Volume 23 November 2026 Happy Thanksgiving!
semcopumphoist@gmail.com semcooflamar.com PO Box 1174 7595 US Hwy 50 N Lamar CO 81052-1174 800-541-1562 719-336-9006 719-336-2402 Fax SEMCO S8,000H Pump Hoist, 46’ derrick, two-speed main line winch, triple line option, hot shift PTO automatic transmission, corded remote control, (2) pipe racks with ratchet straps, 1500’ capacity sand reel, hydraulic oil cooler 12V DC, LED light kit for mast, (2) 96” upper mount toolboxes, 12’ steel flatbed, factory mounted on 2026 Ford F-550. Thank-You to return customer Friedel Drilling Company in Yoakum, Texas Happy Thanksgiving from Our Family to Yours. See us at GROUNDWATER WEEK Booth 515
Does your rig need help? We can take care of your new or not so new rig. Remounts • Rebuilds • Overhauls Our distributors are: Drilling Supply & Mfg. 7301 Hwy 183 South Austin TX 78744 Tel: (512) 243-1986 Fax: (512) 243-1091 Check out our website for a list of units for sale. www.dsm-mayhew.com
Designed and manufactured by King Oil Tools in Enid, Oklahoma, the KD-12 rig was created specifically for the modern water well drilling professional. This reliable, hardworking drill rig won’t slow you down! 580-234-4141 www.kingoiltools.com No overly complicated or fragile systems On a Single Axle - No CDL required Carries 320 feet of drill pipe 12,000 lbs of pullback Compact footprint Easy maintenance and service access perfect for shallow water wells King Oil Tools is officially bringing rig manufacturing back to Enid, OK! See us at GROUNDWATER WEEK Booth 1323 Introducing a New Innovative Drill Rig ~ the KD-12!
Are you Planning to go?.......................................................35 Breaking News......................................................................13 Classifieds with WorldWide............................................37-48 Education Connection............................................................8 Fun Page................................................................................30 Hot Off the Press.....................................................................9 Obituary: Baski, Henry A. “Hank”........................................15 Obituary: Danielson, Roger August....................................27 Product Spotlight..................................................................35 Who’s in the News................................................................13 WorldWide Association Memberships....................................46 WorldWide Groundwater Week Pinpointer Map............24-25 WorldWide ..............6 Allegheny Instruments........................................................12 Atlantic Screen & Manufacturing, Inc. (ASI)........................16 Baker Water Systems.........................................................13 Better Water Industries Inc..................................................32 Bit Brokers International (BBI)............................................19 Bitco, Inc.............................................................................22 Blackadar Insurance Agency...............................................23 Drilling Equipment Sales, Inc. (DES)..................................48 Drilling Supply & Mfg (DSM).................................................3 Empire State Water Well Drillers Assn. (ESWWDA) Annual Mtg...26 GeoPro, Inc.........................................................................18 Geoprobe Systems®............................................................47 Geothermal Supply Company, Inc. (GSC)..........................18 Heron Instruments, Inc.......................................................21 Hole Products.......................................................................9 Infinity Tool Manufacturing....................................................1 Infinity Tool Manufacturing..................................................16 King Oil Tools........................................................................4 KS Bit, Inc...........................................................................36 Louisiana Ground Water Association (LGWA) Convention...34 Mills Machine Company, Inc...............................................14 Mountain States Ground Water Expo.................................30 N&N Drilling Supply.............................................................27 Groundwater Week - NGWA….............................................8 Palmer Bit Company...........................................................33 Robit, Plc..............................................................................7 SEMCO, Inc..........................................................................2 Star Iron Works, Inc. - Construction....................................29 Star Iron Works, Inc. - Water Well.......................................28 Texas Groundwater Association (TGWA) Convention........17 Utah Ground Water Assn. (UGWA) Conference and Expo...20 Vanair®................................................................................32 Well-Vu, Inc.........................................................................35 Advertisers Featured Editorial November 2026 - Mining Aardvark Packers Atlantic Screen & Mfg., Inc. Baker Water Systems Bit Brokers International Centerline Mfg. ChemGrout® Drill King International Drill Pipe, Inc. Eastern Driller Mfg. (EDM) Empire States Water Well Drillers Assn. Get Association Help™ Groundwater Supply Co, Inc. Groundwater Week Heisey Machine Co. Hole Products Kovai Drilling Applications Louisiana Ground Water Assn. Merrill Manufacturing Mtn. States Ground Water Expo O-K Bit Service, Inc. Star Iron Works, Inc. Geotechnical Investigations for Next-Generation Collider...29 Storkson, Britt: It’s what wasn’t there that made it Useful ...30 Record-Breaking Core in West Antarctica.................12 Smith, Billy Bob: The “Idiots” Corner.......................19 Core Drilling Begins at Potential Noah’s Ark Site.......31 