Pump Testing (Aquifer Testing)

Pump testing, or aquifer testing, may be required for licensing purposes, particularly when a well is intended for commercial or industrial use, or to demonstrate aquifer yield for regulatory agencies.

Duration and Scope of Pump Testing

The duration of a pump test can vary significantly based on the type and quality of data required. Factors such as the well's characteristics, the specific requirements of the regulatory agency, and the desired level of accuracy all influence the test duration.

How Pump Testing Works

A pump test is designed to assess the well’s capacity to produce water and its overall performance. The process involves pumping water from the well at a steady rate while monitoring key indicators. The main steps include:

  1. Pre-Test Measurement
    The static water level (the water depth before pumping begins) is recorded as a baseline for the test.

  2. Pumping
    The pump is activated, and water is drawn from the well at a consistent rate for a set duration, often lasting several hours.

  3. Monitoring
    Water levels are continuously measured during the pumping phase to observe drawdown (the decrease in the water level).

  4. Post-Test Measurement
    After the pump is turned off, recovery is monitored to determine how quickly the water level returns to its static level.

The data collected during the test provides insights into the well’s yield, its recovery rate, and its long-term viability for water production.

Types of Pump Testing

Several methods can be used during a pump test, depending on the specific needs of the project:

  • Constant Rate Testing

  • Step Rate Testing

  • Staged Inflow Testing

Pump rates can range from one gallon per minute (gal/min) to several hundred gallons per minute (gal/min), and well depths can extend to 1,000 feet or more—capabilities well within our scope of expertise.

Collaborative Testing for Regulatory Compliance and Confidence

Essential Water Works can collaborate with you to ensure the pump test meets the requirements of regulatory agencies. Whether for compliance or to gain confidence in your well’s performance, we can tailor the testing process to your specific needs.