Volume 23 August 2026 Details about this unit and more from SEMCO on page 6. Booth 1101
Booth 1421
3 AUGUST 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
Booth 1703
Are you Planning to go?.......................................................26 Breaking News......................................................................13 Classifieds with WorldWide............................................37-48 Dealmakers...........................................................................20 Education Connection..........................................................16 Fun Page................................................................................22 Hot Off the Press.....................................................................9 Obituary: Downey, Richard Eugene “Dick”........................30 Obituary: Marvidakis, Stanley “Stan”.................................24 Obituary: Robinson, Charles Terrell “Smokey”.................24 Photo Page.......................................................................32,46 Product Spotlight..................................................................35 Who’s in the News................................................................13 WorldWide Association Memberships Association Memberships....................................28 WorldWide ..............6 Allegheny Instruments........................................................25 Atlantic Screen & Manufacturing, Inc. (ASI)........................29 Baker Water Systems...........................................................9 Better Water Industries Inc..................................................14 Bit Brokers International (BBI)..............................................3 Bitco, Inc.............................................................................35 Central Mine Equipment Company (CME)..........................12 Cotey Chemical Corp. (CCC)................................................8 Drill Pipe, Inc.......................................................................21 Drilling Equipment Sales, Inc. (DES)..................................47 Drilling Supply & Mfg (DSM)...............................................27 Geoprobe Systems®..............................................................2 Geothermal Supply Company, Inc. (GSC)..........................20 Heron Instruments, Inc.......................................................13 Infinity Tool Manufacturing..................................................16 Infinity Tool Manufacturing..................................................48 Kovai Drilling Applications...................................................15 KS Bit, Inc...........................................................................36 Mills Machine Company, Inc...............................................23 N&N Drilling Supply.............................................................31 National Drilling Association (NDA) Convention….….…….17 Robit, Plc..............................................................................7 SEMCO, Inc.......................................................................1,6 SIMCO® Drilling Equipment...................................................4 Star Iron Works, Inc. - Construction....................................18 Star Iron Works, Inc. - Water Well.......................................19 Well-Vu, Inc.........................................................................33 Advertisers Featured Editorial C&G - Construction/Geotechnical ENV - Environmental EXB - Exploration/Blasthole G&O - Shallow Gas and Oil GEO - Geothermal HDD - Horizontal Directional Drilling MIN - Mining WTR - Water August 2026 - Water C&G ENV EXB G&O GEO HDD MIN WTR Aardvark Packers Atlantic Screen & Mfg., Inc. Bit Brokers International Centerline Mfg. ChemGrout® Drill King International Drill Pipe, Inc. Eastern Driller Mfg. (EDM) Get Association Help™ Groundwater Week Heisey Machine Co. Hole Products Kovai Drilling Applications Merrill Manufacturing National Drilling Assn. Hidden Risk in Everyday Water Use...........................18 Sustainability Guide Number Four: Water Use.............25 Smith, Billy Bob: The “Idiots” Corner.......................26 Investing Millions to Strengthen Water.........................21 Subsurface Sampling in the West Valley......................34 Explosives Aspects...................................................31 Connor, Tim: Enthusiasm.........................................34 Texas Royalties are Paying Off.................................22 Geothermal in the Clean Power Shift........................20 Taking Steps to Accelerate Geothermal Energy........35 Storkson, Britt: Do You Really “Own” Your Car?.......16 Boring with Ancasta...................................................22 E-News Readers’ Choice - The Future is Now............11 Kovai Hammers Provide High-E ciency Drilling.......15 Wastewater Recycling...............................................29 Battersby, Mark E.: Drilling Into Money Not Boring...33 Bartholomew, Gary: Water for Life............................8 Oklahoma Family Receives New Well.......................14 Making Water Do the Work........................................19 Protecting Water Rights............................................24 Why A Well Cap Matters............................................30 O-K Bit Service, Inc. PennDrill Mfg. Star Iron Works, Inc. T&T Carbide, Inc. Victory Steel Products Corp. WorldWide Drilling Resource® 5 AUGUST 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
6 AUGUST 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Think about this for a minute . . . So you are investing your valuable time and effort on social media and I might add that of a paid employee most likely, every day to try to see how many clicks or clacks you get by the end of a given time. Do you go back and see if you can find out how many you actually got? Or better yet, how many customers you actually closed through those clicks or clacks? Have you put a pencil to the cost of that for your company for each and every one of the people who are playing on social media? Oh, let’s not forget the photos and two sentences you put up there about someone else buying something from your company to try, I guess, to impress someone else? So if you are trying to entice a new customer who might perhaps find the post you made - and when he / she turns around to tell someone else to look at it to see what they think, and oops your finger slipped, and there it went. Where to? I have no idea - maybe cyberspace or to another person’s post? Your guess is as good as mine. Try to find it again. I can’t even find it when I take a photo of the item(s) so I can identify it the next day. Poof! Gone