This test method describes the procedures for measuring the level of liquid in a borehole or well and determining the stabilized level of liquid in a borehole.

Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee D18 on Soil and Rock, this test method was withdrawn in February 2010 in accordance with section 10.5.3.1 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.

In geotechnical, hydrologic, and waste-management investigations, it is frequently desirable, or required, to obtain information concerning the presence of ground water or other liquids and the depths to the ground-water table or other liquid surface. Such investigations typically include drilling of exploratory boreholes, performing aquifer tests, and possibly completion as a monitoring or observation well. The opportunity exists to record the level of liquid in such boreholes or wells, as the boreholes are being advanced and after their completion.

Conceptually, a stabilized borehole liquid level reflects the pressure of ground water or other liquid in the earth material exposed along the sides of the borehole or well. Under suitable conditions, the borehole liquid level and the ground-water, or other liquid, level will be the same, and the former can be used to determine the latter. However, when earth materials are not exposed to a borehole, such as material which is sealed off with casing or drilling mud, the borehole water levels may not accurately reflect the ground-water level. Consequently, the user is cautioned that the liquid level in a borehole does not necessarily bear a relationship to the ground-water level at the site.

The user is cautioned that there are many factors which can influence borehole liquid levels and the interpretation of borehole liquid-level measurements. These factors are not described or discussed in this test method. The interpretation and application of borehole liquid-level information should be done by a trained specialist.

Installation of piezometers should be considered where complex ground-water conditions prevail or where changes in intergranular stress, other than those associated with fluctuation in water level, have occurred or are anticipated.

1.1 This test method describes the procedures for measuring the level of liquid in a borehole or well and determining the stabilized level of liquid in a borehole.

1.2 The test method applies to boreholes (cased or uncased) and monitoring wells (observation wells) that are vertical or sufficiently vertical so a flexible measuring device can be lowered into the hole.

1.3 Borehole liquid-level measurements obtained using this test method will not necessarily correspond to the level of the liquid in the vicinity of the borehole unless sufficient time has been allowed for the level to reach equilibrium position.

1.4 This test method generally is not applicable for the determination of pore-pressure changes due to changes in stress conditions of the earth material.

1.5 This test method is not applicable for the concurrent determination of multiple liquid levels in a borehole.

1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.