ASTM D5737-95(2000) - 10.10.2000
 
1. Scope

1.1 This guide covers an overview of methods to measure well discharge. This guide is an integral part of a series of standards prepared on the in-situ determination of hydraulic properties of aquifer systems by single- or multiple-well tests. Measurement of well discharge is a common requirement to the determination of aquifer and well hydraulic properties.

1.2 This guide does not establish a fixed procedure for any method described. Rather, it describes different methods for measuring discharge from a pumping or flowing well. A pumping well is one type of control well. A control well can also be an injection well or a well in which slug tests are conducted.

1.3 This guide does not address borehole flow meters that are designed for measuring vertical or horizontal flow within a borehole.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

1.5 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. Furthermore, it is the user's responsibility to properly dispose of water discharged.

1.6 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.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D653-26a

Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids (Includes all amendments and changes 6/15/2026).

D1941-21

Standard Test Method for Open Channel Flow Measurement of Water with the Parshall Flume

D4043-17(2026)e1

Standard Guide for Selection of Aquifer Test Method in Determining Hydraulic Properties by Well Techniques (Includes all amendments and changes 7/17/2026).

Standard1042

Part 1 Methods for the Measurement of Fluid Flow in Pipes, 1, Orifice Plates, Nozzles and Venturi Tubes

Standard MFC-3M-1989

Measurement of Fluid Flow in Pipes Using Orifice, Nozzle, and Venturi Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 345 E. 47th Street, New York, NY 10017.

D5716-95(2000)

Standard Test Method for Measuring the Rate of Well Discharge by Circular Orifice Weir

D5390-21

Standard Test Method for Open-Channel Flow Measurement of Water with Palmer-Bowlus Flumes

D5242-21

Standard Test Method for Open-Channel Flow Measurement of Water with Thin-Plate Weirs

Recommendation R541

Measurement of Fluid Flow by Means of Orifice Plates and Nozzles Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th Floor, New York, NY 10036.