in a flash. And there went your customer just as quickly. And also there went your money right out into cyberspace along with it ~ yes, all the money you pay someone to put all those things on social media that more than likely the average clicks, clacks, or likes (without any comments) only amount to ten? Ok, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, 15. Make you feel better? I have a suggestion for you, go back to mailed print magazines to put your money into something tangible which your customers will be able to see and carry with them wherever they go, as they dream about that new rig, all those important tools they need to work with, or what have you. And they now have a way to actually contact you while they are trav- eling down the road, resting in their lounge chair, eating lunch, or whenever. I would like to wager your bottom line will go up. Proudly Made in the United States of America - delivered WorldWide! WorldWide Drilling Resource® The complete magazine for the drilling industry worldwide, owned by drilling industry associates dedicated to bringing the most up-to-date technology and information to subscribers. Covering construction, geotechnical, directional, environmental, exploration-blasthole, shallow gas & oil, geothermal, mining, water well, irrigation, wastewater; from bits, to pumps, to rigs, to tanks, through wire, and much, much, more. Whatever it takes to get the drilling job done! it takes to get the drilling job done! Managing Publisher/CEO/President: Veronica I. Jones Vice President: Troy Cunningham Office Administrator: Michele Stevens Editor: Bonnie Love Senior Editorial Assistant: Sophia Henline Sales Assistant: Sarah Baker Public Relations Professional: Amy Koch Public Relations Professional: Linda Peterson Representative / Special Assignments: Marie Cunningham Special Guest Representative: Ed Moranski Editorial Contributors for this month: Gary Bartholomew Mark Battersby Tim Connor “Billy Bob Smith” Britt Storkson Editorial contributions & advertisements include statements of fact and opinions that are the sole responsibility of the author and/or companies and do not necessarily imply any opinion of the owners, management, or staff of WorldWide Drilling Resource® . Images may have been altered for clarity. Complete advertising information may be found at: www.worldwidedrillingresource.com or by calling 850-547-0102. WorldWide Drilling Resource® makes every effort not to place advertisements for “like” products on the same page in our publication; this may occur however, due to size and space within the publication. We regret any inconvenience this may cause our advertisers. WorldWide Drilling Resource® is published monthly by: WorldWide Drilling Resource, Inc., a Florida Corporation, independently owned and operated. PO Box 660 (3089 Northride Lane) Bonifay FL 32425-0660. Telephone: 850-547-0102 Fax: 850-547-0329 E-mail: wwdr@worldwidedrillingresource.com Website: www.worldwidedrillingresource.com Copyright 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource, Inc. Seen by countless WorldWide. Publication Agreement No. 40892520. Back issues may be requested. Cost per issue $10.00 USD. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the strict written consent of the publishers. Advertising rates furnished upon request. Editorial contributions are welcome subject to editorial review.* WorldWide Drilling Resource® reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. We Recycle With Pen - Computer in hand . . . Veronica I. “Ronnie” Jones, 850-547-0102 ronnie@worldwidedrillingresource.com Consultant: Mary Ann Pelletier We’ll see you On the Trail . . . NEXT UP ~ National Drilling Association . . . Thank-You This is pump hoist one of two for Florence Copper LLC out of Florence, Arizona. Pump hoist number two coming soon. Thank-you Florence Copper for your recent purchases. PO Box 1174 7595 US Hwy 50 N Lamar, CO 81052-1174 719-336-9006 www.SEMCOoflamar.com semcopumphoist@gmail.com ~ From the Cover ~ SEMCO S8,000H Pump Hoist, 44’ derrick, two-speed main line winch, triple line option 22,000 lbs capacity, hot shift PTO automatic transmission, breakout cylinder, cathead, hydraulic oil cooler single fan 12V DC, 1500’ capacity sand reel, LED light kit for mast, power tong hookup to the rear, 12’ steel flatbed, factory mounted on 2026 Ford F-550, 6.7L Diesel, Dually, 4x4, 84" CA. Measuring Success ~ One Reader, One Advertiser, One more Friend for a Lifetime ~ That’s the WWDR Way.
8 AUGUST 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® by Gary Bartholomew, Stephen Lingenfelter, and Tim Rasmussen, submitted by Gary Bartholomew In the last article, we had just made the hard decision to abandon the hole at Buenos Aires. We then hired someone we know to do a well site subterranean study. He found multiple caverns underground in the area and recommended we drill in another location. We followed his advice and drilled in the new location, but at about 50 feet, found an even larger cavern than the first. The caverns have presented so many problems in the past, that this second hole was also abandoned - thankfully before any tooling was lost. The villagers were getting nervous as the weeks went by with no positive results and asked several times if we were going to quit. They were relieved when we said no and moved to a third location which seemed likely and could serve the village. They were very happy with the drill crew and brought them food and cool drinks to show their appreciation. They watched carefully and tried to keep the crew as comfortable as they could. They put up some shade for the workers and protected the rig at night and over the weekends. They made sure nothing was stolen. The drilling of this third well hit problems at about 160 feet. The cable or the bailer got snagged there, but with some advice from one of the volunteers, they got it free and continued on down, deeper and deeper, without encountering any caverns, but alas, also without water. At about 300 feet, our drill operator Eddy began to get discouraged. Many people were telling him it was no use and several times he was ready to quit, but the need of the people and the efforts they had made to get the road put in, kept him going. The drilling went smoothly with no more caverns, and finally at 400 feet got to some water. It was clean and colder than usual, with apparently very little iron. He went on down to 460 feet. This was all the cable he had on the rig, so he could go no farther. This would have to do. They let the well sit for a day or two and the static water level came up to about 369 and stabilized. They estimated it at about 1.5 gallons per minute. We had hoped for more flow than this, but went ahead and installed a