Aquifer testing is conducted in the field to determine the hydraulic properties, boundary and type of aquifer.  Usually three components are present when doing so; design, field observations and data analysis.  The testing of aquifers allows one to determine the yield of the aquifer, if pumping is suitable for public supply or agricultural purposes, and the fate of contaminants in groundwater.

Pump Tests

This type of test evaluates and stimulates the characteristics of the aquifer by constant or steady pumping.  The way the aquifer responds to the pumping is recorded through the change in the hydraulic head by the difference in elevation during the testing.

Slug Tests

A slug test is another way to evaluate an aquifer, but it is usually less representative of an aquifer than a pump test.  The slug test is conducted using a falling or rising head test.  The change in the hydraulic head is measured over time.  This method is often used when there is a time constraint, there is no pump installed in the well, or a pump test cannot be performed on the aquifer.

Field Infiltration Tests

Infiltration tests are conducted to determine the suitability of soils to accommodate storm water infiltration systems, the degree of compaction within the fill materials associated with subsurface utilities.  An open hole gravity permeability test (Method 1) presented in the Engineering Geology Field Manual of the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation, may be selected to determine the coefficient of permeability of the soils.