AquiferTest Readme

Version 12.0 | Build 12.0.0.23 (November 2022)

  • Word Reports: publish print-ready MS-Word reports of your work in AquiferTest using fully customizable templates for: water level data, pumping test analyses, slug test analyses, and site maps.

Version 11.0 | Build 11.0.0.1 (November 2021)

  • Refactored Charting: the charting component in AquiferTest has been redesigned for improved performance and includes a streamlined toolbar. You can also now use the mouse-wheel to zoom (up/down) or pan (click and drag) in the chart.

Version 10.0 | Build 10.0.0.1 (April 2020)

  • Online base mapping: for projects using UTM coordinates, you can now specify and configure connections to XYZ-image tile servers including open data servers such as Open Street Map, or commercial tile servers such as those hosted by ESRI, Bing, or Google (commercial tile servers require a valid API key).*
  • Auto-locate Wells: drag and drop pictures of your wells onto the AquiferTest wells table to automatically locate your wells in UTM coordinates using the location metadata from location-enabled smart phone pictures.
  • Step Test Analyses: You can now specify separate extrapolation values (time interval and number of measured values) for variable rate step tests.* Pro version only.

Version 9.0 | Build 9.0.0.5 (December 2018)

  • 64-Bit Application: AquiferTest is now a 64-bit application with improved performance
  • 4-K Monitor Support: AquiferTest has been improved to work with high-resolution (4K) monitors.

Version 8.0 | Build 8.0.0.38 (March 2018)

  • Pumping Test Prediction workflow: users will enjoy a new streamlined workflow interface for estimated/predictive drawdown scenario.
  • Slug Test Analysis: Binkhorst and Robbins (1998) provides estimates of the effective radius and specific yield of the sandpack of wells screened across the water table.
  • Automated Surfer Scripting: users can send surfaces/contours of the analytic maps to Surfer in one click using the new automated scripting tool. Scripts can be customized to use any of the interpolation methods available in Surfer.*


* Pro version only

Version 7.0 | Build 7.0.0.32 (March 2017)

  • Added (planar) regional gradients to map contouring*
  • Added streamlines to map contouring*
  • Added automated filename/filepath fields for reports*Pro version only

Version 2016.1 | Build 5.1.0.24 (February 2016)

  • Added Multi-Layered Aquifer Analysis Solution
  • Added project backup mechanism
  • Added support for Windows 10
  • Fixed bug related to Slug Test Analysis Table Report, in a project with multiple slug tests.

Version 2015.1 | Build 5.0.1.4 (March 2015)

  • Neuman-Witherspoon Pumping Test Analysis: A pumping test solution useful for determining hydraulic properties of leaky confined aquifers. Unlike other leaky methods, Neuman and Witherspoon accounts for drawdown in the unpumped aquifer.
  • Dagan Slug Test Analysis: A robust slug test solution useful for determining hydraulic conductivity of unconfined aquifers when the well is screened across the water table.
  • Well Efficiency Plots: Easily calculate well efficiency and the optimal discharge rate.
  • Variable Discharge Diagnostic Plots: Easily identify model assumptions and select the most appropriate solution for variable discharge pumping test data.
  • Faster Importing of Datalogger Data: Simply drag and drop your datalogger files directly onto AquiferTest for instant data importing, using DropZone.
  • Updated look and feel, with new icons, display
  • Automated software licensing system

Version 2014.1 | Build 4.6.0.2 (February 2014)

  • Lugeon Testing Method: The Lugeon test (or Packer Test) is an in-situ testing method widely used to estimate the average hydraulic conductivity of rock formations. The Lugeon test is a constant rate injection test carried out in a portion of a borehole isolated by inflated packers. Water is injected into the isolated portion of the borehole using a slotted pipe. Water is injected at specific pressure “steps” and the resulting pressure is recorded when the flow has reached a quasi-steady state condition. A pressure transducer is also located in that portion of the borehole to measure the pressure with the help of a reading station on the surface. The results provide information about hydraulic conductivity of the rock mass including the rock matrix and the discontinuities.

