Water System Design Manual, December 2009
Document source : www.doh.wa.gov
Water System Design Manual
December 2009
Page 229
Appendix E: Recommended Pumping Test Procedures
1.0 Introduction
This aquifer pumping test procedures document specifies the minimum pumping test procedures
that DOH considers sufficient for demonstrating that a new source is capable of providing a safe
and reliable yield of water for the water system. This pumping test procedures document was
prepared to provide Group A water systems with basic information suitable to develop an
approach to satisfy the source approval requirements in WAC 246-290-130 (3)(c)(iii) and (3)(d).
Information is presented to enable a water system to address DOH concerns regarding the most
commonly encountered aquifer conditions or hydrogeologic settings across the state. Situations
involving complex hydrogeolgic settings, however, may require a high level of expertise and
experience to adequately design and evaluate pumping tests for demonstrating source reliability.
Stand-alone pumping test procedures specifying the minimum steps DOH consider adequate are
presented at the end of this document. A discussion of the basic components of a pumping test is
also provided to assist with understanding the procedures presented in this document. The intent
of this document, however, is not to provide a detailed step-by-step approach for conducting or
analyzing a pumping test. Numerous references provide detailed, industry-accepted information
on designing the specifics of a pumping or aquifer test. A list of selected references is provided
at the end of Section 5.0 of this document.
The principal objective of the pumping test is to obtain adequate information for DOH to
evaluate whether a source is capable of reliably providing a safe yield of groundwater. This
objective differs somewhat from the Department of Ecology's whose concern is focused on
overall protection of the aquifer. In establishing water rights, the Department of Ecology
evaluates withdrawals from all users and recharge to the aquifer, and considers future water
needs from the aquifer.
This procedures document is not intended to evaluate the aquifer as a water resource, but rather
to establish the ability of the source to meet the design pumping rate. Reliability considers the
ability of the source over time to meet normal conditions of operation, without adversely
affecting the water quality or quantity demands of the water system. The reliability of
groundwater yield requires that the pumping test results can be projected for some time into the
future. From DOH's perspective, a properly conducted pumping test is the best basis from which
to judge a source's current and future reliability. A pumping test can indicate lateral flow
boundaries, hydraulic continuity, constraints of fracture flow, and recharge. All of these can be
important factors in establishing reliability. From the water system's perspective, the pumping
test is the best method by which to size and establish the optimal depth setting of the pump, as
well as, establish water system storage and operational needs. Proper pump sizing and depth
selection can provide considerable savings to a water system over the lifetime of the well,
through reduced power consumption and maintenance costs.
Summary :
Water System Design Manual December 2009 Page 229 Appendix E: Recommended Pumping Test Procedures 1.0 Introduction This aquifer pumping test procedures document specifies the minimum pumping test procedures that DOH considers sufficient for demonstrating that a new source is capable of providing a safe and reliable yield of water for the water system. From the water system's perspective, the pumping test is the best method by which to size and establish the optimal depth setting of the pump, as well as, establish water system storage and operational needs.
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