In addition to an aquifer test, all community and NTNC water supply wells shall be tested for yield, drawdown and recovery before being approved for use. The test method shall be clearly outlined in the engineering specifications for the project. The test pumping procedure must be continuous with adequate provisions taken to prevent disruption of the test. The length of the test shall be dependent on the clarity of the water, the amount of sand, or other material produced, and the fluctuation of the water level. During the pumping test, the water level shall not be lowered to the top of the uppermost water bearing formation used. A copy of all available information from the capacity test shall be forwarded to the Department for review.

1. (a) The capacity test for community system wells shall be conducted as follows:

   1. 1. The well shall be pumped at the design capacity until the water level has stabilized (+/- 1.0 foot),
   2. 2. After stabilization has occurred, the well shall be pumped for 24 hours with water level readings collected at regular intervals,
   3. 3. After the water level in the well has been stabilized at the design capacity for 24 hours, the pumping rate shall be increased to 150% of the design capacity,
   4. 4. Once the water level is stabilized the well shall be pumped for six hours with the water level recorded at regular time intervals, and
   5. 5. At the end of the six hour period the well pump shall be turned off and the water levels shall be recorded until the pre-test water level is obtained.
2. (b) If the capacity test cannot be conducted according to 335-7-5-.09(a) a written request shall be submitted to the Department supporting a waiver of this method. If the Department grants a waiver, the capacity test shall be conducted for a period of at least 10 days after the water level has stabilized at the proposed design capacity.
3. (c) The capacity test for NTNC system wells shall be conducted for the period necessary to stabilize the water level at the design capacity for a minimum of 12 hours.
4. (d) Department approval shall be obtained prior to any significant increases in capacity to an existing well source. A proposal to significantly increase the capacity of an existing well source shall be accompanied by a satisfactory capacity test at the proposed site, (using procedures a or b above), a set of chemical (regulated and unregulated) and bacteriological analysis, an updated SWAA delineation, contaminant source inventory, susceptibility analysis and an application (with fee) for a permit modification.

Author: Joe Alan Power, Edgar K. Hughes

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§22-23-33, 22-23-49, 22-22A-5, 22-22A-6. History: May 23, 1977. Repealed and Readopted: January 4, 1989; October 31, 1990. Amended: Filed November 28, 1995; effective January 2, 1996. (Rule was renumbered from .08 to .11.) Amended: Filed December 21, 1998; effective January 25, 1999. (Rule was renumbered from .11 to .17.) Amended: Filed May 2, 2000; effective June 7, 2000. Amended: Filed November 7, 2005; effective December 12, 2005. Amended: Filed December 14, 2010; effective January 18, 2011. Ed. Note: Rule 335-7-5-.17 was renumbered .09 and original Rule 335-7-5-.09, Susceptibility Analysis Of A Groundwater Source, was repealed as per certification filed November 7, 2005; effective December 12, 2005. See attached history:

Editor’s Note: Rule 335-7-5-.17 was renumbered .09 and original Rule 335-7-5-.09, Susceptibility Analysis Of A Groundwater Source, was repealed as per certification filed November 7, 2005; effective December 12, 2005. See attached history: History: New Rule: Filed December 21, 1998; effective January 25, 1999. Repealed: Filed November 7, 2005; effective December 12, 2005.

History: May 23, 1977. Repealed and Readopted: January 4, 1989; October 31, 1990. Amended: Filed November 28, 1995; effective January 2, 1996. (Rule was renumbered from .08 to .11.) Amended: Filed December 21, 1998; effective January 25, 1999. (Rule was renumbered from .11 to .17.) Amended: Filed May 2, 2000; effective June 7, 2000. Amended: Filed November 7, 2005; effective December 12, 2005. Amended: Filed December 14, 2010; effective January 18, 2011. Ed. Note: Rule 335-7-5-.17 was renumbered .09 and original Rule 335-7-5-.09, Susceptibility Analysis Of A Groundwater Source, was repealed as per certification filed November 7, 2005; effective December 12, 2005. See attached New Rule: Filed December 21, 1998; effective January 25, 1999. Amended: Filed May 2, 2000; effective June 6, 2000. Repealed: Filed November 7, 2005; effective December 12, 2005.