Hook-Carter Uranium................................................15 Drilling in Plain Sight.................................................21 Wilson, Jr., Robert Evans: The Un-Comfort Zone II...23,26 Connor, Tim: Holidays and Stress............................11 Turning Old Coal Mines Into Clean Energy................18 Protect Your Hearing.................................................16 Battersby, Mark E.: Drilling Into Money Not Boring...32 Partnership to Scale-Up U.S. Minerals Capacity.......22 The Constellation Project Copper Mine.....................33 A Growing Solution for Water Access........................17 Bartholomew, Gary: Water for Life..........................20 E-News Readers’ Choice - Surveying Drought to Reclaim....28 One Storm Away from Disaster.................................34 T&T Carbide, Inc. Texas Groundwater Assn. Twist Force Manufacturing LLC Utah Ground Water Assn. Victory Steel Products Corp. WorldWide Drilling Resource® 5 WorldWide Drilling Resource® NOVEMBER 2026
6 NOVEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® 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 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 Robert Evans Wilson, Jr. 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. Consultant: Mary Ann Pelletier We Recycle Happy Thanksgiving from Our House to Yours, and from All of Us to All of You, with Blessings of the Season. With Pen - Computer in hand . . . Veronica I. “Ronnie” Jones, 850-547-0102 ronnie@worldwidedrillingresource.com It’s All About Drilling Your WWDR Team President - CEO - Managing Publisher: Veronica I. “Ronnie” Jones Office Administrator: Michele Stevens Representative/Special Assignment: Marie Cunningham Special Guest Representative: Ed Moranski Editor: Bonnie Love Vice President: Troy S. Cunningham WorldWide Drilling Resource® Senior Editorial Assistant: Sophia Henline
8 NOVEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Irrigation by: Rain Bird Academy Training December 7-11 ~ Lansing, MI December 7-11 ~ White Plains, NY phone: 800-498-1942 E-mail: training@rainbird.com Pipe by: McElroy University Saddle Fusion Operator Qualification December 8 ~ Broken Arrow, OK Socket Fusion Operator Qualification December 8 ~ Broken Arrow, OK Manual Butt Fusion Operator Qualification December 9 ~ Broken Arrow, OK Medium Diameter Hydraulic Butt Fusion Operator Qualification December 10-11 ~ Broken Arrow, OK Large Diameter Fusion Operator Qualification December 15-16 ~ Broken Arrow, OK Large Diameter TracStar® iSeries Fusion Operator Qualification December 17-18 ~ Broken Arrow, OK phone: 918-836-8611 www.mcelroy.com Wastewater by: North American Society for Trenchless Technology Municipal Sewer Grouting Good Practices Course December 3 ~ VIRTUAL WEBINAR phone: 888-388-2554 www.nastt.org/training/upcomingevents/ More education opportunities during events can be found by clicking here online at: worldwidedrillingresource.com Education Connection Michele, I hate doing ad copies, but you make it fun! I hope the readers enjoy the ad structure as much as the content Have a great month! Lynn Spike’s Rig Sales Pennsylvania & Florida
9 NOVEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Introducing Barbco University Barbco, Inc. manufactures auger boring machines, directional drills, guided boring machines, and advanced tunnelling equipment. Great equipment is only as effective as the knowledge and experience of the people putting it to work, which is at the heart of Barbco University - Barbco’s dedicated training and education program, created to provide operators, crews, supervisors, and other industry professionals with practical trenchless knowledge. From hands-on training at Barbco headquarters in East Canton, Ohio, to support in the field, Barbco University is an investment in the people behind the equipment and in the future of the trenchless industry. The current five in-house training courses are: •Basic Auger Boring •Advanced Auger Boring •Basic Pilot-Tube / Guided Boring •Advanced Pilot-Tube / Guided Boring •Auger Boring Machine Assisted Tunneling Courses are designed to serve a range of experience levels, from crews entering a new area of trenchless construction to experienced operators looking to expand or refine their capabilities. Barbco University is also opening access to industry education through online training, creating additional opportunities for trenchless professionals to continue building their knowledge beyond traditional in-person courses. As the trenchless industry evolves, equipment and tooling are advancing, underground infrastructure projects are becoming increasingly demanding, and experienced operators carry knowledge which is critical to the industry’s success. Through Barbco University, the commitment will extend even further from the equipment to the people operating it. For a link, click on this box in our online issue. No online issue? Register at worldwidedrillingresource.com See us at GROUNDWATER WEEK Booth 133
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 NOVEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
