Use of Aquifer Testing and Groundwater Modeling to Evaluate Aquifer

In our last blog, we discussed what the Aquifer Performance test is! (Read On the previous blog to know more). To ascend it further, we will talk about the “Use of Aquifer Testing.”

Read on Further –

Aquifer testing and groundwater modeling estimate the hydraulic properties of an aquifer system. And, for the pumped aquifer, one can decide on transmissivity, hydraulic conductivity (horizontal and vertical), and storativity (storage coefficient). In fact, through these tests, one can estimate the properties of aquitards (vertical hydraulic conductivity and specific storage). These tests can identify and locate recharge and no-flow boundaries that may limit the lateral extent of aquifers as well.

Groundwater constitutes 25% of the freshwater used in the United States. It is especially significant for irrigation and domestic uses in remote areas, where surface water is not readily available. It is an equally important component in numerous industrial procedures. With hydrological changes like Irrigation Expansion, Groundwater modeling is best used to predict the behavior of the aquifer. These are used in various water management plans for urban areas.

Primary Use/Purpose –

• To define an optimal pumping rate.
• To assess long-term pumping intervention effect on a nearby “Well.”
• To assess stream weakening effects
• Aquifer characterization for general inquiries to supplement a resource consent application

Groundwater hydrologists commonly use three Aquifer Testing methods to evaluate aquifer. All methods operate through the control that is well imposed as hydraulic stress on an aquifer system.

Below mentioned are the methods that differ as per the type of hydraulic stress:

Pumping test – At a controlled rate, the pumping well pressures an aquifer through extracting/ injecting water. An aquifer test trial is much commended for pumping tests. This trial defines an appropriate pumping rate and can resolve any troubles with establishing pumping rates before the test ( like through irrigation system controls, flow meters, or any other issue). The trial can be of short duration, and observations of drawdown in the pumping and surrounding wells should be made.

Slug Test – The imposed hydraulic stress is due to a sudden change in the water level in control well. It obtains estimates of aquifer/aquitard properties at a smaller scale than pumping tests. It is sometimes performed to provide an indicator of “Well” performance.

Constant-Head Test – The head or drawdown in control well is not allowed to vary. The declining discharge rate from the monitoring well is recorded with time; besides, water level changes may be measured in surrounding wells.

Our Take – The critical point of a test is to decide if there is adequate groundwater available for the planned use. The most vital information that is gathered as a significant aspect of an aquifer test is the depth to groundwater and how that differs in light of pumping the well of interest and how well water levels shift seasonally.

Fulcrum addresses the aquifer-testing needs of industries across the United States. We would be happy to serve you.