Designation: D 5737 – 95e1

Standard Guide for

Methods for Measuring Well Discharge1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5737; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

e1 NOTE—Paragraph 1.6 was added editorially October 1998.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This guide covers an overview of methods to measure 2.1 ASTM Standards:
well discharge. This guide is an integral part of a series of D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
standards prepared on the in-situ determination of hydraulic Fluids2
properties of aquifer systems by single- or multiple-well tests. D 1941 Test Method for Open Channel Flow Measurement
Measurement of well discharge is a common requirement to of Water with the Parshall Flume3
the determination of aquifer and well hydraulic properties. D 4043 Guide for Selection of Aquifer-Test Method in
1.2 This guide does not establish a fixed procedure for any Determining Hydraulic Properties by Well Techniques4
method described. Rather, it describes different methods for D 5242 Test Method for Open-Channel Flow Measurement
measuring discharge from a pumping or flowing well. A of Water Indirectly at Culverts3
pumping well is one type of control well. A control well can D 5390 Test Method for Open Channel Flow Measurement
also be an injection well or a well in which slug tests are with Palmer-Bowlus Flumes5
conducted. D 5716 Test Method to Measure the Rate of Well Discharge
1.3 This guide does not address borehole flow meters that by Circular Orifice Weir
are designed for measuring vertical or horizontal flow within a 2.2 ISO Standard:
borehole. Recommendation R541 Measurement of Fluid Flow by
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as Means of Orifice Plates and Nozzles6
standard. 2.3 ANSI Standard:
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the Standard 1042 Part 1 Methods for the Measurement of Fluid
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Flow in Pipes, 1, Orifice Plates, Nozzles and Venturi
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Tubes6
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 2.4 ASME Standard:
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Furthermore, it is Standard MFC-3M-1989 Measurement of Fluid Flow in
the user’s responsibility to properly dispose of water dis- Pipes Using Orifice, Nozzle, and Venturi7
charged.
1.6 This guide offers an organized collection of information 3. Terminology
or a series of options and does not recommend a specific 3.1 Definitions:
course of action. This document cannot replace education or 3.1.1 conceptual model—an interpretation or description of
experience and should be used in conjunction with professional the characteristics, interactions, and dynamics of a physical
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all system.
circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre- 3.1.2 control well—a well by which the head and flow in the
sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of aquifer is changed, by pumping, injection, or imposing a
a given professional service must be judged, nor should this change of head.
document be applied without consideration of a project’s many 3.1.3 discharge—or rate of flow, is the volume of water that
unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this passes a particular reference section in a unit of time.
document means only that the document has been approved 3.1.4 totalizing flow meter—a flow meter that indicates the
through the ASTM consensus process.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.03.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.01.
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
1 5
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on Soil and Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.02.
6
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.21 on Ground Water and Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th
Vadose Zone Investigations. Floor, New York, NY 10036.
7
Current edition approved June 15, 1995. Published August 1995. Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 345 E. 47th Street,
New York, NY 10017.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 D 5737
cumulative flow displayed as a volume. The flow rate is 5.3.1 Weirs—A weir is a vertical obstruction that restricts
calculated based on the time between two readings. the total flow of water in channel. Weirs fall into three general
3.2 For definitions of other terms used in this guide, see classifications, sharp crested, broad crested, and suppressed.
Terminology D 653. Sharp crested weirs use a flat plate that is configured in a
triangular “V” or rectangular shape; they are described in
4. Significance and Use 5.3.1.1. See Test Method D 5242. Broad crested weirs are wide
4.1 This guide is limited to the description of test methods rectangular restrictions that are usually only used as spillways
typical for measurement of ground-water discharge from a in dams. They are not described here. More information on
control well. broad crested weirs may be found in Ref (4). A third classifi-
