The induced infiltration of river water to wells

Two methods are proposed for determining whether water from a surface source will infiltrate to an adjacent aquifer if wells are pumped at the site tested. One method is based on steady flow before the onset of pumping, whereas the other is based on steady flow occurring during a pumping test. As the basis of analysis both methods rely on contour maps of the piezometric surface or changes in the piezometric surface. The maximum rate of infiltration from a surface source is not involved in either of these methods. The only answer sought is whether infiltration will occur after pumping begins. As a by‐product of this analysis a method of determining the effective distance to the line of recharge is also given. Illustrations and actual maps of piezometric surfaces are included to bring out the fundamental principles described in the text.