4.1 An aquifer test method is a controlled field experiment made to determine the approximate hydraulic properties of water-bearing material. The hydraulic properties that can be determined are specific to the test method. The hydraulic properties that can be determined are also dependent upon the instrumentation of the field test, the knowledge of the aquifer system at the field site, and conformance of the hydrogeologic conditions at the field site to the assumptions of the test method. Hydraulic conductivity and storage coefficient of the aquifer are the basic properties determined by most test methods. Test methods can be designed also to determine vertical and horizontal anisotropy, aquifer discontinuities, vertical hydraulic conductivity of confining beds, well efficiency, turbulent flow, and specific storage and vertical permeability of confining beds.

1.1 This guide covers an integral part of a series of standards that are being prepared on the in situ determination of hydraulic properties of aquifer systems by single- or multiple-well tests. This guide provides guidance for development of a conceptual model of a field site and selection of an analytical test method for determination of hydraulic properties. This guide does not establish a fixed procedure for determination of hydrologic properties.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 Limitations—Well techniques have limitations in the determination of hydraulic properties of groundwater flow systems. These limitations are related primarily to the simplifying assumptions that are implicit in each test method. The response of an aquifer system to stress is not unique; therefore, the system must be known sufficiently to select the proper analytical method.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.