Version 2013.1 (March 2013)

Analysis Options

  • Greater control over the parameter estimations: define the range of values that are relevant to the analysis and have the automatic fit honor these parameter ranges.
  • Display calculated values (T, S, etc) as numeric format (currently it always displays as scientific format). Ideal for reports. With option to change the # significant digits for these parameters.
  • Removed the upper limit for S (previously was 0.5); this was causing analysis limitations when doing a Cooper-Jacob analysis, if you wanted to estimate T from the pumping well.

Data Entry

  • When entering water levels, display the well elevation and TOC values.
  • Well geometry grid, added more options for defining the data values, including copy/paste from clipboard
  • Add copy and paste for most of the input fields for Pumping Test/Slug Test info (Project Info, Name, Client, Location, etc. and in the Trend/Barometric corrections grid
  • More feedback after importing a data logger file: display the number of filtered records or invalid rows

Reports

  • Improved printing/reporting for Pumping and Slug Tests – Send all reports, consolidated into a single PDF file
  • Condense multiple slug tests into a single PDF report
  • Display water level data in the reports as water level (amsl).

General

  • Added a Start page with useful links to recent projects, example projects, and on-line support and resources

Version 2012.1 (December 2012)

Defects Addressed

  • Fit line for Cooper-Jacob I Analysis moves when switching between analyses; this due to high value for S
  • Error when you try to add create/adjust type curves for Moench
  • Problem with the correct reference datum not selected when using data logger wizard

Version 2011.2 (Jun 2012)

General

  • Bouwer-Rice Coefficients added to the Analysis Statistics report, including display of r(w), when selected.
  • Updated example projects to latest build

Defects Addressed and other changes

  • Fixed endless loop with new project, when clicking on the New button on the toolbar
  • Cooper Jacob straight line fit sometimes shifts when changing to the report tab or after printing.
  • Locked parameters move when automatic fit is applied in a slug test

Version 2011.1 (Jun 2011)

Analysis Options

  • Added an option to zoom in/zoom out in the time vs. water levels plot
  • Added Apply buttons to most dialogs
  • Added an option to set preference to go directly to the traditional dimensionless analysis view
  • Allow option to cancel an automatic fit if it takes too long, adjust parameters, and re-start
  • Added option to duplicate an existing analysis
  • Added support for .XLSX files importing
  • Added option for data filtering of water levels using logarithmic time scale
  • More flexibility for editing titles on the Analysis reports
  • Added option for importing georeferenced TIFF images in the Site Plan view

Version 2010.1 (July 2010)

Pumping and Slug Test Analysis Methods

  • Agarwal (1970): A pumping test solution for wells dominated by wellbore storage and skin effects
  • Butler High-K Slug Test (2003): A slug test solution for wells in formations of high hydraulic activity in confined or unconfined aquifers.
  • Clonts and Ramey (1986): A pumping test solution for horizontal wells
  • Neuman analysis now has an option to use table interpolation which provides a much faster solution

Statistics

  • Scatter plots showing the quality of fit of observed and calculated drawdown can now be displayed and included in analysis reports.

Other Features

  • A derivative analysis tool was added to the Analysis menu to aid in diagnosing aquifer conditions and type curve matching
  • Type curves can be automatically displayed in dimensionless view for applicable analysis methods (Hantush, Neuman).
  • Curves can now be manually fitted to the data using your mouse or keyboard.

Updating Old AquiferTest Projects

  • AquiferTest is backwards compatible, and is able to open any projects from v.4.X. If you are opening a project from 4.X, create a copy of the project file (.HYT) before opening in the new version. Once a project has been converted to a new format of AquiferTest, it can no longer be opened in the previous version.
    Waterloo Hydrogeologic is not responsible for any direct or indirect damages caused to projects during conversion. It is strongly recommended that you create a secure, independent back up of projects before converting.

