Efficiency Testing of Water Wells

by Carl H. Carpenter, Provo City Corp, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Irrigation and Drainage

Abstract:

In the operation of a water well, the difference between the water level in the well before pumping starts and after it has been pumping for a period of time is termed 'drawdown.' Drawdown is due to the friction loss of water moving to the well through the aquifer material and also the friction loss of water moving through the openings in the well bore as discharge by the pump occurs. The ratio of aquifer loss to total drawdown is termed 'well efficiency.' Each well has its own unique well efficiency and drawdown characteristics, and efficiency can be monitored over the well's operating life by conducting a step drawdown test periodically. The step-drawdown test determines the amount of drawdown due to aquifer loss and well loss. If the amount of drawdown due to well loss increases, then the operator knows it is time for rehabilitation and remedial work to be done.



Subject Headings: Wells (water) | Pumping tests | Drawdown (hydrology) | Water leakage and water loss | Water conservation | Water discharge | Friction

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