Figure 5. Effect of commingling on water levels in hypothetical wells for aquifers of unequal transmissivity. Water level in a well most closely resembles the aquifer with the higher transmissivity because the well has better hydraulic connection to this aquifer. Near the commingled well (well 3), the potentiometric surface is strongly affected by aquifer cross-connection. Far from the commingled well, the potentiometric surface reflects regional conditions.

First posted February 5, 2013