Version 4.2.1 (November 2008)

Usability Features

  • For analysis methods with model functions (Theis, Hantush, etc.), a scatter diagram of observed and calculated drawdown can now be viewed from the analysis graph and the statistics window.
  • Type curves can now be plotted on top of the data series with the option to have the type curve colored the same as the data series points.
  • In the top-right corner of the Analysis tab, a show/hide button was added to allow you to “hide” the metadata fields (e.g., name, date, etc.) allowing for more space for the analysis and diagnostic graphs.
  • For the analysis graph, the derivative data points are now automatically assigned unique symbol properties, allowing you to easily distinguish this data when viewed with the drawdown data series.
  • In the drawdown axis settings for the analysis graph, an option was added to allow you to reverse the axis and set the graph origin to the bottom-left corner.

Defects Addressed

  • AquiferTest no longer displays a storativity value when using the Agarwal solution with only a single well.
  • By default, a colon would show in a user-defined report field, if the field was left empty.
  • After performing an automatic fit, the analysis graph now automatically adjusts to ensure all data is shown in the current view.
  • AquiferTest now prevents you from exiting the Discharge tab when well data has not been fully specified.
  • After deleting a well from the Pumping Test well table, AquiferTest did not allow you to modify data in other existing wells until the application was restarted.
  • For the Cooper-Jacob II analysis method, if the best fit line was adjusted using the mouse controls, the line did not show correctly in the analysis graph in the report tab.

Version 4.2.1 (May 2008)

Defects Addressed

  • An installed printer is no longer required to run AquiferTest
  • The “Division By Zero” error message no longer shows when the Analyses Report is selected in the Report tab

Version 4.2 (November 2007)

Pumping and Slug Test Methods

  • Hantush-Bierschenk (1964): step drawdown test, analysis of well losses. Two data analysis options are available:
    • Analyze discharge-water level data (for a step test where steady-state is reached in each step)
    • Manually enter the time-discharge data and time-water level data, and extrapolate discharge-water levels from this data (appropriate for a step test, where flow is at an unsteady-state)
  • Moench Fracture Flow (1984): analysis of fractured aquifers with fractured skin
    • Select from Transient or Pseudo-steady state block to fissure flow model
    • Select sphere or slab block geometry
  • Hantush (1960): Leaky aquifer, unsteady-state flow, accounts for storage changes in the aquitard

Mapping and Contouring

  • Export drawdown contours to polyline shapefile (geometry and attributes)
  • Export well locations to points shapefile (geometry and attributes)
  • Import well locations from point shapefile (geometry and attributes)

Reports

  • Added 4 user-defined report text fields, with user-defined label name, value and style settings
    • One descriptive field can be added to each of the main program tabs (i.e., Pumping/Slug Test, Discharge, Water Levels, and Analysis)
    • Position the report field below existing fields, or position anywhere on the report

Defects Addressed

  • Fixed exclude points from analysis function. This feature now excludes the defined data when determining K
  • Allowed option to express conductivity in cm/s or cm/day in reports
  • When removing a well from an analysis with the parameters locked and then adding the well again, the parameters were reset. Parameters are now retained
  • Allowed option to hide radial distance from pumping well in reports
  • Enhanced the appearance of report labels, first letter in each word of each report label is now capitalized

Version 4.1 (February 2007)

Analysis Features

  • Added traditional pumping test methods with fixed assumptions (confined, constant discharge rate, single pumping well, fully-penetrating, isotropic)
    • Theis Recovery Analysis
    • Cooper Jacob analysis
      • Type I: Time-Drawdown
      • Type II: Distance-Drawdown
      • Type III: Time-Distance Drawdown
    • Option to show the Cooper Jacob validity line, and define different values for “u”
    • Added Boulton method: this analysis method is suitable for unconfined aquifers, anisotropic or isotropic, with fully or partially penetrating wells.
    • Added option to display Statistics for the Automatic fit, under the Analysis menu. The statistics report may be saved to a text (.TXT) or Excel (.XLS) file, copied to the clipboard, or printed as is.

