Fulcrum Resources Environmental

Fulcrum Resources Environmental
Created by Fulcrum Resources Environmental Mar 11, 2020

Aquifer Testing Techniques for Improved Hydro-geologic Site Characterization

Aquifer testing is an essential element in the classification process for Hydro-geologic Site Characterization. In many engineering projects that include mine dewatering, groundwater treatment systems, industrial water wells, and aquifer storage projects, Aquifer test works.

So, what is the Aquifer Performance test?

An aquifer test is a controlled field experiment that states the projected hydraulic properties of water-bearing materials. ASTM D4043-17 – guides the choice of an aquifer test method through the development of a conceptual model of a field site. However, it doesn’t form a fixed procedure for defining hydraulic properties.
Hydro-geologists and site manager’s must-have adequate skills and expertise while conducting an aquifer test. They test design and prepare data analysis to yield accurate, significant results.

The researchers work on the ground saturated with water to know transmissivity, hydraulic conductivity, and storativity of the water supply. It is a known fact that groundwater is one of our most valuable resources and aquifers.
However, several issues influence the decision of which aquifer test method to choose. It is because the hydraulic properties are dependent on the score of field-testing, the information through the aquifer system at the field site, and the conformation of the hydro-geologic conditions as per the accepted test method.

Below-mentioned is various Aquifer test methods:
Constant Discharge
Variable Discharge
Leaky Confining Bed, Without Storage
Leaky Confining Bed, With Storage
Constant Drawdown
Radical-Vertical Anisotropy
Horizontal Anisotropy
Slug Test Methods
Solutions for Fractured Media
Test Methods for Multiple Aquifers

Why is Aquifer testing required?
Aquifer performance test determines whether there is sufficient groundwater available for the proposed usage. Through aquifer tests, the depth to groundwater and it’s response during pumping the “Well” and how “Well” water levels can be determined. The most extensive guide for Well is called “Drawdown,” which is the difference between the water level at rest and the pumping level. Higher the Drawdowns, the higher are the pumping rates or lower producing aquifers — higher-yielding Aquifer or Well states that smaller the Drawdown for a given flow rate. The faster water levels will improve once pumping stops.

Test methods and procedures-

Aquifer testing requires a stable environmental condition that has no external interference to the test. It is best to avoid heavy rains or river floods that can affect Drawdown measurements.

Our Take – The minimum duration of a test for a confined aquifer is usually one day and is looked on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for Hydro-geologic Site Characterization that we do through advanced Aquifer Testing Techniques. We would be happy to serve you!