Selecting Optimum Discharge Rate for Water Well

Abstract

The starting point to determine optimal well design and operation should be that which maximizes net present worth. Optimal design is important because it maximizes the potential of the well; however, optimal operation of the well is also important and is the subject of this paper. Recent publications and ``rules of thumb'' still suggest operating wells based on noneconomic criteria. The purpose of this paper is to examine one of the more popular ``rules of thumb'' and show why following it can produce water at nonoptimal costs.