Water Tracing Services

Practical fluorescence testing for groundwater, karst, and complex flow systems — from prevention through to contamination response.

35+

Years of
expertise

500+

Tracer tests
worldwide

10,000×

Below visibility
threshold

50+

Peer-reviewed
publications

Why do tracer tests?

Map hidden groundwater flow

Define flow paths in karst and fractured rock where conventional methods fail — confirming connectivity, direction, and velocity between sources and receptors.

Measure real aquifer properties

Quantify hydraulic conductivity, transport rates, dispersion, and effective porosity using borehole injection and recovery testing.

Identify contamination pathways

Prove links between potential sources and receptors (springs, wells, rivers) to assess risk and support environmental compliance.

Delineate catchments & support water management

Define recharge areas, groundwater divides, and capture zones to guide dewatering, permitting, and long-term water strategy.

A long track record — built on 35 years of European expertise

EWTS was founded in 2003 by Dr. Philippe Meus, one of Europe's leading authorities in dye tracer studies and karst hydrogeology. With over 35 years of hands-on experience, Dr. Meus has pioneered the application of fluorescent tracing techniques across research, government, and industry — establishing EWTS as a centre of excellence for the detection of fluorescent tracers at concentrations of just a few nanograms per litre.

Dr. Meus has conducted several hundred tracer tests across four continents, working in Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Australia, the USA, China, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Morocco. His work spans water protection, pollution investigation, catchment delineation, and contamination tracing — in some of the most complex hydrogeological environments in the world.

He is the author of more than 50 peer-reviewed scientific papers on tracer testing and karst hydrogeology, and serves as a Scientific Collaborator at the University of Liège (Aquapole Unit), where he remains actively involved in academic research and hydrogeology initiatives across Europe.

Dr. Philippe Meus — Hydrogeologist · Founder & Director, EWTS · Scientific Collaborator, University of Liège

Timeline

2003

EWTS founded

Established as a centre of excellence for fluorescent tracer detection, drawing on 15+ years of accumulated expertise.

2005–2010

Expanded scope

Developed characterization of fluorescence signals from natural organic matter and organic contaminants in water.

2010–present

European network

Ongoing collaboration with specialist centres across Europe and R&D into next-generation tracing tools.

2025

EWTS Peru launched

Expansion into Latin America with the opening of EWTS Peru — bringing a dedicated fluorescence testing facility and field operations to serve the mining and environmental sectors across the Andes.

Today

35+ years of expertise

Full-service tracer testing — design, fluorescence testing, field monitoring, and interpretation — across Belgium, Luxembourg, and Latin America.

What we do

EWTS provides specialist fluorescence testing and tracer services for groundwater, surface water, and complex flow systems — covering everything from initial test design through to field monitoring, analysis, and final interpretation.

Tracer test design & planning

Tailored test design focused on specific tracers and project objectives.

High-sensitivity fluorescence testing

Spectrofluorometric analysis detecting tracers at a few nanograms per litre.

Field monitoring

In-situ automated fluorimeter deployment with real-time telemetric data.

Interpretation and reporting

Statistical calculation and clear reporting of tracer test findings.

Fluorescence Testing & Tracer Services

EWTS is a specialist in tracers — particularly fluorescent tracers — for groundwater and surface water. Tracers characterize water circulation and the fate of solutes and particles, covering both the prevention phase and situations of confirmed contamination, whether accidental or chronic.

Services include the entirety or part of the tasks typically required for tracer tests: design and planning; on-site operations for injections, monitoring, and sampling; fluorescence testing and analysis; and full interpretation of results.

Applications

EWTS offers services across a wide range of applications in groundwater and surface water — from resource evaluation through to contamination response.

Karst spring catchment basin delineation

Delineation of karst spring catchment basins, evaluation of karst aquifer characteristics (flow directions and velocities of karstic conduits), and delineation of protection zones.

