Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-7-15-.10

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 11, August 30, 2024

Section 335-7-15-.10 - Aquifer Test

An aquifer test of a finished community system production well shall be conducted to determine the aquifer storage coefficient and transmissivity. The test method shall be clearly outlined in the engineering specifications for the project and the test procedure shall be continuous with adequate provisions taken to prevent disruption of the test. The calculated storage coefficient and transmissivity values shall be used to determine the SWAA.

(a) Several days before initiating the aquifer test, the well shall be pumped for several hours to determine the following:

1. The maximum anticipated drawdown,

2. The approximate capacity of the well, and

3. If the pump discharge will affect recharge to the well during the anticipated period of the aquifer test.

(b) Steps shall be taken to assure accuracy of the drawdown during the aquifer test.

1. Accurate drawdown readings shall be taken in both the production and observation wells simultaneously. Readings will be taken every 2 minutes for the first hour, every 5 minutes for the next hour, every 10 minutes for the next 2 hours, every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours and then hourly until the end of the test.

2. Drawdown data collected during the period of testing shall be corrected for changes in barometric pressure and tidal oscillations.

3. Recovery water level data shall be determined and recorded simultaneously for both the observation well and production well.

4. The aquifer test shall be conducted for the continuous period required to stabilize the water level at the design capacity.

5. If the aquifer test cannot be conducted according to requirements of this paragraph, a written request shall be submitted to the Department supporting a waiver of this method.

(c) An aquifer test exemption may be granted for wells completed in karst formations under conduit flow conditions and for confined wells with sources of water greater than 600 feet deep. Waivers from the aquifer test can be considered by the Department after receipt of well logs, documented confining layers, proposed construction standards and a waiver request from the applicant.

(d) A public water system with a proposed well exempted from the aquifer test must conduct a capacity test in accordance with 335-7-5-.09.

Author: Edgar K. Hughes

Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-7-15-.10

New Rule: Filed November 7, 2005; effective December 12, 2005.

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 22-23-33, 22-23-49, 22-22A-5, 22-22A-6.