Grundfos solar pump and a plastic cistern, and began collecting water. The Grundfos pump is a very good unit and with good solar panels, will pump water from very great depths. A very useful feature of this pump is it will work at any available voltage. So even on cloudy days, the pump will bring up water. The villagers were excited and happy. Finally, they had water they can trust not to make them sick. They planned a large well dedication ceremony. A young bull was slated to be the “fatted calf” for slaughter for the ceremony. (Usually, it is chicken soup and tortillas.) This was a real fiesta. Once again, the blessings of the Good Lord in the form of volunteers, donors, contributors, and villagers came together to change the lives of some folks in a very remote village of Guatemala. Thank you for your help and encouragement. If you would like to help, contact Gary Bartholomew at 509-939-1941. Gary Gary Bartholomew may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com Materials for the kids. WTR Booth 205
Booth 402 9 AUGUST 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Three New Mini Excavators from CASE CASE Construction Equipment launched three new D Series mini excavators - the CX30D, CX34D, and CX38D - for jobsite versatility and excellent performance in a compact machine. The models are power-packed with muscle, precision, and attachment compatibility for efficient work in tight spaces. Built with operators in mind, the automotive-style cab has ergonomic controls, a suspension seat, and excellent all-around visibility to elevate the operator experience for better jobsite awareness. Conveniently placed access panels and a tilting cab also make daily and preventive maintenance easier. The zero-tailswing design allows operators to confidently work against walls, near structures, or around hazards. Each new model is equipped with different standard features to meet varying operational demands. The CX38D has a long arm with a thumb bracket, hydraulic auxiliary flow control, and electronic throttle control with auto idle for smoother, more efficient operation. Both the CX30D and CX38D include an industry-leading lights package for better visibility in low-light scenarios. A two-piece roll-up front window, on all three models, also provides excellent operator visibility and easier communication. For a link, click on this box in our online issue. No online issue? Register at worldwidedrillingresource.com
85 sales@aardva “Quality Packers Y Mechanical Inflatable Environmental Geotechnica Packer Parts 55-546-6488 arkpackers com You Can Count On” Wireline Straddle al Mining Grout Packers Custom Design s aardvarkpackers.com sales@aardvarkpackers.com Association Need Help? 850-547-0102 - Ronnie 10 AUGUST 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
11 AUGUST 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® The Future is Now Adapted from Information by Master Drilling Group The mining industry is evolving. With the global shift toward digital transformation, companies are rethinking how operations can be made safer, faster, and smarter. Master Drilling leads the charge, with an innovative remote drilling service, not only does it reshape daily operations, it redefines what’s possible underground. Remote drilling allows operators to control a drilling rig from anywhere whether on the surface or across the globe. While that might sound futuristic, it’s a reality already making measurable impacts on mining sites where safety risks, reentry delays, and efficiency bottlenecks are commonplace. The vision for remote drilling was born out of necessity and opportunity. Hazardous environments and delays due to reentry restrictions are constant challenges for traditional mining operations. Remote drilling addressed these challenges head-on; removing the need for on-site operators reduces exposure to danger and keeps rigs turning even when access is limited. A good example is an operation in Australia. Reentry into the mine was often restricted for up to three hours per shift and in some cases, several days. With the remote drilling system, operations continued without interruption. The result was 25% more productive drilling time per shift, simply by operating the rig remotely. While uptime is a major benefit, the real value is the technology behind the service enabling skilled operators to work from anywhere. Giving teams access to real-time performance data, allowing issues to be caught early thus preventing machine damage and optimizing efficiency. Once a stable, end-to-end network is installed, the system can be deployed seamlessly without major changes to infrastructure. Safety in high-risk environments is always positive. With remote drilling, personnel only intervene physically when absolutely necessary. Looking forward, Master Drilling is setting its sights on transformative growth. By 2027, the company envisions a global fleet of 40 remotely operated rigs. As with any technological shift, challenges such as building and maintaining a global support network to ensure consistency and uptime is necessary. However, Master Drilling is already well on its way with a proven model and a strong track record. The future of mining is already here with remote drilling. Editor’s Note: In between our print issues, the WWDR Team prepares an electronic newsletter called E-News Flash by WorldWide Drilling Resource®. This newsletter is filled with articles not included in our print issue. Based on readership, this was the most popular article of the month. Get in on the action and subscribe today at: worldwidedrillingresource.com MIN
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Enhancing Parts Availability and Support at Komatsu Komatsu is making a significant investment in enhancing customer support and infrastructure in the Western United States with the upcoming launch of a 27,000square-foot distribution center in Mesa, Arizona. This new facility aims to boost parts availability in the region, enhance delivery efficiency, and enable dealers and customers to optimize equipment uptime. The center is poised to be operational by the end of this year. “This investment reflects Komatsu’s long-term commitment to strengthening support for our dealers and customers across the Western U.S.,” said Danny Murtagh, Vice President of Parts and Infrastructure. “With expanded distribution capabilities and greater inventory availability positioned closer to our customers, we can respond faster, improve equipment uptime, and deliver a better overall support experience.” For a link, click on this box in our online issue. No online issue? Register at worldwidedrillingresource.com WHO’S IN THE NEWS Additional announcements from Elliott Equipment Company, McElroy, Tsurumi Pumps, and VMAC can be found in our online issue at: worldwidedrillingresource.com Shallow Exploration Drillers Clinic (SEDC) The Eversoll Award is presented to any individual Committee member, vendor, or attendee who has been involved with SEDC for a minimum of 15 years. During the 2026 SEDC, the Duane A. Eversoll Service Award was presented to Jim Burns of Kansas. The Pinnacle Award is given to retired Steering Committee members for their service to the Committee. This award was given to Bob Henthorne from Kansas. Burns and Henthorne 13 AUGUST 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
