Technical Pump-Test Evaluation of Suffolk County Aquifers

Problem - USGS regional framework characterizations have been used effectively in many studies. However, lack of framework accuracy, particularly at smaller scales, continues to cause problems that may involve: (1) sizing of pumps and other aspects of wellfield design and maintenance, (2) projection of local-scale water-level changes, and (3) projection of interactions with other hydrologic stresses. The objective of this study is to improve framework representations by implementing continuous-recording observation wells at SCWA wellfields, in concert with the SCWA record of pumping and other regional USGS data. As necessary, the implications of framework revisions on such topics as safe aquifer yield, source-area delineation, the effects of changing patterns of water usage, and the effects of climate change may be discussed.

Progress - Wellfields at South Howell Avenue, Centereach and Bay Drive, Manorville were tested and reports provided revised characterization of the framework and aquifer hydraulic properties. A test in Huntington is planned for October 2010.