Mining Applications

Application of fluorescent tracer techniques to complex mining environments, including karstic aquifers, mine waste rock and tailings expansions, and new tailings storage facilities. Supports understanding of groundwater flow paths, connectivity, seepage risks, and design validation for critical infrastructure.

Lithium Brine Studies

Characterization of brine aquifers using tracer testing to evaluate flow dynamics, connectivity, recharge mechanisms, and key aquifer properties such as permeability, porosity, and heterogeneity. Supports resource assessment, well field optimization, and sustainable extraction strategies through improved understanding of subsurface brine movement.

Managed Aquifer Recharge (Alluvial Basins)

Application of tracer testing to evaluate managed aquifer recharge performance in alluvial systems, including flow paths, travel times, recharge efficiency, and aquifer connectivity. Defines key aquifer properties such as hydraulic conductivity, effective porosity, and heterogeneity, while identifying preferential flow and short-circuiting. Supports optimization of recharge design, well field configuration, and recovery strategies.

Contamination studies

Characterization of the influence of contaminated sites and surface watercourses on water intakes, and control of in-situ decontamination systems.

In-situ monitoring

Automated real-time fluorescent tracer measurement in the field — reducing cost and uncertainty versus classical sampling methods.

Leak identification

Identification of leaks in or around buildings, civil engineering structures, and piping networks, including well diagnostics.

Hydrocarbon layer characterization

Characterization of aquifers contaminated by free hydrocarbon layers, with fluorescence testing adapted for hydrocarbon environments.

Consulting & R&D

Full project support from design to final interpretation. Ongoing R&D into passive sampling, simulations, signal processing, and GIS representation.

Fluorescence Testing Capabilities

Analyses performed with Hitachi F-2500 and F-2700 and Agilent spectrofluorometers. Detection of fluorescent tracers at concentrations at least 10,000 times below the visibility threshold.

Analytical capabilities

✓Analyses with Hitachi F-2500 and F-2700 and Agilent spectrofluorometers
✓Short turnaround times for real-time test adjustment
✓Small sample volumes (a few ml)
✓Direct analysis on water without physicochemical separation
✓Tracer signal separation via signal processing
✓Pre-tracing fluorescence background studies and matrix effect analysis
✓Pre-treatments adapted to the matrix (e.g. pH adjustment)
✓Specific calibrations per concentration range
✓Fixed wavelengths and synchronous scan spectrum checks combined
✓Fluorescence testing in the presence of and in hydrocarbons
✓Activated carbon analysis

Quality assurance

✓Reference materials and sensitivity tests
✓Inter-agency proficiency testing
✓Matrix effect assessment and control sample analysis
✓Sampling stage quality control — not limited to analysis alone
✓Full test organisation quality oversight
✓Customised methods adapted to each study's objectives

Customised fluorescence testing

The strength of EWTS lies in fostering close collaboration with each client for bespoke analyses — because the precision and performance of a result depend above all on the ability to adapt methods to the objectives of the study. Spectrofluorimetry with total fluorescence spectrum acquisition also enables analysis of natural organic matter (chlorophyll, humic substances) and contaminants (PAHs, optical brighteners) as water quality indicators.

Reference guide

Tracer Types

Selecting the right tracer is critical to test success. Each tracer has distinct optical properties, environmental behaviour, and detection requirements. Invisible tracers (UV and salts) are shown with a clear swatch.

electric green

Uranine (Sodium Fluorescein)

Ex: ~490 nm · Em: ~512 nm · Visible

The most widely used fluorescent tracer in hydrogeology. Produces a vivid electric green colour in dilute solution. Detectable at exceptionally low concentrations — among the most sensitive tracers available.

Concentration reference

Visible threshold

> ~0.1 mg/L (vivid yellow-green visible to naked eye)

Field fluorometer LOD

~0.01–0.1 µg/L (0.01–0.1 ppb)

Lab spectrofluorometer LOD

~0.003–0.05 µg/L (3–50 ng/L)

Best detected at pH > 7; fluorescence quenched below pH 5.5

Pros

Extremely high detection sensitivity; very low cost; low toxicity; well-characterised behaviour in the field.