11 NOVEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Holidays and Stress by Tim Connor Is your job, a relationship, or just life causing you stress? Stress is the single biggest contributor - not cause - to poor health and death. During the holidays, it can be devastating. So prepare now for the coming stress season before it’s too late. Thousands of people die every day because they did a lousy job of managing life’s stressors. So what are they? Let me start with a quick summary. Stress is not what’s happening to you from the outside, but how you respond to it on the inside. So everything in life can be a stressor, depending on your life circumstances. Weddings cause stress, divorce causes stress. Getting fired causes stress, starting a new job can cause stress. You see? There are positive and negative stressors, but the body reacts the same regardless of which category they are in. So here are seven quick things to consider when it comes to your stressors (and yes there are many more). 1. The impact of negative stressors and positive stressors is the same on every area of life - negative consequences on health, emotions, and life in general. 2. The number one contributor to death is stress, the biggest contributor to stress is impatience, and the biggest contributor to impatience is the need for control. So if you are a control freak - guess what - you are gradually killing yourself. 3. If certain people cause you to be stressed out, you have two choices - get them out of your life or find ways to no longer give them control over your emotions or actions. 4. Recent statistics say over 75% of U.S. citizens are experiencing stress that is contributing to poor health, depression, obesity, serious illness, and even suicide and death. 5. Do a better job with time management, planning, and execution. 6. Set written goals to change, improve, or modify certain life areas and personal habits. 7. And finally - have fun, laugh a lot, learn to chill, relax, let go of stuff you can’t control. So, it’s a simple choice - either start managing life’s stressors or pay the ultimate price. In His service, Tim Tim Connor may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com
Record-Breaking Core in West Antarctica Adapted from Information by Antarctica New Zealand A New Zealand co-led international team has drilled the longest ever sediment core from under an ice sheet, providing a record that will help climate scientists forecast the fate of the ice sheet in our warming world. This scientific and technological achievement took place more than 430 miles from the nearest Antarctic station (Scott Base), at a deep-field camp, at Crary Ice Rise, on the edge of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. There was 748 feet of ancient mud and rock drilled from under roughly 1710 feet of ice. The sediment core holds an archive of past environmental conditions at the site from warmer periods of earth’s history, vital information for climate scientists to determine how much and how fast the ice sheet will melt in the future under our warming climate. The Sensitivity of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to 2°C (SWAIS2C) project recovered the sediment core, providing a direct and comprehensive record of how this area of the ice sheet has behaved during past warm periods. The team drilled through layers of sediment below the ice sheet and pulled up the core in lengths of about nine feet. Researchers examined the sediment and encountered a wide variety of sediment types from fine-grained muds through to firmer gravels with larger rocks embedded within. Although it is already thought there has been open ocean in this region in the past, such conditions were indicated by the presence of shell fragments and the remains of marine organisms that require light to survive. This implies a partial or total retreat of the Ross Ice Shelf. A team of 29 scientists, drill operators, engineers, and polar specialists lived in tents on the snow at Crary Ice Rise, success was not guaranteed. SWAIS2C’s previous two attempts at drilling had been thwarted by technical challenges. No one had ever drilled geological records that deep under an ice sheet and so far away from any main base of resources. The groundbreaking work was supported by two national Antarctic programs. Antarctica New Zealand provided the capability to tow the custom-designed drilling system and field supplies about 680 miles across the Ross Ice Shelf. This team then established and operated the remote field camp through a nearly ten-week season. The National Science Foundation’s United States Antarctic Program provided critical airlift and other logistical support. Weather presented a significant challenge, with flights into camp delayed by weeks due to freezing fog. To access the elusive sediment, the team used a hot-water drill to melt a hole through the roughly 1710 feet of ice; then lowered more than 4265 feet of riser and drill string pipe down the hole. Once the core was pulled up, the scientists documented, photographed, x-rayed, and sampled the tube of sediment. The team worked in shifts around the clock to make the best use of the limited time on-site. Preliminary dating of the sediment was based on the identification of tiny fossils of marine organisms found in some of the layers. A wider team of scientists from the ten countries collaborating in the SWAIS2C project will apply a range of techniques to refine and confirm the age of the records. The core was transported back to Scott Base and will soon make its way to New Zealand. Samples will then be sent to SWAIS2C scientists around the world for further analysis. “Our multidisciplinary international team is already collaborating to unravel the climate secrets hidden in the core. With our drilling system having been put to the test under these tough Antarctic conditions and passing with flying colors, we’re looking ahead to plan future drilling to continue our mission to learn more about the sensitivity of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to global warming,” said Cochief Scientist Dr. Huw Horgan from Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. See us at GROUNDWATER WEEK Booth 922 12 NOVEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
