Pompproeven

Pompproeven is a Dutch term that translates to "pump tests" in English. These tests are a crucial part of hydrogeological investigations and engineering projects, particularly those involving groundwater extraction or injection. The primary purpose of a pompproef is to determine the hydraulic properties of an aquifer, such as its transmissivity, storativity, and hydraulic conductivity.

During a pompproef, a pump is operated at a controlled rate, either extracting water from or injecting water into a well. The resulting changes in water levels are monitored in the pumping well itself and in one or more observation wells located at varying distances. By analyzing the drawdown (or build-up) of the water level over time, hydrogeologists can deduce how easily water flows through the aquifer and how much water it can store.

The data collected from pompproeven is essential for designing sustainable groundwater extraction systems, predicting the impact of pumping on surrounding areas, assessing the feasibility of aquifer storage and recovery projects, and understanding the overall groundwater regime. Different analytical methods, such as the Theis method or Cooper-Jacob method, are commonly used to interpret the results of these tests. The accuracy and reliability of the pompproef are influenced by factors like pump stability, accurate discharge measurements, and precise water level readings.