Cons

Photosensitive — degrades under UV light; slight adsorption to organic sediments; not ideal for turbid or highly organic waters.

pink-red

Rhodamine WT

Ex: ~558 nm · Em: ~583 nm · Visible

A robust red-pink fluorescent tracer with excellent field stability. Widely used for long-distance and surface water tracing. Maintains signal integrity over extended travel times.

Concentration reference

Visible threshold

> ~1–10 mg/L (pink-red visible to naked eye)

Field fluorometer LOD

~0.01–0.05 µg/L (0.01–0.05 ppb)

Lab spectrofluorometer LOD

~0.01–0.015 µg/L (10–15 ng/L)

Very stable; resistant to photodegradation

Pros

High stability; excellent detection sensitivity; resistant to photodegradation; ideal for long travel distances.

Cons

Moderate adsorption to sediments and organic matter; more expensive than uranine; not suited for organic-rich environments.

orange-red

Sulforhodamine B

Ex: ~565 nm · Em: ~586 nm · Visible

An orange-red fluorescent tracer spectrally distinct from uranine. Commonly deployed alongside uranine in multi-tracer tests to track two flow paths simultaneously.

Concentration reference

Visible threshold

> ~1 mg/L (magenta-pink visible to naked eye)

Field fluorometer LOD

~0.04–0.1 µg/L (0.04–0.1 ppb)

Lab spectrofluorometer LOD

~0.008–0.08 µg/L (8–80 ng/L)

Spectrally distinct from uranine; used in multi-tracer tests

Pros

Good sensitivity; spectrally well-separated from uranine — ideal for simultaneous multi-tracing tests.

Cons

Higher adsorption than Rhodamine WT; not suitable for organic-rich or clay-rich environments.

pink

Sulforhodamine G

Ex: ~528 nm · Em: ~551 nm · Visible

A pink fluorescent tracer with a distinct spectral signature, used as a third tracer in complex multi-injection tests requiring separation from both uranine and Sulforhodamine B.

Concentration reference

Visible threshold

> ~1 mg/L (salmon-pink visible to naked eye)

Field fluorometer LOD

~0.05–0.2 µg/L (0.05–0.2 ppb)

Lab spectrofluorometer LOD

~0.01–0.1 µg/L (10–100 ng/L)

Less commonly used; higher background sensitivity needed

Pros

Spectrally well-separated from other rhodamines; valuable in complex multi-tracer designs.

Cons

Less commonly used; limited comparative field data; moderate adsorption potential.

orange-pink

Eosine

Ex: ~516 nm · Em: ~536 nm · Visible

An orange-pink fluorescent tracer suitable for karst and alluvial systems. Spectrally distinct from uranine, making it useful in multi-tracer field studies.

Concentration reference

Visible threshold

> ~0.5 mg/L (pale pink visible to naked eye)

Field fluorometer LOD

~0.05–0.1 µg/L (0.05–0.1 ppb)

Lab spectrofluorometer LOD

~0.005–0.05 µg/L (5–50 ng/L)

pH-dependent sensitivity; optimal above pH 9

Pros

Spectrally distinct from uranine; reasonable sensitivity; low toxicity.

Cons

Moderate photosensitivity; adsorbs to organic matter; not ideal for long-distance tracing.

invisible (UV)

Naphthionate (UV tracer)

Ex: ~248 nm · Em: ~449 nm · Invisible

A colourless fluorescent tracer — invisible to the naked eye. Detectable only by spectrofluorometer. Exhibits very high stability and very low sorption. Used where visible dye is undesirable or where regulatory constraints prohibit visible tracers.

Concentration reference

Visible threshold

Invisible at all concentrations

Field fluorometer LOD

~0.5–2 µg/L (0.5–2 ppb) — UV-LED field fluorometer required

Lab spectrofluorometer LOD

~0.1–0.3 µg/L (100–300 ng/L)

Higher interference from natural organic matter; field background limits detection more than instrument sensitivity

Pros

Invisible in the field; very high stability; very low sorption; ideal for regulatory-sensitive and politically sensitive sites.