13 NOVEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Congressman Mike Kennedy’s License to Drill Act Congressman Mike Kennedy’s License to Drill Act has successfully passed through both the House and the Senate by unanimous consent and is now awaiting the President’s signature. This act will empower the federal government to have the resources to process energy permits without unnecessary delays. It reauthorizes the Application for Permit to Drill fee program, reducing red tape and keeping critical American energy development moving. “We know the effects of overreliance on foreign nations for our energy; it is a risk that we must mitigate. We also know that permitting delays cost jobs and drive up energy prices for everyday Americans,” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. “America needs an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and that starts with a government that can keep up with demand. The License to Drill Act will streamline permitting so our critical energy projects stop waiting on Washington and start delivering the domestic production this country needs to remain independent and secure.” 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 Deep Foundations Institute, Kentucky Ground Water Association, and Tsurumi (America), Inc. can be found in our online issue at: worldwidedrillingresource.com Texas Groundwater Association (TGWA) Jason Knobloch has been hired as the new TGWA Executive Director. Since 2003, he has committed himself to the water industry, beginning his journey with hands-on work in leak repairs, water line installations, and meter reading. Knobloch holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management, an Associate Degree in Information Technology, and is in the process of completing his Project Management Professional certification. Jason Knobloch
See us at GROUNDWATER WEEK Booth 944
15 NOVEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® In Memoriam Henry A. “Hank” Baski The WWDR Team was saddened to learn of pioneering inventor and entrepreneur in the groundwater industry, Henry A. “Hank” Baski’s passing on September 14, 2026, in Denver, Colorado, at the age of 87. Born in Cromwell, Minnesota, Hank showed an early interest in building things. As a teenager, his innovative introduction of wooden suspension springs led to his becoming a T.H. Keating Award winner in the 1954 Soap Box Derby. Growing up with the family’s water well drilling business, Hank learned the trade and helped build a cable tool drilling rig for their operations. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in geophysics from the University of Minnesota, continued drilling, and helped relocate the family business to Pueblo, Colorado. In 1963, Hank married Alice, a nurse trained at St. Luke’s in Duluth. The couple moved to Pueblo, Colorado, started their family, then relocated to Denver in 1966. There, Hank transitioned to groundwater/hydrology consulting with WrightMcLaughlin Engineers, later joined Dames & Moore, and eventually launched his own groundwater consulting business. Sensing an unmet need for specialized tools in the field, Hank founded Baski Water Instruments in 1978. Together with Alice, they bootstrapped the company, grew it to about 20 employees, and steered it through challenging periods for more than four decades while retaining full ownership. Today, the firm designs and manufactures innovative groundwater equipment, including the market-leading Baski flow control valves, inflatable packers, pitless units, and related products. Hank held 14 patents and was widely recognized in the industry. He served as the 2004 National Ground Water Association (NGWA) William A. McEllhiney Distinguished Lecturer in Water Well Technology and received the NGWA Life Member Award for service in furthering the groundwater industry. Outside the business, Hank and Alice designed and built a unique post and beam home with passive solar heating in Lakewood, Colorado, in 1976. After 57 years of marriage, Alice predeceased Hank in death on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2020. Hank is survived by their three children: Alison (Chris), Cort (Kemery), and Keith (Cathy), and by the lasting legacy of his business and all of its technical contributions which continue to serve the hydrology field and groundwater community. The WWDR Team extends their sincerest condolences to Hank’s family, friends, and colleagues. Lest we forget . . . Hook-Carter Uranium Adapted from Information by Greenridge Exploration Inc. Greenridge Exploration Inc. in partnership with Denison Mines Corp., announced their winter drilling program the Hook-Carter Uranium Project with the goal of locating deposits. Located in the Athabasca Basin region of Saskatchewan, Canada, the project is home to several northeastern strike extensions running alongside structural trends including the Derksen Trend and the Patterson Lake Corridor (PLC), with a small host of uranium deposits and traces having been discovered southwest of the project area. Hook-Carter covers an area of about 62,000 acres and is located in the southwest corner of the region approximately 91 miles northeast of La Loche. Hook-Carter is expected to host the northeastern strike extension of the PLC, which hosts NexGen Energy’s Arrow uranium deposit, Paladin Energy Limited’s Triple R uranium deposit, and Purepoint Uranium Group’s Spitfire, Hornet, and Dragon zones in a joint venture with Cameco Corporation and Orano Canada. The Project also overlies strike extensions of the Carter and Derksen corridors, each of which represent highly prospective and underexplored structural corridors. With the recently discovered Patterson Corridor East zone, potential expansion of the width of the PLC might be called for. This year’s drilling program has commenced from a temporary work camp staged on the project site Denison and Greenridge plan to drill up to eight holes totaling approximately 15,092 feet, with drill targets defined through detailed ground geophysical surveys backed up with historical exploration data. Russell Starr, Chief Executive Officer of Greenridge said, “The 2026 drilling Program at Hook-Carter represents the culmination of years of exploration efforts leading to the target areas developed by the joint venture’s work in 2025. The Company is pleased to be working with Denison on one of the most exciting uranium trends in the history of Athabasca Basin exploration.”
