Figure 6. Effect of commingling on water levels in hypothetical wells for aquifers with local variability. Water level in a well most closely resembles the aquifer with which it is in best connection. The flow of water can be restricted by changes in aquifer thickness, aquifer lithology, or well construction, resulting in reduced hydraulic connection. Near a commingled well, 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