ASTM D5786-17

Standard Practice for (Field Procedure) for Constant Drawdown Tests in Flowing Wells for Determining Hydraulic Properties of Aquifer Systems

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Constant drawdown test procedures are used with appropriate analytical procedures to determine transmissivity, hydraulic conductivity, and storage coefficient of aquifers.
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors: Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the methods for controlling drawdown and measuring discharge rates and head to analyze the hydraulic properties of an aquifer or aquifers.  
1.2 This practice is used in conjunction with analytical procedures such as those of Jacob and Lohman (1)/(2),2 and Hantush (3).  
1.3 The appropriate field and analytical procedures for determining hydraulic properties of aquifer systems are selected as described in Guide D4043.  
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 practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2016
• ICS: 93.160 - Hydraulic construction
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.21 - Groundwater and Vadose Zone Investigations

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5786-95(2012) - Standard Practice for (Field Procedure) for Constant Drawdown Tests in Flowing Wells for Determining Hydraulic Properties of Aquifer Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2017
• Refers: ASTM D3740-23 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3740-19 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D653-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM D3740-12a - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM D3740-12 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM D653-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Refers: ASTM D3740-11 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Refers: ASTM D4043-96(2010)e1 - Standard Guide for Selection of Aquifer Test Method in Determining Hydraulic Properties by Well Techniques
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2010
• Refers: ASTM D3740-10 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2010
• Refers: ASTM D653-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM D653-08a - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2008
• Refers: ASTM D653-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM D3740-08 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2008
• Refers: ASTM D653-07f - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2007

Overview

ASTM D5786-17: Standard Practice for (Field Procedure) for Constant Drawdown Tests in Flowing Wells for Determining Hydraulic Properties of Aquifer Systems is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. It provides comprehensive field methodologies for conducting constant drawdown tests in flowing wells. This standard aims to support the accurate determination of critical hydraulic properties of aquifers, such as transmissivity, hydraulic conductivity, and storage coefficient. The procedures described are essential for hydrogeological investigations and groundwater management.

Key Topics

• Constant Drawdown Tests: Methodologies for inducing and maintaining a constant drawdown in a flowing well, while measuring varying discharge rates.
• Hydraulic Properties Determination: Guidelines for quantifying aquifer transmissivity, hydraulic conductivity, and storage coefficient, fundamental properties for groundwater assessment.
• Field Procedures: Step-by-step instructions on controlling drawdown, measuring discharge rates, and collecting head data from control and observation wells.
• Data Collection and Reporting: Requirements for effective field data recording, including water levels, flow rates, and site-specific information.
• Analytical Methods: Reference to widely adopted analytical procedures, such as those developed by Jacob and Lohman as well as Hantush, for interpreting aquifer test data.
• Quality Assurance: Discussion on the competence of personnel, the suitability of equipment, and references to the relevant quality standards (i.e., ASTM D3740) for reliable testing and data integrity.

Applications

ASTM D5786-17 is pivotal in various practical hydrogeological and environmental contexts:

• Groundwater Resource Evaluation: Used by hydrogeologists and engineers to evaluate an aquifer's capacity to supply water sustainably, which is essential for municipal, agricultural, and industrial groundwater development.
• Wellfield Design and Management: Facilitates the planning, design, and optimization of wellfields by providing reliable estimates of aquifer properties.
• Contaminant Hydrogeology: Supports investigations where understanding aquifer flow characteristics is critical for modeling contaminant migration and planning remediation strategies.
• Regulatory Compliance: Provides a standardized, defensible basis for groundwater studies required by local, state, and federal agencies overseeing water resource permitting and environmental impact assessments.
• Education and Research: Serves as an objective tool for academic research and professional training on aquifer testing methodologies.

Related Standards

Some referenced and related ASTM standards include:

• ASTM D653: Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids. Provides shared vocabulary, enhancing clarity and consistency.
• ASTM D3740: Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock. Addresses quality management for testing agencies.
• ASTM D4043: Guide for Selection of Aquifer Test Method in Determining Hydraulic Properties by Well Techniques. Helps select appropriate field and analytical approaches in aquifer testing.
• ASTM D4750: Test Method for Determining Subsurface Liquid Levels in a Borehole or Monitoring Well (Withdrawn). Formerly used for direct measurement procedures in well testing.