14 AUGUST 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Oklahoma Family Receives New Well Adapted from Information by Xylem, Inc. Thanks to a collaborative effort, a family in Wellston, Oklahoma, now has access to safe, reliable water. The project included a new water well, pump, and tank system. The installation was possible through a partnership between Xylem, the Water Well Trust, and HometownH2O, a program of the Chris Long Foundations’ Waterboys initiative. Together, these organizations address water access challenges in underserved communities in the U.S., underscoring the importance of collaboration and partnerships. Dana Adams is the legal guardian of her grandson King Tullis and caregiver to her adult son Markeith Adams, who faces ongoing medical challenges resulting from brain surgery to help control daily seizures. The household didn’t have a dependable water system, causing a daily hardship with essential activities such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care. Without regular running water, the family hauled water from the city and showered at friends’ houses. The situation made it hard to provide proper sanitation and meet post-surgery care needs at home. “Water is a basic necessity, and not having reliable access has made everyday life much more difficult for our family,” said Dana Adams. “This new well is truly a blessing. It brings relief, stability, and peace of mind, and we’re so grateful to Xylem and everyone who came together to make this possible.” Volunteers and local professionals were able to drill a new well and install a pump along with a tank system to restore water access for the family. Some of the key players with this successful project included local distributor Pumps of Oklahoma, and Shawnee-based well drilling and pump company Loman Well, along with The Vinyl Institute providing additional sponsor support. Together with Xylem Watermark, the company’s corporate social responsibility program, partners donated materials, technical expertise, and services to complete the full installation of the well and pump system. In addition to building new front and back steps to improve the home’s safety, volunteers planted flowers and shrubs. “At Xylem, we’re focused on protecting communities and building a more watersecure world, and that starts with families like this one,” said Kevin Adler, Business Development Manager, Xylem. “Through Xylem Watermark and partnerships like the HometownH2O collaboration, projects like this show how strong partnerships and local expertise can deliver practical, lasting water solutions for families.” Millions of Americans still contend with unreliable or unsafe household water supplies, highlighting the continued need for targeted, community-based solutions. WTR Ronnie, Thank you for the recent pics you sent of the TGWA show. I appreciate the thoughts and now the memories. Hope you are well. I read the mag every time. I don’t know how you find some of the topics for the stories - some things I would never have heard about. Joe Dobry Livingston, TX
15 AUGUST 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Kovai DTH Hammers Provide High-Efficiency Drilling Solutions Adapted from Information by Kovai Drilling Applications Sometimes new partnerships in the drilling industry begin with a simple conversation and a willingness to try something different. For Hari Rajagopal of Kovai Drilling Applications, the connection with Vulcan Materials started at a trade show in Savannah, Georgia. “I happened to bump into David Summers, Blasting Manager at Vulcan, while we were outside watching ships go by along the riverfront,” Rajagopal recalled. “We started discussing drilling challenges, hammer performance, and some of the engineering ideas behind our design. David was open-minded and willing to explore new ideas, and he later introduced me to Shane Byrd.” That introduction led to the field trials of Kovai’s 5- and 6-inch DTH (down-the-hole) hammer in D65 drill rigs operating across multiple quarry sites in South Carolina under the supervision of Shane Byrd, Drilling Supervisor for Vulcan Materials. According to Byrd, the team approached the evaluation with an open mind. “In quarry drilling, you always keep looking for ways to improve productivity and reduce downtime,” he explained. “If someone brings a product with a different engineering approach and is confident enough to let the field results speak for themselves, we’re willing to try it.” The Kovai DTH hammer was tested directly against several leading hammer brands already being used at the site. “We put the Kovai hammer through real production conditions and compared it directly with other major hammer brands we’ve used,” Byrd said. “The penetration rates were strong, the hammer life was impressive, and it handled tough quarry conditions very well.” According to Byrd, the successful early trials encouraged the team to gradually expand usage across additional operations. “After the first sites had success with the hammer, we started rolling it out to other quarries one after another,” he stated. “The [drill operators] liked how the hammer performed, and we kept seeing reliable and consistent results.” Support and parts availability also contributed to the successful rollout. “Good local support and parts availability made a difference,” Byrd added. “Having product and replacement parts available when needed helped keep our operations moving efficiently.” Rajagopal described how Kovai’s hammer platform was designed specifically for demanding quarry and mining applications where durability, energy transfer, and serviceability are critical. “Our focus has been on delivering higher impact energy while also simplifying the internal design for reliability and ease of maintenance,” he said. “We appreciate customers who are willing to objectively test new ideas and evaluate them based on real-world performance.” For Byrd, the final decision came down to practical field results. “At the end of the day, production equipment has to prove itself in the field,” he said. “The Kovai hammer earned its place through performance, reliability, and support.” Shane Byrd was very pleased with the Kovai hammer. MIN
