11 November - 09 December 2025 09:30 - 14:00 Virtual
11 November - 09 December 2025 | 09:30 - 14:00 | Virtual
Course Overview
Pumping tests (step tests and constant rate tests) and slug tests (rising/falling head tests) are important techniques for determining formation properties at borehole scale. However, whilst sophisticated software for analysing the results have been readily available for many years, many practitioners are not confident in their understanding of the analytical solutions (and associated conceptual models) available for interpreting the field data. Incorrect application of the analytical solutions can result in seriously erroneous results.
- Develop confidence in application of type curve fitting (using their own software) for pumping test and slug test interpretation
- Understand the conditions in which pumping tests and slug tests are appropriate field techniques and the data sets required for interpretation
- Understand the commonly applied conceptual models for interpreting such tests
- Understand the theory of type curve fitting and issues around uncertainty and model equivalence
Junior hydrogeologists and contaminated land specialists who are required to carry out and interpret pumping tests and slug tests as part of their work and at mid grade staff who need to review the outputs produced by such junior staff.
It would be helpful if attendees have a university background in geology and hydrogeology. However, this is not essential if they have several years’ experience in the subject area.
Session 1 – Tuesday 11 November, 9.30 -14.00 (Lecture Course with interactive elements, Q&A and task 1 brief)
Session 2 – Tuesday 18 November, 16.00 - 17.30 (Workshop on task 1 progress)
Session 3 – Tuesday 25 November, 9.30 -14.00 (Lecture Course with interactive elements, Q&A and task 2 brief)
Session 4 – Tuesday 2 December, 16.00 - 17.30 (Workshop on task 2 brief)
Session 5 – Tuesday 9 December, 9.30 -14.00 (Wrap up session)
Joining details will be sent out the day prior, alongside any course materials that may be needed.
The course will start with an online session to introduce the objectives of pumping tests and slug tests and the data sets commonly collected. It will then introduce the different conceptual models that can be applied and the theory and practice of type curve fitting.
Attendees will receive exercises based on Kruseman and de Ridder's classic examples from 1991, covering two groups: Group 1 (Confined and Leaky aquifers) and Group 2 (unconfined aquifers, step tests, and slug tests). These exercises can be completed at the participants' convenience using their preferred software, including a free option.
For Group 1 exercises, participants have 2-3 weeks to complete them (2-4 hours), followed by an online workshop to discuss progress and common issues (software-specific training not included). Subsequently, a second online session will cover the theory behind unconfined tests, slug tests, and step tests.
Afterwards, attendees will have another 2-3 weeks to finish Group 2 exercises (3-6 hours), followed by a second brief workshop. A final online session will introduce advanced concepts like boundaries, heterogeneity, fractures, model equivalence, along with potential tools such as IGARF and various modeling utilities.
Mike Streetly - CGeol
Mike Streetly is a highly experienced hydrogeologist and project director/manager with a strong reputation in the UK environmental industry for their water resource assessment skills. He is known for his proficiency in solving hydrogeological problems, particularly through groundwater models, and have recently applied his expertise to link groundwater abstraction rates with the ecological status of nearby streams. Mike has published numerous papers on groundwater-related topics and has held editorial and committee roles within the Geological Society.
With over 30 years of experience, he has overseen water resource studies across major UK aquifers, including regional groundwater model studies for the Environment Agency and site-specific projects for major water companies. His work also extends to understanding hydrogeological conditions in superficial deposits and minor aquifers, often in collaboration with the extractive industry. Mike has led hydrogeological impact assessments for large limestone quarries and have international experience in the Middle East and Zambia.
Furthermore, Mike has acted as an expert witness in cases related to quarry dewatering, borehole supplies, and natural mineral waters, presenting evidence at Public Inquiries to support informed decisions.
Dr Alan Herbert - FGS
Dr. Alan Herbert is a seasoned hydrogeologist with 40 years of experience in groundwater resource assessment and contaminant transport modeling. His career began with a focus on modeling flow and transport in deep fractured rock for radioactive waste management, contributing significantly to the development of widely-used software like CONNECTFLOW (formerly NAMMU and NAPSAC).
Beyond academia, he's played key roles in environmental consultancy, leading projects across major UK aquifers, and applying various modeling techniques, including finite element and finite difference methods, to address water resource, contaminant migration, and geothermal challenges.
Dr. Herbert has also served as an Expert Witness in court cases, chaired industry groups, and collaborated on software development. His recent research includes LNAPL impact modeling and supervising research on coastal saline interface dynamics. Currently, he directs Leaton Hydrogeology Limited, supporting the nuclear industry and contributing to conceptual modeling and complex data interpretation.
Standard Fees
Fellow £640
Non-Fellow £1280
Student Member £192
Student Non-Member £384
Corporate Patron £640
GSA Member £768
Partner £1088
The Geological Society of America (GSA) members discount
We offer a generous 40% discount off our Non-Fellow rate to members of the Geological Society of America (GSA). A discount code must be quoted on the registration form in order to take advantage of the discount. If you are a member of GSA and do not have the discount code, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk with proof of your membership.
Group discounts
We offer competitive group discounts on all Training Courses:
5 – 9 delegates: 20% off
10 – 14 delegates: 25% off
15 delegates or more: 30% off
For more information on how to access the Group Discount, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk
Concessions
We offer students a generous discount. Please verify your student status by either registering with your student email address, or uploading a photograph of your student identification/acceptance letter.
The Society offers a limited number of concessionary rates for those in financial hardship. Contact training@geolsoc.org.uk (Please note you may be required to provide details/evidence to support your application for this.)
If you require an invoice to register for this course, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk
Registration will close 24 hours before the event takes place.