PUMPING TESTS

Pumping tests are conducted in hydrogeology to assess the hydraulic characteristics of

aquifers, including properties like transmissivity, hydraulic conductivity, storativity, and well
efficiency. These tests involve pumping water from a well at a controlled rate and observing
the associated drawdown in the water level over time. Various types of pumping tests are
conducted to gather specific information about aquifer properties. Here are some common
pumping tests:
1. Constant Rate Pumping Test:
 Objective: Evaluate the aquifer's transmissivity and storage coefficient under
constant pumping rates.
 Procedure: Pumping is initiated at a constant rate, and drawdown is measured at
different time intervals until a stabilized condition is achieved.
 Analysis: Data is analyzed using well-known solutions like Theis or Cooper-Jacob to
determine transmissivity and storage coefficients.
2. Step Drawdown Test:
 Objective: Assess the relationship between drawdown and time at different pumping
rates.
 Procedure: Pumping rates are changed in steps, and drawdown is measured at each
step until a stabilized condition is reached.
 Analysis: The data is used to determine how drawdown varies with time and pumping
rate, providing insights into the aquifer's response to different stress conditions.
3. Recovery Test:
 Objective: Evaluate the recovery of the water level after pumping ceases.
 Procedure: After the pumping test, the well is allowed to recover, and the water level
is measured at regular intervals.
 Analysis: Recovery data helps determine parameters such as transmissivity, storage
coefficient, and the specific capacity of the well.
4. Variable Rate Pumping Test:
 Objective: Assess the aquifer's response to variable pumping rates.
 Procedure: Pumping rates are varied during the test, and drawdown is measured to
understand how the aquifer reacts to changes in pumping intensity.
 Analysis: Data is analyzed to assess the effects of variable pumping rates on
drawdown and the overall behavior of the aquifer.
5. Slug Test (Instantaneous Change in Water Level):
 Objective: Evaluate the hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity of unconfined
aquifers.
 Procedure: A sudden change in water level is induced by adding or removing water
from the well, and the subsequent water level recovery is monitored.
 Analysis: The data is analyzed using methods like Cooper-Bredehoeft-Papadopulos
or Hvorslev to determine the hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity.
6. Constant Head Test:
 Objective: Assess the vertical hydraulic conductivity of unconfined aquifers.
 Procedure: Water is added to maintain a constant head in the well, and the flow rate
is measured.
 Analysis: The data is used to determine the hydraulic conductivity of the unconfined
aquifer.
7. Multiple Well Pumping Test:
 Objective: Evaluate the interactions between multiple pumping wells.
 Procedure: Two or more wells are pumped simultaneously, and drawdown is
monitored in both the pumped and observation wells.
 Analysis: The data is analyzed to understand the effects of well interactions,
providing insights into the aquifer's heterogeneity.
8. Interference Test:
 Objective: Assess the effects of a nearby pumping well on an existing well.
 Procedure: The existing well is pumped, and drawdown is measured. A nearby well
is then pumped, and the drawdown in the existing well is monitored.
  Analysis: The data helps understand the hydraulic connection between wells and the
impact of one well on another.
9. Constant Drawdown Test:
 Objective: Evaluate the aquifer's response to a constant drawdown.
 Procedure: The well is pumped to maintain a constant drawdown, and the pumping
rate is measured.
 Analysis: The data is used to assess the relationship between drawdown and pumping
rate, providing information on aquifer properties.
Each type of pumping test serves a specific purpose in characterizing aquifer properties, and
the choice of the test depends on the hydrogeological conditions and the information sought.
The results from these tests are crucial for effective groundwater resource management and
well design.