16 AUGUST 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Do You Really “Own” Your Car? by Britt Storkson Owner, P2FlowLLC Your brand new, latest and greatest computer-controlled car is paid off. You own your car. You have the title. Now, two questions remain: 1. Who owns the data that allows the computer-controlled car to operate? 2. Who owns/controls the data your computer-controlled car collects, compiles, and sometimes transmits? The data your computer-controlled car uses to operate nowadays means software that controls virtually everything your car does. The functions this software executes are many and varies widely from model to model, but to name a few pertaining to a gasoline-powered car: • Heating and air conditioning • Engine fuel injection • Throttle position • Emission control systems • Electric windows All of these functions require software - something that tells it what to do - to do anything. All of this software is stored safely inside a memory that is read by the program. This is fine if the software is correct as modern computer memories can be really bulletproof. They are even used in aircraft black boxes designed to survive crash impacts, and most of the time they do. But what if the software is wrong? In most cases, if the software is wrong, you don’t go anywhere. Not only must software content be absolutely correct, it must be aligned correctly in the memory. Software failure can shut down some or all of the car functions. With a software failure, you may not even be allowed to enter or drive your own car. This brings up some really interesting questions, most of which, as far as I know at this time, haven’t been addressed legally. If you own your car, do you also own the software that allows the car to run properly? Could you at some point be forced to pay royalties for the continued use of this software? Let’s define the term “royalty”: A royalty payment is a payment made by one party to another who owns a particular asset, for the right to ongoing use of that asset. Traditionally, it has been assumed if you buy a product with a computer in it, you buy the computer and software too. But this concept has never been codified into law. There have been many cases over the years where the software buyer has had to pay for the continued use of software, but only when the buyer agreed to an ongoing upgrade plan. Accounting software is a good example of this, but other software companies have things like maintenance agreements which accomplish the same purpose. So what is the way around this? I personally don’t and won’t buy cars with computers. Granted, I own a 1993 Suzuki Swift with 405,000 miles on it which has a very basic computer running the throttle body fuel injection, electronic ignition, and emissions controls, but nothing more. Nothing major to fail and leave me stranded somewhere. The other way I believe the industry will (and should) go to at some point is to use the versatility and configurability of computers to service a wide range of car models. For example, all fuel injection electronics have a certain number of inputs and outputs to the injectors. Prewritten software can be downloaded into a memory which defines the functions needed for a certain make and model of car. Remember, with computers, almost everything is definable. And while it makes writing software quite a chore due to all of the detail and testing required, it only needs to be done once. And it can be copied an unlimited number of times. So let’s make the computer work to our advantage. How about having the technology work for us instead of against us? Britt Britt Storkson may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com Engine / Machinery Maintenance by: Sullivan-Palatek, Inc. Portable Diesel Driven Air Compressor Technician September 1-3 ~ Michigan City, IN phone: 219-874-2497 www.sullivan-palatek.com/events/ Groundwater / Water Well by: Midwest GeoSciences Group Aquifer Testing for Improving Hydrogeologic Site Characterization September 29-October 1 ~ Fort Collins, CO phone: 763-607-0092 www.midwestgeo.com/courses/ aquifer2026-ftcollins.php Irrigation by: Rain Bird Academy Training September 14-18 ~ Orlando, FL September 14-18 ~ Bellingham, WA September 21-25 ~ Vancouver, WA September 28-October 2 ~ Baton Rouge, LA phone: 800-498-1942 E-mail: training@rainbird.com Pipe by: McElroy University Saddle Fusion Operator Qualification September 22 ~ Broken Arrow, OK Socket Fusion Operator Qualification September 22 ~ Broken Arrow, OK Manual Butt Fusion Operator Qualification September 23 ~ Broken Arrow, OK Medium Diameter Hydraulic Butt Fusion Operator Qualification September 24-25 ~ Broken Arrow, OK Large Diameter Fusion Operator Qualification September 29-30 ~ Broken Arrow, OK phone: 918-836-8611 www.mcelroy.com More education opportunities during events can be found by clicking here online at: worldwidedrillingresource.com Education Connection
For more information, call 216-210-3827 E-mail Info@nda4u.net Visit www.nda4u.net Official Hotel Reservation Block: https://book.passkey.com/go/NationalDrillingAssocSep26 Drill Expo Registration: https://cvent.me/b23Mkb Special Keynote Speaker ~ Rob Jones Retired U.S. Marine, Combat Veteran, and Paralympic Medalist. Join us for Exhibits, Educational Opportunities, and FUN! Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center Nashville, Tennessee
18 AUGUST 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Hidden Risk in Everyday Water Use Adapted from Information by CONEXPO-CON/AGG A partially filled water tank can turn a routine haul into a serious safety risk. Danger peaks when the tank sits around the halfway mark. This is when water is free to shift and create momentum inside the truck. That internal movement can quickly destabilize a vehicle, especially during sudden stops or sharp turns. This is a “worst-case scenario from a safety standpoint because that water likes to move,” noted Josh Swank of Philippi-Hagenbuch Inc. To improve safety risks, it is critical to understand the design of the tank itself plays a major role in controlling water movement. Optimal tank design prevents water surges during braking or turning, especially when tanks are partially filled. Contractors should look for tanks with built-in safety features to reduce internal movement. Lowering the tank’s center of gravity through mounting systems aligning with the truck chassis can also improve stability. Newer tanks may also include external and internal access doors to allow air and light into the tank, reducing bacteria buildup and creating a safer, more comfortable maintenance environment. Full-sized internal doors enable workers to walk inside the tank instead