16 NOVEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Protect Your Hearing Adapted from Information by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health When it comes to noise exposure, employers should implement engineering and administrative controls and not solely rely on personal protective equipment (PPE) alone to control hazards. PPE is generally less effective than elimination, substitution, and engineering controls. Hearing protection is often inadequately chosen, worn incorrectly, and used inconsistently. Here are the best practices when it comes to providing hearing protection: j Provide workers with a variety of options to reduce noise exposure to less than the recommended exposure limit of 85 decibels (Acoustic) (dBA). j Select hearing protectors that are comfortable and compatible with the job. j Train management as well as workers. Identify unique motivations for each group to prioritize hearing safety. Manufacturers often include a noise reduction rating on packaging; this often does not reflect the actual protection provided for each worker. However, individual fit testing is the best way to check if each worker is getting the amount of protection needed. Hearing protection comes in many styles, materials, colors, and sizes. The main types of hearing protectors include: j Earplugs which slide snugly into the ear canal. j Earmuffs completely surrounding the outer ear and held in place by a headband or attached to a hard hat. j Canal caps cover the entrance to the ear canals and are held in place by a lightweight band. With all these choices, how can you know which is best for your workers? The most basic consideration is the noise exposure level. Most workers need 10 decibels (dB) or less of sound reduction to bring exposure down to a safe level. Almost any hearing protector, when fit correctly, can reduce noise by 10 dB. Keep the following guidelines in mind: j Aim for just enough noise reduction to bring exposure down to 75-85 dBA. j Avoid overprotection. Too much sound reduction can make workers less aware of their surroundings. Workers might take off their hearing protectors to hear properly. j Provide double hearing protection (earmuffs over earplugs) for workers exposed to noise levels at or above 100 dBA. j Fit test workers to make sure their hearing protectors are providing the right level of noise reduction. While reducing noise to a safe level is necessary, other factors are more important for making sure workers will wear their hearing protection correctly and consistently. These factors include: j Comfort: No one wants to wear something uncomfortable, especially for a long shift. Comfort is the key to consistent use of hearing protection. However, comfort is a personal preference and no single protector will be the most comfortable for everyone. j Compatibility: Hearing protection must be compatible with other safety equipment, characteristics of the work area, and the type of work being done. j Convenience: Think about how workers will use their hearing protection during the day. Consider whether the noise is continuous or periodic, if workers move from place to place frequently during their shift, and the cleanliness of the work site. Workers are more likely to use hearing protectors if it is made easy for them. In addition, post signs in noisy areas to remind workers hearing protection is required and keep a supply of hearing protectors readily accessible. j Communication: How often will workers need to hear others' speech while wearing hearing protection and how far apart will the workers be when they need to communicate? In some cases, equipment sounds may also be important for workers to hear. j Cost: Cost is often a factor, but sometimes more expensive hearing protectors can be cost-saving in the long run. Always have several options available for workers to try. Let them choose the hearing protector they like best from those that meet all the needs of their job. Remember to fit test to make sure the hearing protector they choose provides enough noise reduction to protect them from their noise exposure.
17 NOVEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® A Growing Solution for Water Access Adapted from Information by DFW Total Well Solutions Communities, businesses, and property owners across the United States are becoming increasingly concerned about access to clean and reliable water. As population growth, climate variability, and infrastructure challenges add pressure on traditional water systems, many are looking for alternative solutions. One approach gaining traction is using advanced drilling methods to tap into underground water sources. Deep water wells offer dependable access to groundwater that is not as influenced by conditions such as drought, contamination, or seasonal fluctuations. This makes it especially appealing for rural properties, agricultural operations, and residential developments seeking a consistent water supply. Many areas across the country are having to deal with periodic water shortages. With changing weather patterns, overuse of surface water, and aging infrastructure, water scarcity is no longer limited to arid regions. As a result, relying on municipal water systems alone is less practical in certain locations. Deep water wells access aquifers far below the surface where water is often stable and less vulnerable to short-term environmental changes. With fluctuating water supplies, the added reliability makes deep water well drilling an attractive option. Climate fluxations contribute to more frequent and severe drought conditions in many regions. Deep aquifers are generally less affected, making them a more resilient option during such periods. This resilience allows users to maintain water access even when surface sources are limited. Shallow wells are more susceptible to seasonal changes, drought conditions, and contamination from nearby activities. In contrast, one of the key advantages of deeper wells is the ability to deliver consistent water output over time. Deeper aquifers maintain more stable water levels, and long-term reliability is especially valuable for agricultural operations that depend on steady irrigation. Agriculture and industry need consistent water access. From irrigation to manufacturing processes, water is critical and directly impacts productivity. Deep wells provide a dependable supply to support these operations, even during