AbstractEvaluation for metal and radionuclide contamination associated with selected inactive uranium mill tailings repositories required the installation of monitoring wells in both shallow unconfined and deep artesian aquifer systems. To prevent ionic exchange between the dissolved cationic metals and the cations in bentonitic drilling fluids, organic‐based fluids were used during the drilling and installation of monitoring wells. Experience gained at three western U.S. sites involving inactive uranium mill tailings indicates organic drilling fluids can be used to advance drill holes in soil materials ranging from saturated silts and fine sands to unsaturated gravels. However, it has been determined that certain types of these organic fluids can clog very narrow screen slots and remain present in well discharge, even after several hours of well cleaning. Certain types of organic drilling fluids appear to be preferable for these types of water chemistry studie