1) A well planned and carefully executed pumping test is essential for good management of a water well supply.
2) The maximum amount of information should be collected during the drilling of the well, to allow proper interpretation of the pumping test results.
3) A pumping test requires careful measurement of
a) Pumping Rate
b) Water level in the well
c) Time. |
4) The pumped water must be discharged far enough from the well to ensure that it cannot return underground to the well.
5) A pumping test programme should consist of
a) Compilation and interpretation of all available data regarding well construction, driller estimate of yield etc.
b) A short (2-4 hours) preliminary test, to give a rough idea of the well's performance.
c) A step test, consisting of 4 to 6 short (1 to 3 hours) steps at different output pumping rates.
d) A longer (1 to 3 days) test at a constant pumping rate.
e) Measurement of the recovery of the water level in the well. |
6) Water samples for analysis should be taken during the test, and any changes in water quality noted.7) Where possible, water level measurements should be taken in nearby wells, springs and streams.
8) A copy of the reults of the test should be sent to the Geological Survey for their records. |