periods of limited rainfall or water restrictions, thereby improving efficiency and reducing the risk of interruptions. For farms, ranches, and industrial facilities, deep water well drilling offers a practical way to maintain operations. Water quality is a concern for anyone who relies on a private or public water supply. Surface water sources are more likely to be exposed to pollutants, such as agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and other contaminants. Deeper groundwater sources naturally filter through the layers of soil and rock, which can help improve water quality. While treatment and testing are still important, water from deeper wells are often less prone to contamination compared to shallow sources. Deep water well drilling continues to gain momentum as its benefits are recognized by more individuals and industries. By investing in this solution, many can take a proactive step toward managing water resources more effectively while preparing for future challenges. The need for reliable, sustainable water solutions is more pressing than ever. Deep wells offer a practical and forward-thinking approach to securing long-term water access. info@tgwa.org (512) 316-4349 www.tgwa.org TUESDAY, JAN. 26 Exhibitor Set-Up and Division Meetings WEDNESDAY, JAN. 27 Registration, CE Classes, Division Meetings, Meet and Greet, and Scholarship Auction THURSDAY, JAN. 28 Exhibit Hall Open, CE Classes, Awards Luncheon, Meetings, and Casino Night
18 NOVEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Turning Old Coal Mines Into Clean Energy Adapted from Information by the University of Victoria Cumberland, British Columbia, Canada, was built on coal mining. Thousands of workers were employed and millions of tons of coal were exported over 80 years. From 1888, until the late 1960s, over 17 million tons of bituminous coal was excavated and shipped from the Comox Valley. The Union Bay Wharf loaded the ships that set sail for international markets. Coal coked in Union Bay was also sold to smelters for lead and zinc production. Then mines were shuttered, leaving deep holes in the ground and a deeper void in the village’s economy. Now, with the University of Victoria-led Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) initiative, Cumberland is planning for future clean energy from the abandoned mine shafts and extraction tunnels beneath its streets. Through the Cumberland District Energy project, ACET is looking into how water trapped in the old mines can be utilized to produce geothermal energy to heat and cool buildings. The project is a step toward reimagining the municipality as a clean, green outdoor adventure destination. This step also represents a potential shift in how longtime locals, relative newcomers, and visitors alike view the village. Water trapped underground in the abandoned mines is cooler in summer and warmer in winter compared to the temperature aboveground. Taking advantage of the temperature difference, heat pumps use the water from the abandoned mines to provide heating and cooling to buildings at a relatively low cost with nearzero carbon output. However, initial modeling of potential energy systems for Cumberland is focused on a proposed civic precinct redevelopment - a community center, municipal offices, affordable housing, and a large industrial zone closer to Comox Lake. “It’s been a big motivation to think about this energy system in the context of how we can reduce the costs of critical infrastructure and provide critical amenities for community members,” said ACET Community Energy Planner and Project Lead Zachary Gould. “But it’s not just an energy system. It’s an opportunity to look at resource extraction in a new way in a village that was built on extractive principles. This project could turn those ruins of extraction, so to speak, into an opportunity and a shared community asset.” The industrial foundations of Cumberland run deep. ACET researchers are determining how these now abandoned coal mines under the village could generate geothermal energy to heat and cool buildings. Photo courtesy of Cumberland Museum and Archive. 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 See us at GROUNDWATER WEEK Booth 685
19 NOVEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® The “Idiots” Corner by “Billy Bob Smith” How and Why Some Idiots Think Recently, everywhere I go whether driving, in some line, or just having a relaxing lunch, in my opinion, life is becoming more challenging, difficult, negative, less safe, or more confrontational - to mention a few. So, over the past few months, I have been considering how and why idiots think and act the way they do - and how their thoughts contribute to their behavior. But especially why they are impacting society in so many ways - not to mention how their thinking impacts politics, medicine, policing, and even education. What I came up with is that in life there are many patterns of thinking we all consider as we develop our attitudes, values, beliefs, and actions. Since I’m sure your time is limited, I will only deal with the negatives in this brief article. Some of the negative thought patterns which contribute in a negative way to a person’s thinking and behavior are - wrong, unrealistic, rebellious, resentful, fearful, obsessive, uncontrolled, angry, enslaved, to get even - any you can add? To save you some time, I thought I would cover just a few of these in detail: Negative Thinkers are people who tend to focus on problems, risks, failures, or what could go wrong. They often expect bad outcomes before good ones, criticize ideas quickly, dwell on past mistakes, assume negative intentions in others, focus on obstacles rather than possibilities, spread pessimism to people around them. Wrong Thinkers are those whose ideas or beliefs are considered incorrect or misguided. They pay no attention to what’s not possible, believe in la-la land, and don’t care about how thoughts contribute to behavior and the consequences. Remember years ago, the predominant belief was the world was flat. Depending on what you’re trying to say, alternatives include: misguided thinkers, people with flawed reasoning, people who think incorrectly. Unrealistic Thinkers ignore practical constraints and common sense and focus on ideas, possibilities, or ideals which may not work in reality. They have a “pie in the sky” behavior - not accepting reality, history, or consequences. Rebellious Thinkers are people who, when challenged, accept stupid ideas rather than simply following the rules. They like to create conflict, uncertainty, or chaos. Uncontrolled Thinkers are those whose thoughts are difficult to regulate or contain. They jump between ideas, question assumptions, resist conventional thinking, or follow thoughts wherever they lead. Know any of these folks? Billy Bob Contact him via e-mail to michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com “Believing in negative thoughts is the single greatest obstruction to success.” ~Charles F. Glassman “You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.” ~Rhonda Byrne
