Groundwater heat pump systems using standing column wells as their ground heat exchanger can be used as a highly efficient source of heating and cooling in residential and commercial buildings. This paper describes design, installation, and operating practices used in the application of this technology. Attention is given in particular to application of “bleed” strategies—a key parameter in system design and operation. A survey of installations and details of some projects are given. Successful application of standing column wells is dependant on suitable hydrological and geological conditions. Accordingly, the geographical distribution of known systems is reported along with location and hydraulic properties of the different “groundwater regions” of North America.