Specific Capacity of each Borehole:
To calculate the specific capacity of a borehole we need to follow the following steps;
Measure Flow Rate: The specific capacity is calculated by measuring the flow rate of the
borehole. This is usually done by pumping water from the borehole at a constant rate and
measuring the volume of water pumped over a specified period of time.
Measure Drawdown: While pumping, the drawdown in the borehole is measured. Drawdown is
the difference between the static water level (before pumping) and the water level during
pumping. This is typically measured using a downhole water level indicator.
Calculate Specific Capacity: The specific capacity (Q/s) is then calculated using the formula:
Q/s = Q/(h2 – h1 )
Where Q = flow rate (m3/min)
h2 – h1 = Drawdown (m)
Borehole WW41023:
So to measure the specific capacity we first need to determine the flow rate. The depth of the
borehole WW41023 is 378 m. Let us assume the amount of water pumped with the help of the
pump from the borehole is 60 m3 in 30 minutes.
According to the above given data, the flow rate will be 60 / 30 = 2 m3 /min.
As per borehole data, the static water level for borehole WW41023 is 148.20 m and the water
level during pumping is 157.20 m, so according to this the Drawdown will be;
h2 – h1 = 157.31 – 148.20 = 9 m
The specific capacity will be = 2 / 9 = 0.222 m3/min/m
Borehole WW41024:
Similarly for the Borehole WW41024, the amount of water pumped with the help of the pump
from the borehole is 50 m3 in 30 mins.
According to the above-given data, the flow rate will be 50 / 30 = 1.677 m3 /min.
As per borehole data, the static water level for borehole WW41024 is 147.31 m and the water
level during pumping is 157.28 m, so according to this the Drawdown will be;
h2 – h1 = 160.21 – 148.31 = 11.9 m
The specific capacity will be = 2 / 11.9 = 0.168 m3/min/m
How many meters can the water level be lowered:
To determine how many meters the water levels can be dropped according to the standard set of
rules is as follows, it depends on different factors, like
Aquifer Characteristics
Borehole Construction
Regulatory guidelines
By considering the above factors as per site conditions of NAMIBIA, the standard water level
that can be dropped is between 5 to 15 meters.
Maximum Abstraction Rate:
The maximum abstraction rate of borehole WW41023 can be determined by using the following
formula;
Maximum Abstraction Rate (Q) = Specific Capacity (Sc) * Allowable Drawdown (s)
= 0.2 * 15 m
= 3 m3/min
Similarly, the maximum abstraction rate of borehole WW41024 is as follows;
Maximum Abstraction Rate (Q) = Specific Capacity (Sc) * Allowable Drawdown (s)
= 0.168 * 15 m
= 2.52 m3/min
Installation depth of the pump:
Ideal Depth: Generally, submersible pumps should be installed at least 10 meters (33
feet) above the bottom of the well. This ensures the pump isn't drawing in sediment or resting on
the well bottom, which can shorten its lifespan.
So, for the borehole WW41023, the installation depth should be 368 m and for the borehole
WW41024, the installation depth should be 290 m.
