2 CCR 402-2-12 - WELL TESTING

Basis and Purpose: The statutory authority for this Rule is found in sections 37-91-106(4), and 37-91-110(1)(b) & (2), C.R.S. The purpose of this Rule is to establish minimum standards for the testing of water wells.

12.1 General - The provisions of this Rule establish minimum standards for the testing of water wells. Every well constructed for the purpose of producing groundwater must undergo:

a. A well yield estimate to determine a stabilized yield for the well (a well yield test may be performed instead of a well yield estimate); and

b. A production equipment test to determine the production capacity of the equipment as actually installed in the well.

12.2 Well Yield Estimate - The yield of a well must be tested and estimated as a stabilized production rate where the withdrawal rate does not change by more than 10% during the last hour of the test. A well yield estimate may be established by procedures such as air-lifting or bailing. Well yield estimates may be performed at rates that exceed the permitted pumping rates.

12.3 Responsibility for Well Yield Estimate - Well construction contractors are responsible for performing the well yield estimate and submitting the data to the State Engineer on the Well Construction and Yield Estimate Report form.

12.4 Production Equipment Test - The permanent production equipment installed in wells must be tested to ensure it is functioning as designed. The test must demonstrate the production capacity of the equipment as actually installed in the well. The production equipment test must not be conducted at rates that exceed the permitted pumping rates.

12.5 Responsibility for Production Equipment Test - Pump installation contractors are responsible for testing the production equipment installed in a well upon completion of their work. The pump installation contractor is also responsible for ensuring that the production from the well complies with the conditions of the well permit. Production equipment test data must be submitted to the State Engineer on the Pump Installation and Production Equipment Test Report.

12.6 Well Yield Test - A well yield test (also known as a pump test or aquifer test) may be performed instead of, or in addition to, a well yield estimate. If a well yield test is performed, the test must be performed with equipment that is capable of determining both drawdown and pumping/production rate. Well yield tests may be performed at rates that exceed the permitted pumping rates. If a well yield test is performed, well yield test data must be submitted to the State Engineer on the Well Yield Test Report form.

Notes

2 CCR 402-2-12

39 CR 11, June 10, 2016, effective 9/1/2016 41 CR 11, June 10, 2018, effective 7/1/2018