Data Collection

PUMPING TEST:

The pumping test allows us to determine the hydraulic properties of the aquifer that affect groundwater flow. This information is important in order to model and predict aquifer behavior accurately.

The test is set up with a hydraulic pump that is placed at an appropriate depth within the well. The pump runs for a period of 24 hours with a constant discharge sufficient to stress the aquifer. Discharge is measured using an orifice meter, and checked with a bucket and stopwatch. Water levels are measured with an electronic tape at specific time intervals.

After 24 hours of pumping, the aquifer is allowed to recover naturally (called the recovery test). During this test, the pump is shut off and the water level measured at specific time intervals (as for the pump test) for a period of 24 hours. The data from the pump and recovery tests allow us to calculate the transmissivity of the aquifer.

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