The use of ground-coupled heat pumps (GCHPs) in the commercial building sector is continually increasing. Because of this increase, more engineers who are concerned with the proper design, installation, and operation of these systems find themselves dealing with issues related to adequate groundwater protection. The vertical borehole heat exchanger (BHEx) can penetrate two or more water sources that must remain separate. Water exchange between surface water and shallow aquifers or between two or more aquifers is discouraged and generally not allowed by governing regulations. This study was undertaken in an effort to learn more about groundwater movement, the incorporation of alternative borehole completion methods by the GCHP industry, and the impact of any identified completion methods on BHEx design.