20 NOVEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® by Stephen Lingenfelter, submitted by Gary Bartholomew Nacimiento Nuevo Paraíso (Springs of New Paradise) is an unforgettable community of about 250 people. Its historical water source is a gravity-fed spring in the neighboring country of Belize, and has led to several disputes with local soldiers patrolling the border. We had never before been able to work in that border area, but after several meetings with the local municipality and other federal government agencies, we were granted permission to drill a well. We coordinated the well drilling to start several days before a church outreach group was coming and hoped to have a finished well with our 22W cable tool rig while the group was providing dental, medical, basic mechanical repair of small engines, and children’s programming. While filling a water tank one day, I dropped my suction hose on the ground and let the water drain out of it. Two nearby kids instinctively dropped to the ground and began drinking the water from the pipe. This is the level of need in this community. However, we quickly hit some very hard formation and knew the well would take a little longer. Three weeks later, we had finally made 400 feet of open, hard rock hole, and still had no water. Historically, if we don’t have water at this point, it is pretty unlikely to have a good well, and the lack of power in the community makes pumping the water more challenging. So we made the tough decision to move to the football field and see if we did any better. The new location proved to be a much different formation, extremely soft limestone which was constantly on the verge of collapsing. We rarely need more than 40 feet of casing here, but this well forced a couple trips to the yard for Eddy, our Guatemalan drill operator, to get more casing. At 145 feet, he hit a band of hard rock which stopped his casing from driving any farther, but did not stop the instability of the well. The blessing of water was found at 160 feet, but the added water did not make the well any more stable. In fact, it wasn’t long until his bailer was stuck in the well. Thankfully, it only cost him another day of work and another five-hour roundtrip drive on muddy dirt roads for a fishing tool. Continuing to drill or bail with our available tooling became almost impossible, but we had not been able to confirm how much water we had. Eddy decided to line the well and test it at 190 feet. This was one of those projects you really want to just be done with, but also really want to make a good well for the people who desperately need the water. Some projects just feel like they are never going to end and this was one of those. The well proved to be underdeveloped due to the drilling conditions and soon plugged his test pump, requiring yet another trip for more tools to clean the well out and see what we really had. Skeptically hoping for the best, the pump was reinstalled and the well tested at 3.75 gallons per minute. Not what we had hoped for, but enough for a hand pump or small solar system and tank. Many people in these rural communities may only use three gallons a day for all of their water needs. Many wells are certainly much easier to drill, and with much greater results. Only a few weeks before, Eddy finished a 200-footdeep well which tested at greater than 80 gallons per minute. And yet, the 3.75 gallons a minute well that cost us a month of work, will always be seen as a blessing from the Lord, a blessing to those of us who were able to help, and a blessing to those who will continue to receive lifesaving water. 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 Water 46th Annual UGWA Conference & Expo January 6-8, 2027 CasaBlanca Resort Mesquite, Nevada Wednesday, January 6th 10:00am Shotgun Start Golf Tournament 6:00pm - 9:00pm Vendor Setup Thursday, January 7th 8:00am - 11:30am Skeet Shoot 8:00am - 11:30am Vendor Setup 12:00pm Registration & Displays Open 1:30pm Welcome and Announcements 1:35pm - 4:00pm CEU Classes 4:30pm Vendor Social 5:30pm Banquet and Scholarship Auction Friday, January 8th 7:00am Breakfast / Vendor Visits 8:00am - 11:15am CEU Classes 11:15am General Membership Meeting & Board Elections 12:00pm Lunch and Raffle Drawings 1:00pm CEU Class 2:00pm Vendor Visits Drawing Conference Adjourned utahgroundwater.org
21 NOVEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Drilling in Plain Sight Adapted from Information by the American Oil & Gas Historical Society In 1921, oil was discovered in Signal Hill, California, which launched a drilling boom, with many homeowners in the area wanting to profit off the discovery. Much of Signal Hill’s land was sold and subdivided into lots with their size described as big enough to raise chickens; this transformed the quiet residential area into a bustling oil town. By 1923, oil production reached more than 250,000 barrels of oil per day. At the time, the law of capture for petroleum production ensured the formerly scenic landscape would be transformed. Competing exploration and production companies crowded around newly completed wells and chased any signs of oil to the Pacific Ocean. Onshore and offshore tax revenues generated by the production of more than one trillion cubic feet of natural gas and one billion barrels of oil helped underwrite much of the Los Angeles area’s economic growth. However, this came at a cost. By the early 1930s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported the ground of Long Beach was subsiding due to the extracted fluids from underground. Californians had a lot of experience dealing with groundwater-induced subsidence and the building damage it caused, but by 1951, Long Beach was sinking at the alarming rate of about two feet each