Maps and Contouring

  • Export contour lines, modified the grid export routine, in order to have real-world X,Y,Z coordinates
  • Added features to export to graphics format (.BMP) and copy to clipboard

Project Units

  • Added imperial gallons /min or /day also be included as a unit option for discharge rate

Data Logger Import

  • Added support for Diver Datalogger file format (.MON). During the data logger wizard import, select Diver Datalogger from the set of pre-defined settings. AquiferTest will automatically map the appropriate columns in the .MON file, and select the appropriate date and time formats. The following formats are supported:
    • Baro-Diver(14)
    • Cera-Diver(16)
    • CTD-Diver(ceramic)(12)
    • CTD-Diver(stainless steel(9)
    • Mini-Diver(14)
    • Micro-Diver(15)
    • (M)TD-Diver(10)
    • TD-Diver(07)

Defects Addressed

  • Fixed the analysis table report, in some cases, column headers were cut off
  • Fixed the analysis table report, was incorrectly displaying a value for S for Theis Recovery.
  • Cooper Jacob analysis, was plotting data from the water level column, instead of the drawdown column
  • When loading existing graph settings into any of the following analysis methods, the plot display would become distorted, or disappear. AquiferTest will now utilize the graph settings, but will not apply the following settings: log/lin for the axes, Min, Max for the axes, View flags for type curve and derivation. This applies to: Cooper Jacob (all), Theis recovery, Slug Tests and Specific capacity analysis.  Please see Known Issues section below for more details.

 

Version 4.0 (February 2006)

Defects Addressed

  • In some cases, a project file was corrupted after deleting an observation well
  • In some cases, a project file was corrupted after loading certain map image formats
  • In the trend correction, a simple delta s calculation was not applied to the observed data set
  • In the Analysis tab, when there are data sets for more than 5 wells, in some cases the data displayed on the analysis graph was not the same as that selected in the data list check box
  • Changed the range for S from 10E-15 to 10E-30
  • Fixed the analysis table report, in some cases, column headers were cut off
  • Fixed the analysis table report, was incorrectly displaying a value for S for Theis Recovery.
  • Cooper Jacob analysis, was plotting data from the water level column, instead of the drawdown column
  • When loading existing graph settings into any of the following analysis methods, the plot display would become distorted, or disappear. AquiferTest will now utilize the graph settings, but will not apply the following settings: log/lin for the axes, Min, Max for the axes, View flags for type curve and derivation. This applies to: Cooper Jacob (all), Theis recovery, Slug Tests and Specific capacity analysis.

Version 4.0 (July 2005)

AquiferTest has been re-designed for easier navigation, data entry and manipulation. Projects are now structured as a single-file format making data exchange much easier. The following new features are available in Version 4.0.

Program Design

  • The GUI in AquiferTest 0 is easier to use, and navigate. The data entry and analysis are separated into 5 or 6 simple pages (tabs) depending on the type of test used.
  • Windows XP browser panels can be used for short-cuts, or hidden from the view
  • Single file format (SDI application). Files are smaller in size, and more manageable. There is one program window for each file/document. As such, it is possible to open several instances of the program and working on several files (projects) at the same time.

Analysis Features

  • Analysis Plots: Choose from Drawdown plot or Type Curve (dimensionless) on the fly
  • Diagnostic Plots: compare observed data or drawdown derivative data to standard curves in log-log or semi-log scales, to help determine aquifer type, and diagnose the presence of well effects, boundary effects, leaky aquifer, etc. before running the analysis.
  • Automatically or manually fit data to type curves. Manually adjust parameters for any analysis type, making any solution forward-predictive.

Analysis Methods

  • AquiferTest 0 supports pumping test solutions for the following conditions:
    • Confined Aquifers
    • Unconfined Aquifers
    • Leaky Aquifers
    • Fracture Flow (Dual Porosity) Aquifers
    • Fully and partially penetrating Pumping wells and/or Observations wells or Piezometers
    • Infinite extent of Aquifer or bounded by recharge or barrier boundary
    • Isotropic or Anisotropic Aquifer
    • Constant or Variable discharge rates
    • Single or Multiple pumping wells
    • Well losses, well storage, and skin effects
    • The new Agarwal Recovery analysis can be applied to any pumping test method, making any standard analysis also a recovery analysis.
  • Display coefficients used for Bouwer Rice slug test method

Graphs

  • More flexibility for graph settings (specify interval, max, min, log scale, grid lines, etc.).
  • Save custom graph settings, and set as defaults
  • Floating parameters dialog for adjusting T, S, and K values for multiple wells
  • Display calculated parameter values for all wells simultaneously (previously, it was one well at a time)
  • Fit multiple wells to one type curve, simultaneously (previously, it was one well at a time)
  • Display multiple drawdown or type curves simultaneously
  • Use standard type curve, or derivative type curve for curve fitting and parameter calculation
  • Contour drawdown data! Color shading, or colored lines, with map in background.

