Well testing in groundwater engineering:\r The recuperation (recovery) test is carried out primarily to determine which parameter?

Introduction / Context:
Groundwater development requires estimating how much water a well can sustainably supply. When pumping equipment is limited or steady pumping tests are impractical, the recuperation (recovery) test provides a simple method to gauge well yield by observing the rate at which water level recovers after partial dewatering.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Open well or large diameter well is typical for this method.
• Water level is depressed by bailing or pumping, then allowed to recover.
• Time series of water level recovery is recorded.

Concept / Approach:
The governing idea is that the recovery rate reflects aquifer recharge to the well and well hydraulics. By applying recovery equations, one estimates the yield corresponding to permissible drawdown. The test thus aims at determining well yield rather than water quality metrics like pH or turbidity.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Lower the well water level to a measurable drawdown.Stop withdrawal and measure rise in water level at regular intervals.Use recovery data to compute inflow characteristics and estimate sustainable yield at chosen drawdown.Report the yield value for design of pump capacity and command area planning.

Verification / Alternative check:
Where possible, compare yield from recuperation with that from a constant rate pumping test. Consistency validates the estimate; discrepancies indicate issues like boundary effects or storage anomalies.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Turbidity and pH are laboratory water quality parameters, unrelated to the recovery method’s purpose.
• “Discharge from a well at a fixed drawdown” is related but the recuperation test specifically targets overall yield capacity rather than single operating point discharge measurement.

Common Pitfalls:

• Not allowing sufficient observation time for recovery, leading to underestimated yields.
• Ignoring interference from nearby pumping wells which alters recovery curves.

Final Answer:
Yield of a well