(A) Every water supply well shall be tested for capacity by a method and for a period of time acceptable to the Department. The permittee may be required as a permit condition to test any well for capacity by a method stipulated in the permit.
(B) Standard methods for testing well capacity include the following.
(1) Domestic wells.
(a) Pump method.
1. Select a permanent measuring point, such as the top of the casing;
2. Measure and record the static water level below or above the measuring point prior to starting the pump;
3. Measure and record the discharge rate at intervals of ten minutes or less;
4. Measure and record water levels using a steel or electric tape at intervals of ten minutes or less;
5. Continue the test for a period of at least one hour; and
6. Make measurements within an accuracy of plus or minus one-quarter of a foot.
(b) Bailer method.
1. Select a permanent measuring point, such as the top of the casing;
2. Measure and record the static water level below or above the measuring point prior to starting the bailing procedure;
3. Bail the water out of the well as rapidly as possible for a period of at least one hour; determine and record the bailing rate in gallons per minute at the end of the bailing period; and
4. Measure and record the water level immediately after stopping bailing process.
(c) Air rotary drill method.
1. Measure and record the amount of water being injected into the well during drilling operations;
2. Measure and record the discharge rate in gallons per minute at intervals of one hour or less during drilling operations;
3. After completion of the drilling, continue to blow the water out of the well for at least 30 minutes and measure and record the discharge rate in gallons per minute at intervals of ten minutes or less during the period; and
4. Measure and record the water level immediately after discharge ceases.
(d) Air lift method.
1. Measurements shall be made through a pipe placed in the well;
2. The pipe shall have a minimum inside diameter of at least five-tenths of an inch and shall extend from the top of the well head to a point inside the well that is below the bottom of the air line;
3. Measure and record the static water level prior to starting the air compressor;
4. Measure and record the discharge rate at intervals of ten minutes or less;
5. Measure and record the pumping level using a steel or electric tape at intervals of ten minutes or less; and
6. Continue the test for a period of at least one hour.
(2) Public/industrial and irrigation wells. Every public industrial and irrigation well, upon completion, shall be tested for capacity by the drilling contractor, except when the owner specifies another agent.
(Ord. passed 7-23-1984)