Data

  • Import data from Excel, text, .asc.
  • Import data logger files, with settings saved for Solinst Level loggers
  • Save data logger import settings for future use
  • Import wells from text or excel files, or shape file
  • Data filter to reduce number of data points and improve calculation speed (it is now possible to filter data points AFTER they have been imported)
  • Filter option to keep data points where the discharge rate changes, to ensure that critical data points are not lost.
  • Import data from AquiferTest v.3.x database

Data Preprocessing Options

AquiferTest complies with the US EPA Protocol: “US EPA-SOP for Aquifer Pumping Tests” (EPA/540/S-93/503), which requires pumping test data to be corrected for barometric effects, and/or local/regional water level trends. There are three data pre-processing options now available:

  • Data Trend Correction: determine if the water level trend affected pump test results. Run a t-test analysis on data set, to determine if trend is significant or not. The drawdown can then be corrected according to the trends, and the corrected drawdown data may be used for the calculation of the aquifer parameters.
  • Barometric Correction: Import barometric data from the test and calculate BE factor. Determine if barometric influence was significant or not using t-test analysis. The drawdown can then be corrected according to the barometric effects, and the corrected drawdown data may be used for the calculation of the aquifer parameters.
  • Create and save a custom data trend correction and apply it to a single well, or all wells (for example, create a trend correction to account for the influence of tidal effects during the pump test)NOTE: Data pre-processing options available in AquiferTest Pro only.

Options

  • Save units as defaults for all new projects
  • Easily change units and convert values on the fly.
  • Display Transmissivity in units of US Gal / day-ft

Reports and Printing

  • Customize company name and logo and header info.
  • Several standard pre-defined reports included:
    • Site Map
    • Wells
    • Time vs. Drawdown Data
    • Trend Correction Analysis
    • Barometric Correction Analysis
    • Analysis Plot
    • Analysis Summary Results table
  • It is now possible to print all reports at once, from one window, instead of having to load data reports individually.

Known Issues

  • Graph templates designed in previous versions of AquiferTest may not be recognized. Workaround: Graphs settings should be re-created and saved in the new version.
  • When doing an automatic fit with the Neuman analysis, processing times may be slow for certain ranges of the Beta value. Workaround: Try doing a manual fit first, then attempt the automatic fit. Another option is to enable the Neuman table interpolation setting in the AquiferTest general settings. This option provides a much faster solution, with slightly less accurate results.
  • When using existing graph template settings with any of the following methods, the analysis plot page becomes blank or distorted: Cooper Jacob (all), Theis recovery, Slug Tests and Specific capacity analysis.  Workaround:  Delete these graph template settings (using Edit / Delete Object / Graph template) and re-create the templates.
  • After performing a remote-update with a network dongle on a 64-bit machine, the network licence will turn into a local license.  Workaround:  This is a compatibility issue with 64-bit computers. For network licenses only, be sure to run remote-updates using a 32-bit computer
  • Attempting to open a project (File > Open) that does not exist will result in multiple error messages and may cause the application to crash. Please ensure that the project name you type in the File > Open dialog already exists in the specified path before clicking the Open button.
  • If you are installing an AquiferTest Standard license after having the Trial version installed, you may to need to do the following steps:
    • uninstall the Trial version
    • delete the registry key “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARESchlumberger Water ServicesAquiferTest Pro450REGISTRATION”
    • reinstall and activate your license with the provided Standard Serial number (or request a license).

You will have access to the Trial (Pro) features for the duration of your trial period; after this time, your software will revert to the Standard license.