Keywords: constant drawdown, aquifer test, flowing wells, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, storage coefficient, groundwater, observation wells, hydrogeology, ASTM D5786-17

This standard is vital for professionals involved in groundwater investigation, aquifer characterization, and sustainable water management using recognized and repeatable testing procedures. For official use and the most current version, always refer to the ASTM website or contact ASTM International.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5786 − 17
Standard Practice for
(Field Procedure) for Constant Drawdown Tests in Flowing
Wells for Determining Hydraulic Properties of Aquifer
Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5786; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Fluids
1.1 This practice covers the methods for controlling draw-
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
down and measuring discharge rates and head to analyze the
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
hydraulic properties of an aquifer or aquifers.
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
1.2 This practice is used in conjunction with analytical
D4043 Guide for Selection of Aquifer Test Method in
procedures such as those of Jacob and Lohman (1)/(2), and
Determining Hydraulic Properties by Well Techniques
Hantush (3).
3. Terminology
1.3 The appropriate field and analytical procedures for
determining hydraulic properties of aquifer systems are se-
3.1 Definitions—For common definitions of terms used in
lected as described in Guide D4043.
this practice, refer to Terminology D653.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Summary of Practice
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 This practice describes the field procedures for conduct-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
ing an aquifer test on a well that is flowing, that is, the head in
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
the well remains above the top of the well casing. This method
1.5 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing
involves inducing a constant drawdown and measuring the
one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace
varying discharge rate from the control well.
education or experience and should be used in conjunction
withprofessionaljudgment.Notallaspectsofthispracticemay
5. Significance and Use
be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not
5.1 Constant drawdown test procedures are used with ap-
intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which
propriate analytical procedures to determine transmissivity,
the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged,
hydraulic conductivity, and storage coefficient of aquifers.
nor should this document be applied without consideration of
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and the
title of this document means only that the document has been
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
approved through the ASTM consensus process.
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
2. Referenced Documents
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors: Practice D3740
2.1 ASTM Standards:
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
6. Apparatus
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.21 on Groundwater and
6.1 Various types of equipment can be used to measure the
Vadose Zone Investigations.
flow rate of the well. The equipment shall be sized so that it
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2017. Published January 2017. Originally
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D5786 – 95 (2012).
does not constrict the flow rate from the well.
DOI: 10.1520/D5786-17.
6.2 An apparatus shall be placed on the control well
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
this standard.
discharge line such that the well can be shut in to prevent flow
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
prior to conducting this field procedure and so that the
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
apparatus will not constrict flow from the well when it is
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. allowed to flow.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5786 − 17
6.3 Head measurements can be made using one of the response should be rapid enough to make sure that the water
following apparatuses: level in the observation well or piezometer will reflect the
6.3.1 Standpipe—A pipe or piece of well casing may be water level in the aquifer during the test. Alternatively, if
installed to extend above the elevation of the discharge. This observation wells are flowing, measure their response in a
standpipe will also extend above the elevation of the head in manner similar to that described for the control well. Rede-
the control well. This standpipe will allow for direct measure- velop wells or piezometers with unusually sluggish response.
ment of the water level. 7.1.6 Measure the pressure head in the shut-in control well
6.3.2 Pressure Measurement—A pressure gauge (mechani- and observation wells (if any) to determine the trend of water
cal gage, manometer, or pressure transducer) may be installed levelsbeforethecommencementofthetest.Thisperiodshould
below the shut-in mechanism in the control well. Determine be equal to the length of the flowing portion of the test.
theheadelevationbyaddingthepressurereading(expressedin
7.2 Test Procedure:
the height of the water) to the elevation of the sensor of the
7.2.1 Based on pretesting results and the conceptual model
pressure gage.
of the site (see Guide D4043), select the duration of the test.
6.4 Control Well—This practice requires that water flow 7.2.2 Shut in the Control Well—Completely stop flow from
from a single well. This well, known as the control well, shall the control well prior to conducting the test for a period as long
as the anticipated duration of the flowing portion of the test.
be drilled and completed such that it transmits water from the
aquifer (usually the entire thickness of the aquifer) as effi- 7.2.3 Discharge from Control Well—Allow the control well
to flow at a variable rate. The flow rate will vary naturally to