year. Scientists noted that between 1928 and 1965, the community sank almost 30 feet. After decades of prospering from petroleum production, the city prohibited “offshore area” drilling to slow the subsidence as the community looked for a solution. The Texaco (now Chevron), Humble (now ExxonMobil), Union Oil (now Chevron), Mobil (now ExxonMobil), and Shell Oil Company islands were the answer. Not only did these man-made islands extract gas and oil beneath Long Beach, five injection pumps with 1750-horsepower motors were also installed on White Island. These pumps drove down water to offset the extracted petroleum; they sustained reservoir pressures and stopped the city from sinking. Most people simply do not realize the islands are petroleum production facilities. From the shore, the man-made islands appear occupied by upscale condos and lush vegetation. This creative disguise came courtesy of Joseph Linesch, a pioneering designer who helped landscape Disneyland. Not only were these disguises meant to please the eye, they were also designed to soundproof the drilling rigs and aboveground equipment, diverting the noise that would come with such an operation away from local residents. THUMS Island White, named for Edward White II, the first American to walk in space, who died in 1967 with astronauts “Gus” Grissom and Roger B. Chaffee. A fourth island was named for test pilot Ted Freeman, a fellow astronaut who died in 1963. Photo courtesy of the University of California at Los Angeles Library Digital Collections See us at GROUNDWATER WEEK Booth 543
22 NOVEMBER 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Are you going to Groundwater Week this year? If so, stop by and see the WWDR Team at booth #1643. GROUNDWATER WEEK Booth1643 Partnership to Scale-Up U.S. Minerals Capacity Adapted from Information by the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) NLR signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Utah to strengthen America’s energy and material supply chains through critical minerals innovation, commercialization, and workforce development. “Stewarded by Department of Energy’s Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation, NLR's mission is to help build our nation’s critical minerals capacity, bringing together partners to scale-up and de-risk the technologies we need for stronger supply chains and greater energy security,” NLR Director Jud Virden said. “Our partnerships with Colorado School of Mines and University of Utah combine unique facilities and capabilities and outstanding people to advance this mission. These integrated capabilities, along with a world-class student pipeline and partnership with U.S. industry, will help transform our nation's competitiveness in critical minerals research, workforce development, and technology demonstration.” The MOUs address challenges in the energy industry by enabling integrated research and facility sharing - supporting concept-to-commercialization scalability of critical mineral innovations while building education and training pipelines for a highly skilled domestic workforce. Building on an energy research partnership that extends back to 1974, NLR and Colorado School of Mines are launching new facilities to shape the future of critical minerals research in Colorado: j NLR’s Energy Materials and Processing at Scale is a new facility currently under construction on NLR’s South Table Mountain Campus with 60,000 square feet of laboratory, high-bay, and support space enabling collaboration with industry partners, universities, and other U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories to accelerate the scale-up of early-stage innovations in energy materials into market-ready products and processes. j Colorado School of Mines’ Critical Minerals Innovation and Commercialization Hub is a newly acquired 50,000square-foot laboratory and high-bay research facility designed to accelerate innovation and commercialization across the critical minerals value chain. Together, NLR and Colorado School of Mines will share facilities and information, coordinate student and researcher exchanges, as well as plan future funding opportunities. “This agreement reflects what makes Colorado School of Mines distinctive - our ability to bring together applied research, industry and government partnerships, and workforce development in ways that move technologies from concept to impact,” Colorado School of Mines President Paul C. Johnson said. “This strategic partnership with NLR complements our other partnerships with industry and the U.S. Geological Survey, further cementing Golden, Colorado, as the center of our nation’s expertise, education, and innovation related to materials supply chains. Together, we are preparing the next generation of leaders while accelerating innovation and advancing solutions that are essential to secure, resilient U.S. critical materials supply chains.” The University of Utah MOU will promote research and technology development for critical minerals, advanced materials, and manufacturing through “AI” (artificial intelligence) enabled science workflows, high-performance computing, and data science. Joint research programs will facilitate information sharing between university, industry, and national laboratory partners. Academic programs, internships, and career opportunities connected to the National Laboratories will stimulate education and workforce development. These MOUs build on NLR’s momentum in critical minerals, materials, manufacturing, and advanced computing research, development, and demonstration by leveraging complementary capabilities at academic institutions across the country. “Through our university partners we accelerate the pursuit of the best ideas and solutions out there while enabling tomorrow’s workforce,” said Andrea Watson, NLR’s Associate Laboratory Director for innovation, partnering, and outreach. “These are some of the most inspiring partnerships we have at NLR.” Colorado School of Mines President Paul C. Johnson with NLR Director Jud Virden and University of Utah President Taylor Randall. eranhenderson@gmail.com New & Used Tricones PDCs Drag & Claw Bits Drill Collars Bit Tipping Subs & Stabilizers HDD Bits & Reamers DTH Hammer & Bits Custom Fabrication Junk Mills / Fishing Tools Rod Henderson 661-201-6259 Eran Henderson 661-330-0790 GROUNDWATER WEEK Booth 688
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