OAR 690-230-0080: Pump Testing of Low-Temperature Geothermal Injection Wells with an Anticipated Injection Rate of Less than 15,000 Gallons Per Day

(1) All low-temperature geothermal injection wells with an anticipated injection rate of less than 15,000 gallons per day shall be pump tested for a period of at least one hour. Test results must be recorded by the well constructor on the water supply well report. This minimum test shall be conducted as follows: (a) Prior to testing, the static water level in the well shall be measured and recorded; (b) The water shall be pumped into or from the well at a measured and steady rate. The pumping or withdrawal rate shall approximate the maximum anticipated injection rate; (c) For tests that withdraw water from the well, only bailing or pumping the well is acceptable; and (d) At a minimum the water level in the well shall be measured and recorded both at the end of pumping and after one hour of recovery. (2) The Director may require the well owner to provide a more detailed test, separate from the water well report, that could include, but is not limited to, increased frequency of water level measurement, increased test duration and increased monitoring of observation wells. Such modifications will be required when possible impacts resulting from the development include, but are not limited to, thermal or hydrologic interference with existing water rights, water quality degradation or physical or mechanical failure of the well structure.