Abstract: A well and method for using the well for removing lighter than water pollutants (e.g. hydrocarbons and other organics) from a water table. The well includes a pneumatic pump having an air exhaust port to which a vacuum hose is attached for applying a vacuum to the pump chamber to enable fluids to be drawn into the pump chamber without regard to the hydrostatic head and at a rate sufficient to provide a drawdown of the water table to enable capture of organic compounds present as a floating layer on the water table.

Abstract: The specification discloses a system for recovering groundwater from a subterranean aquifer through an extraction well having a perforated casing extending down to the water table and a drop-tube within the casing to define an annular area between the casing and the drop-tube. A vacuum pump is connected to the drop-tube for inducing a flow of liquid up the tube. An aperture is provided through the wall of the drop-tube to enable gas from the annular area to enter the drop tube to mix with liquids flowing upwardly through the tube and reduce the density of the flowing fluid column so that it is more easily lifted to the surface. The aperture also provides a self-priming feature which avoids start-up problems associated with known vacuum dewatering methods.

Abstract: The specification discloses a system for recovering groundwater from a subterranean aquifer through an extraction well having a perforated casing extending down to the water table and a drop-tube within the casing to define an annular area between the casing and the drop-tube. A vacuum pump is connected to the drop-tube for inducing a flow of liquid up the tube. An aperture is provided through the wall of the drop-tube to enable gas from the annular area to enter the drop tube to mix with liquids flowing upwardly through the tube and reduce the density of the flowing fluid column so that it is more easily lifted to the surface. The aperture also provides a self-priming feature which avoids start-up problems associated with known vacuum dewatering methods.