Cons

Requires spectrofluorometer for detection — cannot be detected by eye or simple field fluorimeter.

invisible (UV)

Amino Acid G (UV tracer)

Ex: ~248 nm · Em: ~449 nm · Invisible

A colourless UV-fluorescent tracer. Spectrally distinct from Naphthionate, enabling simultaneous UV multi-tracing. Used at sensitive sites where visible dyes are not appropriate.

Concentration reference

Visible threshold

Invisible at all concentrations

Field fluorometer LOD

~0.5–2 µg/L (0.5–2 ppb) — UV-LED field fluorometer required

Lab spectrofluorometer LOD

~0.1–0.5 µg/L (100–500 ng/L)

Natural organic matter background typically limits practical detection more than instrumental sensitivity

Pros

Invisible; spectrally distinct from Naphthionate — allows simultaneous UV multi-tracing; very low sorption.

Cons

Requires spectrofluorometer; limited availability compared to standard fluorescent dyes.

invisible (UV)

Tinopal CBS-X (UV tracer)

Ex: ~350 nm · Em: ~435 nm · Invisible

A colourless optical brightener detectable under UV light. Used for quick qualitative tests at sites where invisible tracers are required, with the option of simple UV lamp detection in the field.

Concentration reference

Visible threshold

Invisible at all concentrations (barely blue under UV lamp)

Field fluorometer LOD

~0.5–2 µg/L — UV lamp or UV-LED fluorometer

Lab spectrofluorometer LOD

~0.1–0.5 µg/L (100–500 ng/L)

Environmental background (detergent-derived optical brighteners) can reach 0.5–1.5 µg/L — background assessment essential before testing

Pros

Invisible; detectable with a portable UV lamp as well as spectrofluorometer; widely available and low cost.

Cons

Lower detection sensitivity than fluorescent dyes; background interference possible from detergent-derived optical brighteners.

invisible (salt)

Sodium Chloride (NaCl — salt tracer)

No fluorescence · Detected by electrical conductivity · Invisible

A widely used saline tracer detected by electrical conductivity. No colour or fluorescence. Suited to situations where fluorescent tracers are not permitted, or for rapid preliminary tests in high-flow systems.

Pros

Invisible; cheap and readily available; simple field detection with conductivity meter; environmentally benign.

Cons

Lower sensitivity than fluorescent tracers; high background conductivity can mask signal; unsuitable for saline groundwater environments.

invisible (salt)

Bromide

No fluorescence · Detected by ion chromatography / ISE · Invisible

A conservative anion tracer invisible in the field. Widely used in porous media and fractured rock. Minimal interaction with the aquifer matrix, making it highly suitable for quantitative transport studies.

Pros

Invisible; very conservative (minimal sorption/degradation); well-established in regulatory frameworks; suitable for porous and fractured media.

Cons

Requires laboratory analysis (ion chromatography) or ion-selective electrode; no field detection by eye; moderate cost.

invisible (salt)

Iodides

No fluorescence · Detected by potentiometry / ion chromatography · Invisible

A conservative anion tracer similar to bromide. Used in multi-tracer studies alongside fluorescent dyes, particularly in fractured rock and karst. Detectable in the field with an ion-selective electrode.

Pros

Invisible; conservative behaviour; field-detectable with ion-selective electrode; complements fluorescent multi-tracer designs.

Cons

Can be oxidised under certain conditions; background iodide levels may interfere; requires analytical equipment.

