exceeding 100 years, for consistent performance in long-term groundwater studies.

How easy are they to install?

The trapezoidal-threaded coupling system gives secure connections without specialised tools, saving time in the field.

See more pipes for monitoring wells or contact Vinyl Pipes for project quantities.