4.1.1 Controlled field tests are the primary means of deter- cation of weirs, called suppressed weirs, are more commonly
mining aquifer properties. Most mathematical equations devel- known as flumes. Flumes are discussed in 5.3.2.
oped for analyzing field tests require measurement of control 5.3.1.1 Sharp Crested Weirs—The weir is placed flush
well discharge. against the flowing stream, and the notch is made as sharp as
4.1.2 Discharge may be needed for evaluation of well possible using a flat piece of metal with sharp edges forming
design and efficiency. the weir notch. The relation between the head and the discharge
4.1.3 For aquifer tests, a conceptual model should be of a weir varies according to the shape of the weir notch. A
prepared to evaluate the proper test method and physical test weir is inexpensive to construct, easy to install and highly
requirements, such as well placement and design (see Guide accurate when installed and used properly.
D 4043). Review the site data for consistency with the concep-
5.3.2 Flume—A flume is a device that restricts flow in the
tual model. Revise the conceptual model as appropriate and
channel which causes the water to accelerate, producing a
consider the implications on the planned activities.
corresponding change in the water level. The head can then be
4.1.4 For aquifer tests, the discharge rate should be suffi-
related to discharge. Several types of flumes have been
cient to cause significant stress of the aquifer without violating
developed; the most common flume for measuring well dis-
test assumptions. Conditions that may violate test assumptions
charge is the Parshall flume, originally designed by R. L.
include conversion of the aquifer from confined to unconfined
Parshall of the U.S. Soil Conservation Service (5). See Test
conditions, lowering the water level in the control well to
Methods D 1941 and D 5390.
below the top of the well screen, causing a well screen entrance
velocity that promotes well development during the test, or 5.3.2.1 Flumes have several advantages over weirs. The
decreasing the filter pack permeability characteristics. most important of these is the self-cleaning capacity of flumes
4.1.5 Some test methods described here are not applicable to compared with sharp-edged weirs. Head losses through a flume
injection well tests. are also much less than for a weir, so when the available head
4.2 This guide does not apply to test methods used in is limited, flumes are more desirable. Flumes can function over
measurement of flow of other fluids used in industrial opera- a wide range of discharges and still require only a single
tions, such as waste water, sludge, oil, and chemicals. upstream head measurement. However, flumes require more
time to set up than weirs.
5. Test Methods 5.4 Closed Conduit Methods:
5.1 Selection of a Well Discharge Rate Measurement 5.4.1 Invasive Methods:
Method—Select a well discharge measurement method based 5.4.1.1 Turbine-Type (Propeller) Flow Meters—A totalizing
on the desired discharge rate or rates, the desired pumping flow meter is a device used in measuring water in most
method, the required accuracy and frequency of measurement, domestic and commercial potable water uses. This flow meter
the type of pump discharge and the water conveyance method. consists of a flow tube in which a rotor blade is mounted
5.2 Principal Well Discharge Rate Measurement together with either a means of generating an electrical signal
Methods—A summary of principal methods is given below for proportional to the angular velocity of the rotor or a mechanical
typical hydrogeologic testing. Additional information may be system of gears that rotates proportional to the flow volume.
found in a publication of the National Institute of Standards The meter is installed as a section of the water line between the
and Technology (NIST) (1)8, the American Society of Me- pump and the point of discharge. Turbine-type flow meters
chanical Engineers (ASME) (2) or in a comprehensive book on have a limited operating range. The meter must be calibrated
the subject of flow meter engineering (3). Discharge methods and the pipe must be full. Mechanical turbine meters typically
can be classified as open channel flow and closed conduit flow. only totalize flow.
Open channel flow is limited to calibrated control structures,
5.4.2 Noninvasive Methods:
such as weirs and flumes. Closed conduit flow includes
methods such as turbine meters and magnetic meters. Also 5.4.2.1 Magnetic Flow Meters—The magnetic flow meter
included are methods that measure the discharge of water from operates on the same general principle as an electric generator
the closed conduit to the air, such as the orifice tube. (2). The pipe is placed such that the fluid path is normal to the
5.3 Open Channel Flow Methods: magnetic field. The motion of the fluid through the magnetic
field induces an electromotive force across the fluid. By
placing insulated electrodes in the pipe in a plane normal to the
8
The boldface numbers given in parentheses refer to a list of references at the magnetic field the strength of the field can be measured using
end of the text. a special voltmeter. An electromotive force is induced in the