ciently as practical to reduce head loss between the aquifer and
the well. Well development should be as complete as practical maintain a constant drawdown at the control well.
7.2.4 Measure Discharge Rate—Measure and record the
to eliminate additional production of sediments (aquifer par-
ticles or drill cuttings) and consequent changes in well effi- discharge rate frequently during the early phase of discharge;
increase the interval between measurements in a loga
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D5786 − 95 (Reapproved 2012) D5786 − 17
Standard Practice for
(Field Procedure) for Constant Drawdown Tests in Flowing
Wells for Determining Hydraulic Properties of Aquifer
Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5786; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This practice covers the methods for controlling drawdown and measuring discharge rates and head to analyze the hydraulic
properties of an aquifer or aquifers.
1.2 This practice is used in conjunction with analytical procedures such as those of Jacob and Lohman (1)/(2), and Hantush
(3)/(4).
1.3 The appropriate field and analytical procedures for determining hydraulic properties of aquifer systems are selected as
described in Guide D4043.
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 practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace
education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice 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
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
D4043 Guide for Selection of Aquifer Test Method in Determining Hydraulic Properties by Well Techniques
D4750 Test Method for Determining Subsurface Liquid Levels in a Borehole or Monitoring Well (Observation Well)
(Withdrawn 2010)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For common definitions of terms used in this practice, see refer to Terminology D653.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 This practice describes the field procedures for conducting an aquifer test on a well that is flowing, that is, the head in the
well remains above the top of the well casing. This method involves inducing a constant drawdown and measuring the varying
discharge rate from the control well.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.21 on Groundwater and Vadose
Zone Investigations.
Current edition approved May 1, 2012Jan. 1, 2017. Published December 2012January 2017. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 20062012
as D5786 – 95 (2006).(2012). DOI: 10.1520/D5786-95R12.10.1520/D5786-17.
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of this standard.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5786 − 17
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Constant drawdown test procedures are used with appropriate analytical procedures to determine transmissivity, hydraulic
conductivity, and storage coefficient of aquifers.
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and the suitability of the
equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective
testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable
results depend on many factors: Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Various types of equipment can be used to measure the flow rate of the well. The equipment shall be sized so that it does
not constrict the flow rate from the well.
6.2 An apparatus shall be placed on the control well discharge line such that the well can be shut in to prevent flow prior to
conducting this field procedure and so that the apparatus will not constrict flow from the well when it is allowed to flow.
6.3 Head measurements can be made using one of the following apparatuses:
6.3.1 Standpipe—A pipe or piece of well casing may be installed to extend above the elevation of the discharge. This standpipe
will also extend above the elevation of the head in the control well. This standpipe will allow for direct measurement of the water
level following methods described in Test Method level.D4750.
6.3.2 Pressure Measurement—A pressure gauge (mechanical gage, manometer, or pressure transducer) may be installed below
the shut-in mechanism in the control well. Determine the head elevation by adding the pressure reading (expressed in the height
of the water) to the elevation of the sensor of the pressure gage.
6.4 Control Well—This practice requires that water flow from a single well. This well, known as the control well, shall be drilled
and completed such that it transmits water from the aquifer (usually the entire thickness of the aquifer) as efficiently as
possiblepractical to reduce head loss between the aquifer and the well. Well development should be as complete as
possiblepractical to eliminate additional production of sediments (aquifer particles or drill cuttings) and consequent changes in well
efficiency during the test.
7. Procedure
7.1 Pretest Procedures:
7.1.1 Select Aquifer Test Method—Develop a conceptual model of the site hydrogeology and select the appropriate aquifer test
method according to in accordance with Guide D4043. Observe the requirements of the selected test method with regard to
specifications for the control well and observation wells.
7.1.2 Field Reconnaissance—Make a field reconnaissance of the site before conducting the test to collect as much detail as
possiblepractical on the depth, continuity, extent, and preliminary estimates of the hydrologic properties of the aquifers and
confining beds. Note the location of existing wells and water-holding or conveying structures that might interfere with the test. Turn
off nearby wells well before the test, and disable automatic pump controls throughout the anticipated test period. Alternately, it may
be necessary to pump some nearby wells or allow them to flow throughout the test. If so, the discharge shall be at a constant rate,
and shall not be started or stopped during the test and prior to the test for a duration at least equal to that of the test. The control
well should be equipped with a pipeline or conveyance structure adequate to transmit water away from the test site, such that the
st
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