Groundwater exploration falls within the overall science of water resource development. In the intermountain region, groundwater exploration is undertaken as a means of developing water supply for a number of purposes including drinking water supply, irrigation, snow making and in at least one case, stream thawing.

Nelson Engineering has provided professional services pertinent to groundwater development since opening their doors for business in 1964. The company’s first project was development of groundwater in Jackson, Wyoming for municipal supply. Many times when evaluating municipal supply, groundwater is an alternative to treating surface water. When comparing the two economically, a ‘search radius’ for groundwater results. This concept is utilized when analyzing an area for an optimal well location. Within the search radius, groundwater can be the more economical alternative.

Nelson Engineering has helped the Jackson Hole Ski Area and Snow King Resort develop high volume wells for the non-traditional use of snowmaking. The Town of Jackson, with the help of Nelson Engineering, has developed high volume wells to thermally dilute Flat Creek in an effort to minimize ice-induced flood damage.

Irrigation System Design work requires the engineer to be knowledgable in a broad spectrum of related sciences from agriculture and crop water needs to hydraulics and hydrology

Transmission pipeline and engineering design requires evaluation and analysis of a number of parameters. Nelson Engineering has extensive experience in engineering and designing, irrigation, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, raw water, and potable water pipelines. Areas of consideration include pipeline materials of construction, pipe joint geometry and integrity, corrosion, containment, permeation, surge pressure evaluation, pipe wall thickness, pipeline bedding bury depth and backfill requirements.

Often a project owner must evaluate an existing pipeline prior to deciding if a new replacement is justified. Nelson Engineering has experience in assisting clients with developing a scope of work and then carrying out the investigations. Investigations can include cleaning and video recording the pipe’s interior to visually inspecting the pipe wall condition, excavating pipe to ascertain corrosion damages, flow, and pressure testing to determine conveyance ability and pipeline integrity. Once the investigation is complete, the evaluations can be made and recommendations formulated.