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 D 5737
flowing water (that is, the conductor) across a pair of elec- used to measure the discharge rate from a high-capacity pump.
trodes. Advantages are that there is no added head loss. The orifice meter is a circular restriction in a pipe that causes
Disadvantages include their relatively high cost and potential back pressure that can be measured in a piezometer tube. The
errors due to scaling. water level in the piezometer tube is the pressure head in the
5.4.2.2 Venturi Meters—The venturi meter uses the relation- approach pipe when water is being pumped through the orifice.
ship between pressure and flow velocity across a throat. For any size of orifice diameter and approach pipe diameter,
Advantages include less head loss relative to orifice meters and the rate of flow through the orifice varies with the pressure
less required maintenance. More information may be gained head in the piezometer tube. For example, a discharge of 208
from British Standard 1042. L/min (55 gal/min) will cause 12.7 cm (5 in.) of head due to a
5.4.2.3 Acoustic Meters—The acoustic meter, also called 6.35-cm (21⁄2-in.) orifice and a 10.16-cm (4-in.) approach pipe.
the sonic meter or doppler flow meter, uses sound waves in Similarly, a discharge of 20 100 L/min (5 310 gal/min) will
conjunction with knowledge of pipe wall thickness to allow cause 177.8 cm (70 in.) of head due to a 30.48-cm (12-in.)
estimation of flow rate. Many acoustic meters require sus- orifice and a 40.64 cm (16-in.) approach pipe. Advantages are
pended material or entrapped air to obtain a quality reading. An the low cost and relatively high accuracy of measurement.
advantage of acoustic meters over other types is their limited Disadvantages include the relatively low range of measure-
mechanical parts and thus longer equipment life. A disadvan- ment, high head loss, and physical constraints, for example, the
tage is sensitivity to pipe encrustation. orifice meter must be level and must always run full. For more
5.4.3 Discharge to Air Methods: information see I.S.O. Recommendation R541 and Layne
5.4.3.1 Bucket and Stop Watch—The bucket and stop watch Western Company, Inc. (6) and Test Method D 5716.
method is simply the collection of discharged water in a 5.4.3.4 Trajectory Method—The flow rate can be deter-
container of known volume for a measured period of time. The mined from measurement of the trajectory of a horizontal pipe
volume collected divided by the time the water is collected is discharge to the air. Curves were prepared from Purdue
the discharge rate over that time period. Alternately, the University experiments in 1948 on pipes from 5.08 to 15.24 cm
volume can be determined by measuring the weight and using (2 to 6 in.) in diameter (1). Tabularized data also exist for
a density conversion. The rate is measured periodically over discharge from vertical pipes.
the course of the test. Advantages include its ease to set up and 5.5 Procedures Specific to Measurement of Well Discharge
the simplicity of taking readings. Disadvantages include its for Aquifer Test Analysis:
manual operation and inability to obtain continuous measure- 5.5.1 Certain aquifer tests require variation of the discharge
ments. rate over the course of the test. Therefore, select a test method
5.4.3.2 Orifice Bucket—The orifice bucket is a container that is capable of accurate measurement over the required
with precisely cut holes in the bottom and a calibrated discharge rate range.
piezometer tube on the side. The well discharge is directed into 5.5.2 Methods that allow continuous measurement of dis-
the top of the bucket where water then accumulates as it is charge are desirable to establish any change or trend. Most test
delayed in flowing out the holes located in the base of the methods for analysis of aquifers properties include an assump-
container. The accumulated head can be read on the piezometer tion that the discharge is constant. Some variation is accept-
tube. The discharge is read from a chart relating discharge to able. The specific aquifer test analysis method should be
head. The device is especially useful in measuring rates of considered in determining acceptable variation in discharge.
production of reciprocating and airlift pumps where the flow is
not at a uniform rate. An orifice bucket 30.5 cm (12 in.) in 6. Report
diameter can be constructed to measure discharge rates from 8 6.1 Prepare a report presenting the purposes of discharge
to 151 L/min (2 to 40 gal/min). An orifice bucket 61.0 cm (24 measurement and the criteria used in selecting a particular
in.) in diameter can be constructed to measure discharge rates method. Discuss the frequency of discharge measurements
from 38 to 680 L/min (10 to 180 gal/min). Advantages include required and the anticipated accuracy of the measurement
its ease in setup and use and its ability to be configured with a method.
float water level recorder. The orifice bucket was described by
the Illinois State Water Survey (5). 7. Keywords
5.4.3.3 Circular Orifice Weir—Also called the orifice tube 7.1 aquifer; aquifer test methods; discharge rate; flume;
and orifice meter, the circular orifice weir is the device often ground water; weir

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 D 5737
REFERENCES

(1) National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication (4) Water Measurement Manual, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Dept. of the
421, A Guide to Methods and Standards for the Measurement of Water Interior, U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984.
Flow, Kulin, G. and Compton, P. R., Institute for Basic Standards, (5) Parshall, R. L., Measuring Water in Irrigation Channels with Parshall
NIST, Washington, D.C. 20234, May 1975. Flumes and Small Weirs, Soil Conservation Circular No. 843, U.S.
(2) Fluid Meters, Their Theory and Application, A Report of ASME Department of Agriculture, May, 1950.
Research Committee on Fluid Meters, Sixth Edition, edited by H. S.
Bean, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 345 East 47th (6) Measurement of Water Flow Through Pipe Orifice With Free Dis-
Street, New York, NY 10017, 1971. charge, Bulletin 501, Published by Layne & Bowler, Inc., Memphis,
(3) Spink, L. K., Principles and Practice of Flow Meter Engineering, TN, available from Layne Western Company, Inc. 5800 Foxridge Dr.,
Ninth Edition, The Foxboro Co. Foxboro, MA, 1967. Mission, KS 66202, 1958.

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