Field-Relevant Comparison

Tracer	Detection	Stability	Sorption	Best use
Uranine	Field fluorometer & lab spectrofluorometer	Medium	Low	Karst, general tracing
Rhodamine WT	Field fluorometer & lab spectrofluorometer	High	Low	Long distance, rivers
Sulforhodamine B	Field fluorometer & lab spectrofluorometer	High	Medium	Multi-tracer tests
Sulforhodamine G	Field fluorometer & lab spectrofluorometer	High	Medium	Multi-tracer (3rd dye)
Eosine	Field fluorometer & lab spectrofluorometer	Medium	Medium	Karst, multi-tracer
Naphthionate	Lab spectrofluorometer only	Very high	Very low	Sensitive / regulatory sites
Amino Acid G	Lab spectrofluorometer only	Very high	Very low	UV multi-tracing
Tinopal CBS-X	UV lamp & lab spectrofluorometer	Medium	Low	Quick qualitative tests
NaCl (salt)	Field conductivity meter	High	Very low	Rapid tests, high-flow systems
Bromide	Ion chromatography / field ISE	Very high	Very low	Quantitative studies
Iodides	Potentiometry / ion chromatography	High	Very low	Multi-tracer (anion)

Specialist service

Borehole Tracer Testing

See what the water is really doing underground.

Why it matters

Tracer testing answers questions that models alone cannot:

→ Where is the water actually flowing?

→ How fast is it moving?

→ Are fractures connected to critical infrastructure?

→ Will seepage reach receptors?

If you don't know where the water is going, you don't control your risk.

What sets EWTS apart

Strong technical foundation in tracer methods

Careful selection of tracers suited to site constraints

Field execution adapted to real-world conditions

Advanced interpretation of tracer breakthrough data

What we measure

EWTS applies borehole tracer techniques to directly measure:

—Groundwater velocity
—Flow direction
—Fracture connectivity
—Seepage pathways
—Dilution and mixing processes
—Flow porosity
—Dispersivity

We generate real data — not assumptions.

Breakthrough analysis — where the value lies

Collecting tracer data is only part of the process. The key is how that data is interpreted.

EWTS analyses breakthrough curves (concentration vs. time) to extract:

✓Groundwater velocity and residence time

✓Dispersion and mixing behaviour

✓Connectivity between fractures and flow zones

✓Mass recovery and system losses

This step transforms field measurements into defensible, decision-ready insights.

Core methods

Four borehole tracer techniques, each suited to different site conditions and investigation objectives.

Method 01

Cross-Hole / Forced Gradient Testing

Tracer is injected into one borehole while a hydraulic gradient is actively induced by pumping at a second, separate borehole — driving the tracer through the formation between the two wells.

The breakthrough response at the pumping well reveals solute transport parameters across a larger aquifer volume than single-well methods, including flow porosity, dispersivity, and evidence of dual-porosity behaviour such as matrix diffusion.

Method 02

Push–Pull Testing

Tracer is injected into a borehole, allowed to interact with the formation, then recovered through pumping.

Produces a breakthrough response that reflects transport processes in the formation surrounding the well.

Method 03

Push–Drift Testing

Tracer is injected into a borehole and allowed to move under natural groundwater conditions — without active pumping.

Tracer movement and return provide insight into natural flow conditions and subsurface transport behaviour.

Method 04

Borehole Dilution Testing

Tracer is introduced into an isolated borehole interval, and its concentration is monitored over time as it is diluted by groundwater flow.

The rate of dilution directly reflects groundwater movement through the borehole interval.

Ready to find out where your water is going?

Contact EWTS to discuss borehole tracer testing for your site.

Clients and Experience

EWTS has worked with clients across consulting, water production, government, research, and the insurance sector — across Belgium, Luxembourg, France, and internationally.

Consulting firms

AH2D · AHU · ANTEA · AQUALE · ARCADIS · ARTESIA · ASKONING · BCG · BEST · BIOREM · CALLIGEE · DIE REMEDIATION · EGES · ESI · FLOSOLUTIONS · GAUDRIOT · GEOCONSEILS · GEOLYS · GEOPROTECH · GEOSYNTEC · GEOTEC · GINGER · GOLDER · HIDROVIA · IDDEA · IDELUX · KARSTE · LUX AQUATEC · LUXCONTROL · MWH · NAGARE · RAISÔ · RSK · SAFEGE · SANIFOX · SAUNIERS & ASSOCIES · SCHROEDER & ASSOCIES · SCOP CLAIE · SGS · SHER · SITEREM · TELOSIA · TRACTEBEL ENGIE · URS · VEOLIA

