Assessing the reliable outputs of groundwater sources

The described methodology for the assessment of the reliable outputs of groundwater sources was developed during a recent contract for UK Water Industry Research. It is relatively simple and flexible so that it can be applied to the wide range of groundwater source types and aquifers encountered in the UK. It can be used for all water level conditions, including that of drought, and for various demand conditions. There are two approaches, one based upon operational data and the second upon the analysis and extrapolation of pumping test data. The operational approach has several options of increasing refinement - the choice of option depending on data availability and user requirements. The application of the methodology to real groundwater sources is described using three examples.