Water for Earthwork

[aeoliantexan]

We have a project where the Contractor wants to use well water for earthwork. The well water has a "very high" total dissolved solids content. At this point, I don't know whether it is salty, alkaline, or other. He will be building a water impoundment using highly plastic montmorillonitic clay.

So you see any issues with using this water?

 

[emmgjld]

Due to the expansive clays, I would be cautious with high Sulfate content.

 

[oldestguy]

Give the two a test together in the lab,looking for excessive swell, etc. as compared to distilled and tap water.

 

[BigHarvey]

Montmorillonite ( Na Bentonite ) and salt water do not marry very well in bentonitic muds for deep foundations. Hence maybe something to check, for muds it's advised to shift to attapulgite but in your case it's possible tu use fresh water I guess.

 

[aeoliantexan]

Thank you, everyone. Oldest guy, we are going to try your suggestion.