Water/drinks producers

ABBAYE TRAPPISTE DE ROCHEFORT · AIEC · CILE · DEA · ELECTRABEL · SEBES · SES · SIDERE · SPADEL · SWDE · Ville de Luxembourg · VIVAQUA

Mining & chemical companies

ANTAMINA · ANHYDRITE DE FRANCE · CUP · DOW · LHOIST · MANDALAY RESOURCES · PRAYON · VALE

Public administrations

AGE LUXEMBOURG · General Council of Lozère · SPGE · PUBLIC SERVICE OF WALLONIA · more than 100 municipalities in Europe

Research centres & institutes

BRGM · CEA · CEBEDEAU · CWEPSS · FAO · FREE UNIVERSITY OF BRUXELLES · INERIS · ISSEP · ONEE · UNIVERSITY LASALLE BEAUVAIS · UNIVERSITY OF ANTWERPEN · UNIVERSITY OF BELO HORIZONTE · UNIVERSITY OF LIÈGE · UNIVERSITY OF MONS · UNIVERSITY OF NAMUR · UNIVERSITY OF ORLÉANS

Selected projects

A cross-section of EWTS project experience across catchment delineation, contamination studies, and leak identification.

VIANDEN (LU) – LUXCONTROL In progress

Tracer testing to assess the efficiency of a funnel-and-gate barrier for remediation of a chlorinated solvent plume (overseen by the Ministry of Environment and the Water Authority).

TRAPPIST BREWERY OF ROCHEFORT – LHOIST (BE) In progress

Monitoring, tracer tests and permitting in the context of the impact of a quarry on local water resources.

LUXEMBOURG INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – AGE In progress

"BREAKTHROUGH PROJECT" using fluorescent tracers in drinking water.

LUXEMBOURG INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – TOWN OF LUXEMBOURG – "SMARTWATER" PROJECT In progress

Assessing and controlling microbial hazards from source to tap in Luxembourg using smart surveillance of microbial water quality – support with tracer tests and fluorescence monitoring.

BJÖRKDAL (SE) – MANDALAY RESOURCES

Tracer testing between a surface lake and the mine.

ANTAMINA (PE) – FLOSOLUTIONS

Tracer testing of multiple karst features related to mine expansion.

French Office for Biodiversity – University of Orléans (CETRAHE)

Study of the quality of fluorescent products used in hydrogeological tracing.

ONEE – FAO (MA) – CETRAHE

Expertise for the development of a protocol and the implementation of tracer tests to delineate drinking water protection zones in the Sahel of Safi aquifer.

SCHROEDER & ASSOCIÉS – NIEDERANVEN – FEIDT (LU)

Tracer tests in the context of the impact of a quarry on the catchment of municipal drinking water facilities.

WIERSCH (LU) – SES – GÉOCONSEILS

Tracer tests to delineate the vulnerability of drinking water facilities to surface stream infiltration.

GRAVIGNY (FR) – DI ENVIRONNEMENT – REMEDIATION

Tracer tests for contaminant transport studies.

HALLEMBAYE (BE) – TRACTEBEL

Tracer tests in the context of a waste deposit site.

TIHANGE (BE) – ELECTRABEL – TRACTEBEL

Several tracer studies around the reactors of the nuclear power plant.

BERCHEM (LU) – SHELL – ESI

Tracer tests in the context of an AdBlue leak at a fuel station.

DEER PARK (AU) – GOLDER

Tracer tests in the context of a contaminated site.

CAUSSES DE SAUVETERRE (FR) – BRGM – National Park of the Grands Causses

Multi-tracer tests for the delineation of catchment basins between the Lot and Tarn rivers.

