Beach wells, slant wells and seabed infiltration galleries deliver naturally filtered, low-SDI seawater that slashes SWRO pre-treatment and biofouling.
Engineering Excellence for Marine Environments
Subsurface intakes draw seawater through natural sand and aquifer media, which acts as a slow sand filter. The result is feed water of very low turbidity and silt density index (SDI), little to no marine biofouling, and near-zero entrainment of marine life — dramatically cutting downstream pre-treatment for SWRO. Capacity is governed by local hydrogeology.
Matched to coastal geology
Drilled wells behind the shoreline; simplest and lowest cost where a permeable beach aquifer exists.
Directionally-drilled laterals extending under the seabed for higher yield from a single onshore site.
Angled wells drilled from the beach out under the sea floor — high yield, small onshore footprint.
Ranney-type caisson with radial laterals for large, consolidated yield in thick aquifers.
Engineered filter beds beneath the sea floor — high capacity where no natural aquifer exists.
Beach-buried collector pipes in graded media for medium duties with excellent water quality.
Selecting the right subsurface option
| Type | Capacity | Water Quality | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical beach well | Low–medium | Excellent (SDI <3) | Permeable beach aquifer, small/medium plants |
| Slant / HDD well | Medium | Excellent | Limited onshore land, higher yield |
| Radial collector | Medium–high | Very good | Thick consolidated coastal aquifer |
| Seabed gallery | High | Very good | No aquifer; engineered filter bed |
Feasibility hinges on aquifer permeability, thickness and recharge — a hydrogeological survey and pilot well are essential before committing. Where geology limits yield, pair a subsurface intake with an open-ocean intake for the balance of flow.
Continue across the seawater intake engineering series
Offshore submerged intakes and velocity-cap headworks for the largest duties.
Read MoreChlorination, antifouling alloys and UV to keep intakes clear.
Read MoreSuper duplex, Cu-Ni, titanium and cathodic protection for marine service.
Read MoreMulti-stage screening for debris, seaweed and jellyfish.
Read More316(b) fish protection, velocity caps and low-entrainment design.
Read MoreThe full seawater intake hub — challenges, configurations and specifications.
Read MoreIntake design integrated with SWRO pre-treatment trains.
Read MoreDual / tri-media filtration for SWRO pre-treatment.
Read MoreProtecting downstream RO membranes from fouling and oxidants.
Read MoreOur raw-water intake engineering service across all source types.
Read MoreTalk to our marine engineering team about beach wells & galleries and a complete, compliant intake package — survivable, low-fouling and built for decades of service.
Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.
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