of crawling, improving safety during inspections and cleaning. Contractors must spray water on haul roads, stockpiles, and other jobsite areas to minimize airborne dust and dangerous particulates like crystalline silica. This not only maintains visibility, it also protects workers’ health, as long-term exposure can lead to serious conditions. Once water is on-site, how it’s applied can make the difference between effective dust control and wasted resources. Spraying water in the morning allows it to last longer as temperatures rise, reducing overall usage. However, applying too much water at once can oversaturate haul roads, creating unsafe driving conditions and wasting material. Multiple factors contribute to efficient water application. It is important to be aware of each step of the process. At the end of the day, all aspects of water management - from delivery to application - involve decisions that affect safety outcomes. The more control you have over how water moves in the tank and on the jobsite will lower the risk to both equipment and, most importantly, workers. C&G www.starironworks.com 257 Caroline Street Punxsutawney, PA 15767 800-927-0560 • 814-427-2555 Fax: 814-427-5164 Serving the Construction Industry Booth 1712
19 AUGUST 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® www.starironworks.com 257 Caroline Street Punxsutawney, PA 15767 800-927-0560 • 814-427-2555 Fax: 814-427-5164 Serving the Water Well Industry Booth 1712 Making Water Do the Work Adapted from Information by Exlterra When it comes to golf course maintainance, water management is a constant challenge no matter the time of year, especially for regions with ever-changing weather patterns. At Aa Saint-Omer Golf Club in France, areas prone to water stagnation created maintenance difficulties and disrupted play. Exlterra’s professional team used its HAZL drill rig to install a Groundwater Energy Passive System (GEPS). The process involved inserting GEPS units into the ground in a precise pattern, without the need for network connections or extensive surface disruption. After the four-day installation period, the affected areas were reopened for play immediately. With stagnant water causing maintenance and playability issues, two problem zones were noted, the first being the fairway near the green on hole five; with the second a practice bunker. These areas often pooled water for days after rainfall, causing soft ground, damage from equipment, and unplayable conditions. Maintenance efforts, including operations like decompacting and sanding, failed to resolve the issues effectively. The club needed a long-term solution to improve water infiltration and stabilize the ground. With the installation of GEPS, water infiltration improved significantly, with the club seeing the system’s effectiveness within four weeks. As such, maintenance operations were reduced. The fairway remained firm and playable throughout the year without the need for additional interventions such as sanding or liming. Even during wet seasons, vehicle traffic on the fairway left minimal traces. While the practice bunker took some time to show results, the system started to drain the water from heavy rainfalls much faster. Instead of taking days to drain, it now takes half a day. The improved conditions made the bunker usable year-round, enhancing training opportunities for the club’s pro golfers. Going into the second year, an unprecedented issue arose in the form of a drought. With temperatures reaching 104ºF (40ºC) during the summer and very little rainfall, the areas with GEPS installed did very well. The fairway was able to maintain its green, dense vegetation, in stark contrast to adjacent areas suffering from water stress. This was without supplemental irrigation. Weekly mowing was still required for the area, while other areas of the course saw reduced growth. Aurélie Morandin, Head Greenskeeper at Saint-Omer Golf Club said, “During these two years of monitoring, we have observed positive effects that have facilitated and improved our maintenance of the course. GEPS not only improved water infiltration and ground stability but also enhanced vegetation cover during droughts without irrigation. [It] offers real advantages in all seasons and is beneficial for both the field and the players.” WTR
20 AUGUST 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Geothermal in the Clean Power Shift Adapted from Information by Stanford University New technologies developed to extract gas and oil from deep underground have opened the door to accessing super high-temperature heat just about anywhere. Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) could play a valuable role in the global transition to clean and renewable energy. It would greatly reduce land requirements, infrastructure needs, and eliminate the need for other constant sources of electricity, such as coal and nuclear, according to a recent Stanford University study. The study revealed EGS can reduce the amount of wind, solar, and battery infrastructure needed for a clean, renewable energy transition, while achieving costs comparable to systems without EGS. “EGS is a promising clean, renewable technology that works together with wind, solar, hydro, and batteries to help power the world for all purposes, thereby providing energy security while eliminating energy-related air pollution and global warming at low cost,” said study lead author Mark Jacobson, a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and Stanford School of Engineering. Conventional geothermal plants are limited to volcanic regions and those lining tectonic plate boundaries with readily-accessible heat from underground. In contrast, EGS only requires drilling nearly two to five miles deep, injecting fluid to crack rocks, then pumping the heated fluid back up to generate electricity. The study compared scenarios with and without EGS and found adding EGS to the renewable energy mix produces substantial infrastructure savings. When EGS provided just 10% of electricity supply, onshore wind capacity needs dropped 15%, solar capacity fell 12%, and battery storage requirements decreased 28%. Total land requirements declined from 0.57% to 0.48%, a difference that could prove especially important for small or densely populated nations, such as Singapore, Gibraltar, Taiwan, and South Korea. The study found clean, renewable energy dramatically reduces costs whether or not EGS was included. Both scenarios cut annual energy costs by roughly 60% compared with the usual fossil fuel use. When health and climate costs were factored in, total social costs plummeted by approximately 90%. The cost of energy remained similar across all clean, renewable energy scenarios in the study, with