ISO/TC 113/SC 8 - Ground water

The application of geophysical methods is an evolving science that can address a variety of objectives in groundwater investigations. However, because the successful application of geophysical methods depends on the available technology, logistics, and expertise of the investigator, there can be no single set of field procedures or approaches prescribed for all cases. ISO/TR 21414:2016 provides guidelines that are useful for conducting geophysical surveys for a variety of objectives (including environmental aspects), within the limits of modern-day instrumentation and interpretive techniques, are provided. The more commonly used field techniques and practices are described, with an emphasis on electrical resistivity, electromagnetic, and seismic refraction techniques as these are widely used in groundwater exploration. Theoretical aspects and details of interpretational procedures are referred to only in a general way. For full details, reference is intended to be made to specialized texts listed in the Bibliography.

ISO/TR 13973:2014 provides details of methods aimed at augmentation of ground water resources by modifying the natural movement of surface water as a general guide. This Technical Report does not cover the process of deciding and planning artificial recharge

ISO/TR 23211:2009 provides information about the functional requirements of instrumentation for measuring the water level in a well using automated pressure transducer methods. ISO/TR 23211:2009 provides guidance for the proper selection, installation and operation of submersible pressure transducers and data loggers for the collection of hydrologic data, primarily for the collection of water-level data from wells. Basic principles, measurement needs and considerations for operating submersible pressure transducers are described and the systematic errors inherent in their use are discussed. Standard operational procedures for data collection and data processing, as well as applications of transducers for specific types of hydrologic investigations are included. Basic concepts regarding the physics of pressure and the mechanics of measuring pressure are presented, along with information on the electronics used to make and record these measurements. Guidelines for transducer calibration, proper use and quality assurance of data also are presented. Ground water field applications of pressure transducer systems are discussed, as are common problems that may corrupt data, along with suggestions for field repairs. An informative annex provides guidance on the types of pressure transducers commonly used for water-level measurement and the measurement uncertainty associated with them.

ISO 21413:2005 develops procedures and prescribes the minimum accuracy required of water-level measurements made in wells using graduated steel tapes, electric tapes and air lines. Procedures and accuracy requirements for measuring water levels in a flowing well are also included, as are procedures required to establish a permanent measuring point. ISO 21413:2005 discusses the advantages and limitations of each method and requirements for recording the data. ISO 21413:2005 does not include methods that use automated electrical or mechanical means to measure and record water levels.

ISO 14686:2003 describes the factors to be considered and the measurements to be made when designing and performing a pumping test, in addition to a set of guidelines for field practice to take account of the diversity of objectives, aquifers, groundwater conditions, available technology and legal contexts. The standard specifies the fundamental components required of any pumping test. It also indicates how they may be varied to take account of particular local conditions. It deals with the usual types of pumping test carried out for water-supply purposes, in which water is abstracted from the entire screened, perforated or unlined interval(s) of a well.

This Technical Report is a summary of best practice for those involved in geophysical borehole logging for hydrogeological purposes. It describes the factors that need to be considered and the measurements that are required to be made when logging boreholes. There can, however, be no definite "standard" logging procedure because of great diversity of objectives, ground-water conditions and available technology. Geophysical logging of boreholes is an evolving science, continually adopting new and different techniques. Every application poses a range of problems and is likely to require a particular set of logs to gain maximum information. This Technical Report therefore provides information on field practice with the objective of how variations in measured parameters may be useful to take account of particular local conditions. It deals with the usual types of logging carried out for delineation of aquifer boundaries; mapping aquifer geometry; assessing the chemical quality and quantity of ground water; water-supply purposes; landfill investigations and contamination studies; borehole construction and conditions; and subsurface lithological information. Applications not specifically considered in this Technical Report include mineral and hydrocarbon evaluation and geotechnical and structural engineering investigations. However, this Technical Report may be a source of general information for any borehole geophysical logging effort. NOTE Interpretation of the data collected during logging is referred to in this Technical Report only in a general way. For full details of the analysis and interpretation of geophysical logs, reference should be made to specialized texts. Examples of such texts are included in the Bibliography.