Uranine tracer injection into a watercourse

Blue tracer emerging at a spring

Rhodamine injection at a karst site

Blue tracer in a winter stream

Rhodamine tracing from a limestone outcrop

Uranine tracer in an Alpine stream

Large-scale rhodamine injection with tanker

Albillia field fluorometer monitoring station

$Uranine injection into a sinkhole$

Uranine injection into a sinkhole

In-Situ field fluorometer

In-Situ fluorometers

Equipment Sales & Rental

EWTS places at the disposal of experienced users everything necessary to carry out tracer tests of the highest quality — consumables, certified kits, rental equipment, and full fluorimeter and data logger systems.

EWTS is the authorised distributor in Belgium and Luxembourg of Albillia fluorimeters and Tetraedre TRMC data loggers.

Consumables

Fluorescent and saline tracers (stock or on order; supplier contacts for larger quantities)
Activated carbon detectors
Calibration solutions for fluorimeters
Certified kits: tracers, sample bottles, and activated carbon detectors

Rental equipment

Field fluorimeters for 3 tracers + turbidity — surface or borehole (2"), with or without telemetry
Automatic samplers
Water level pressure transducers
Portable fluorescence spectrofluorometer — Ocean Optics
Submersible pumps
Additional field equipment as required

Albillia fluorimeters

Simultaneous detection of up to 3 colourless tracers plus turbidity
Surface or borehole (2") configurations
With or without telemetry option (GSM, GPRS, cable, radio)
High temporal resolution — readings down to a few seconds
Near-unlimited battery autonomy

Tetraedre TRMC data loggers

Telemetric management of field measurements
GSM, GPRS, cable, and radio options
Alarm functions for emergency response at water intakes
Full calibration service available from EWTS
Customised configurations available on request

Selection guide available

EWTS provides a fluorimeter and data logger selection guide to help identify the equipment best suited to your application. Customised solutions — combining hardware, telemetry, and calibration — can also be configured. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

Established 2025

EWTS Peru

Fluorescence testing and tracer services for the Peruvian mining sector

EWTS expanded into Peru in 2025, bringing over 35 years of European expertise in fluorescent tracer testing to one of the world's most hydrogeologically complex mining environments. Under the direction of Dr. Philippe Meus, EWTS Peru is already delivering high-sensitivity fluorescence testing and tracer analysis for mining companies across the Peruvian Andes — all current projects conducted under strict confidentiality.

Karst — the defining challenge of Peruvian mine hydrogeology

Approximately 13% of the Peruvian Andes is carbonate terrain, and this same karstic limestone belt hosts more than half of Peru's base and precious metal deposits. Most mines sit between 3,500 and 5,000 metres elevation, where annual precipitation of 1,000–1,500 mm drives intense recharge through highly permeable karst systems characterised by open conduits, cave networks, and deep vertical shafts — known locally as simas — that can transmit groundwater at hundreds of metres per day.

Mine tailings and waste facilities are frequently sited in valleys underlain by karstic limestone. Seepage entering karst conduits is effectively unrecoverable and can contaminate springs and rivers relied upon by Andean communities — sometimes more than 10 kilometres from the source. Standard drilling and piezometer programs alone are insufficient to define these risks.

Key mining formations — including the Jumasha, Yumagual, Aramachay, Arcurquina, and Ferrobamba — present hydraulic conductivities spanning eight orders of magnitude, with steeply dipping strata promoting deep dissolution and regional groundwater flow paths that can bypass surface water divides entirely.

What EWTS Peru offers

Fluorescent dye tracer testing is the most reliable and cost-effective method for defining groundwater flow, catchment boundaries, and hydraulic connectivity in karst — answering directly which springs, streams, and wells are connected to a mine waste facility and at what velocity.

EWTS Peru delivers the full service: test design, on-site injection, real-time field fluorimetry, high-sensitivity fluorescence testing, and full interpretation of results — all to the rigorous quality standards developed over 35 years of European practice.

EWTS Peru · Lima, Peru · info@ewtsglobal.com · Confidential enquiries welcome

Karst cave exploration · Peruvian Andes