or without EGS, suggesting adding a baseload power source like EGS has minimal impact on overall system costs. The results challenge arguments intermittent renewables require expensive backup power to maintain grid stability. They also suggest EGS can readily replace the current role of coal and nuclear electricity, to provide a constant level of electricity day and night. The technology faces some uncertainties. EGS costs are still evolving, though the U.S. Department of Energy has projected they could drop significantly by 2035. The first major U.S. EGS plant, a 2-gigawatt facility in Utah, was approved only in October 2024. “Due to improvements in EGS drilling speeds, EGS costs are declining rapidly. These speeds allow EGS projects to be completed quickly, unlike with nuclear, which requires planning-to-operation times of 12 to 23 years worldwide. Also, unlike nuclear, EGS has no risk of weapons proliferation, meltdown, radioactive waste storage leaks, or underground uranium mining lung cancer risk,” said Jacobson. GEO For more information call: (270) 786-3010 or visit us online: www.geothermalsupply.com All New! Atlantis-Pro Vault • Traffic-Rated Capable • Simple installation • Trouble-free operation Dealmakers With over 200 locations, Terracon was in need of another drill rig. Mobile Drill Intl in Indianapolis, Indiana, was pleased to provide a truck-mounted B46. Mobile Drill International Send your deals to: michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com
21 AUGUST 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Investing Millions to Strengthen Water Infrastructures Adapted from Information by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) The Environmental Protection Agency announced it will use $90 million in grant funding aimed at enhancing and restoring drinking water and wastewater systems for tribal communities and rural America. This investment will accelerate water infrastructure upgrades essential to public health, environmental protection, and economic opportunity. The EPA will invest $30 million in partnership with the Indian Health Service to support drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects to benefit tribes. This funding will address critical water infrastructure needs, including increasing access to centralized drinking water and wastewater treatment; improving and repairing aged drinking water infrastructure; improving compliance by reducing contaminants in drinking water; as well as replacing deteriorated sewage collection systems and wastewater treatment systems. “EPA has a long and successful partnership with the Indian Health Service, and under this Administration, we are delivering results,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs Usha Turner. “This partnership leverages our collective resources to deploy real solutions and accelerate results for tribes across the nation.” The agency will also invest $60 million in existing EPA programs supporting small, rural, and tribal communities, including RealWaterTA. RealWaterTA is a back-to-basics approach supporting drinking water and wastewater systems using proven best-practice approaches to effectively address local needs. The agency recently issued a call-to-action to align all technical assistance for drinking water and wastewater systems with tried-and-true services, such as engineering and design expertise, operational support, workforce development, and financial management. The goals of RealWaterTA focus on public health and compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act. This newly available funding continues the EPA’s commitment to supporting tribal communities and rural America through water infrastructure programs. Last year, the EPA announced nearly $300 million to improve drinking water and wastewater in these communities, including: j The Clean Water Indian Set Aside and Drinking Water Infrastructure Grants, $240 million went to improving drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. j $49 million for technical support for small, rural, and tribal communities working to make wastewater infrastructure improvements. j Three projects used $3 million to reduce lead in drinking water in tribal communities. j $1 million grant funding for tribes to develop underground injection control programs to protect sources of drinking water while supporting industry and energy projects. ENV Booth 1904 Thank you for the great publication, this just adds a little fun to it. [Regarding the Fun Page puzzle] Enjoy your day, John Crowell Crowell Drilling Company Louise, TX
22 AUGUST 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Boring with Ancasta Adapted from Information by Southern Water Ancasta, a manually operated tunnel boring machine (TBM) has been drilling tunnels across Hampshire, England. These tunnels are part of a roughly 11-mile drinking water pipeline project called the Southampton Link Main. TBMs are traditionally given female names to provide good luck for the project, a custom followed around the world. Ancasta was selected from dozens of suggestions by children across the region. Historically, Ancasta was a Celtic deity who was worshipped in Roman Britain and associated with the nearby River Itchen. Today Ancasta is a TBM weighing in at 14,330 pounds, with a length of about 8 feet, and bores a roughly 5-foot-wide tunnel. The whole Southampton Link Main project will take more than three years to complete. While most of the pipeline will be laid by digging trenches, in some areas, it will be installed by creating tunnels deeper underground to avoid disruption to major roads, railways, or precious ecological sites. The manually operated TBM is one of two machines drilling part of the hole for the project. The new underground pipeline will run from Otterbourne to Yew Hill reservoir, near Winchester, and then south to Rownhams water supply works on the outskirts of Southampton. Southern Water is working alongside MGjv, a joint venture between Galliford Try, M Group Water, and supply chain partner HB Tunnelling. Ben Ring, Director, Major Projects at Southern Water said, “The Southampton Link Main project has been underway since the middle of 2025, and there are many exciting aspects to major projects such as these. This is part of a wider set of projects designed to improve the resilience of our water network for our customers in Hampshire. The project will also provide future resilience for the Test and Itchen rivers and their wildlife.” HDD Texas Royalties are Paying Off Adapted from Information by the Texas Oil and Gas Association The release of data from the Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA) indicates the industry has paid $27 billion in state and local taxes, as well as