What's in Your Piezometer? – Evaluating and Maintaining Piezometers, Relief Wells, and Drains

Many dams have seepage control and monitoring systems. These features are subject to damage, deterioration and reduced function with time. This paper is intended to help dam managers and maintenance staff understand the purpose of these systems, how to evaluate their condition, and how to perform necessary maintenance. Procedures and equipment are described for evaluating and cleaning standpipe piezometers, relief wells, toe drains and underdrains. Some technical guidance is necessary, but much of the work can be done by maintenance staff using equipment that is on-site, rented, or shop-built. Examples are illustrated.