Ground water is water that exists below the surface of the soil, pooling in the pores between sand and gravel. In some cases, ground water can become a safety issue, and must be removed from the ground.
Types
There are two instances in which ground water removal may become necessary. First, ground water may need to be removed if excess water fails to drain away and causes flooding. Second, ground water that has become contaminated with heavy metals or other potentially dangerous chemicals may need to be removed before it contaminates wells, rivers and other water sources.
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Problems
Drainage problems, which result in ground water flooding the home, can cause serious damage to a home's foundation. If allowed to accumulate, it can cause further damage to walls and flooring. Contaminated ground water that reaches water sources can poison the water, making it, and the fish that live in it, unfit for human consumption.
Solution
Ditches can be dug to drain away excess ground water that is standing around a home's foundation. If ground water is pooling, a sump pump is effective in pumping away the water to an area where it can drain freely. Contaminated water is typically pumped into a filtration system so it can be cleaned before it is returned to the ecosystem.