royalties for the 2025 fiscal year. Being the second highest amount in Texas history, this means nearly $74 million a day pays for Texas’ universities, roads, schools, first responders, and other essential services. In 2025, Texas school districts received $2.6 billion in property taxes from mineral properties producing natural gas and oil, pipelines, and gas utilities; counties also received $1 billion from property taxes. Starting in 2007, the collecting of data showed the Texas gas and oil industry paid more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in state and local taxes and royalties. This number does not account for the hundreds of billions of dollars in payroll. During 2025, the industry employed more than 495,500 people whose earnings averaged $133,095 yearly. This average is 68% higher than the average paid by other private sectors in Texas. Each job generates two additional positions totaling nearly 1.4 million jobs supported across the economy. Analysts predict the employment multiplier could hit three additional jobs per direct job. The gas and oil industry pays more per employee ($54,481) than the average private sector ($7,225). While setting records for fiscal gains, the industry has also set a record for production. In July 2025, production from Texas reached 5.85 million barrels per day of crude oil while gas reached 35.4 billion cubic feet per day in August. The majority of this production comes from the Permian Basin. To maintain an increase in production, infrastructure of the transportation pipelines had to grow as well, reaching 472,790 miles - helping increase the export capacity. “In Texas, lasting progress is built on performance, not opinion. Talk doesn’t grow jobs, keep homes warm, or cars running. Action, investment, and innovation drive greatness across the Texas economy,” stated TXOGA President Todd Staples. “Even during a year dominated by market challenges, Texas oil and natural gas has proven once again to be the power behind Texas progress.” G&O Win a prize! Send completed puzzle to: WWDR PO Box 660 Bonifay, FL 32425 fax: 850-547-0329 or e-mail: michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com Fill in the spaces with the following words: CREEK RACER RINSE SHIRT SKIES TRACK CLEANER Time for a Little Fun! July Puzzle Solution: RED BLUE FLAG STARS EAGLE WHITE STRIPES Congratulations to: John Crowell Crowell Drilling Company in Louise, TX Winner for July!
24 AUGUST 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Protecting Water Rights Adapted from Information by the South Carolina Ground Water Association The South Carolina Ground Water Association (SCGWA) is celebrating as House Bill 5111 is officially signed into law. The bill was signed by Governor Henry McMaster on May 15, 2026, bringing a successful end to the association's two-year effort to get the legislation passed. In addition to protecting the rights of South Carolina property owners to use private water wells, this legislation supports longterm sustainable water infrastructure while ensuring public health standards remain intact. Key provisions include: • Protection of Property Rights which prohibits political subdivisions from restricting property owners from drilling or using private wells on agricultural or single-family residential properties consisting of at least half an acre. • Backflow Prevention Requirements are in place for property owners who have both a private well and a connection to a public water system. In those cases, backflow prevention devices must be installed to prevent cross-contamination. • A Well Registry of wells must be maintained by local water systems which comply with existing state requirements through the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services permitting and reporting processes. Additionally, property owners who use a private well will not be exempt from applicable base fees if public water service is available. Plus, if a public water system fails to meet state or federal standards, political subdivisions cannot prevent property owners from accessing water through private wells. The bill does not allow property owners to disconnect from an existing public water system. It also reiterates how state regulations of public and community water systems will remain unchanged. WTR In Memoriam Charles Terrell “Smokey” Robinson (1940~2026) Charles Terrell “Smokey” Robinson of Ocala, Florida, passed away June 13, 2026. He was born in 1940, in Arcadia. He and his late wife Janet started Smokey's Pump Service and Well Drilling, Inc. 53 years ago, and the company is on the third generation of family owners. He was always proud of Smokey's Pump saying, “I wonder where they are headed,” whenever he saw a Smokey's truck go down the road. Smokey lived a wonderful life. He and Janet had a place in Crystal River for over 20 years, catching mullet off the dock and fishing in the gulf. They went fishing as a family from Cedar Key to Yankeetown and more. Left behind to cherish Smokey’s memory is his son Derrel (Dreama); daughter Penny (Randy); grandchildren Jessie (Zac), Jackie (Marcus), Tyler, Michael (Lori), and Ryan (Olivia); and great-grandchildren Emma, Colt, Alexis, and Lexie. Stanley “Stan” Marvidakis (1952~2026) Stanley “Stan” Marvidakis passed away on May 26, 2026, in Murray, Utah. He was born in 1952, in Price. In his early years, Stan enjoyed drag racing at Bonneville Raceway in his ‘67 Camaro. He turned to Harleys as his next hobby and passion because they also went fast. Spending most of his life working in the coal mines, he was first at Horse Canyon then at Hiawatha Mine. Stan was the “go-to guy” since there wasn’t much he couldn’t fix. After the mines, he worked at Joy Manufacturing, staying on after it transitioned to Komatsu Mining Corp. He did a lot of traveling for work to places he would never have gone on his own - like New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Alaska. He was excited to say he was by the North Pole. Sadly, his retirement was short, but he was able to spend more time with his grandson Jaxson, going to his football, baseball, basketball, and soccer games. He also started cooking and loved to grill and smoke meats. Stan is survived by his mother Inge; son Stanley; grandson Jaxson; sisters Connie (Jim) and Marilyn; sister-in-law Luanne; nephews Nick, James (Jamie), and Rick (Amanda); nieces Michelle (Weston) and Rachelle (Rick); and great-nephews and great-nieces Mikey, CJ, Devan, Colton, Joshlynn, and Rickelle. He was preceded in death by his father Nick; brother Mike; and sister Peggy. The management and staff of WWDR offer their condolences to Smokey and Stan’s family and friends. Lest we forget . . .
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