Drilling a well and hitting a pocket of natural fizzy water

Last week, we were out near the old mill property putting down a test well, expecting the usual sand and gravel layers. At around 120 feet, the pressure gauge spiked and the drill pipe started vibrating like a soda can shaken up. When we pulled back, this geyser of sparkling water shot out, drenching everyone and leaving a frothy mess all over the rig. My assistant thought it was a leak in the air line, but after tasting it, we realized it was naturally carbonated. The client came running over, convinced we'd struck some kind of underground champagne vault. We had to explain aquifer chemistry on the spot while wiping sticky mineral residue off our faces. Now I keep a pack of cups in the truck just in case we hit another fizzy zone. Honestly, it was the most refreshing mishap I've had in years.

3 comments

3 Comments

william_torres761mo ago

Look out for other gases in that aquifer. Methane plus spark equals bad news.

jake_ward1mo ago

Doesn't that make drilling way more hazardous than people realize? I've heard stories where methane buildup caused serious accidents. Always scary to think about, hope everyone's taking precautions.

riley_ellis1mo ago

That 2018 methane incident in Colorado comes to mind, @jake_ward.