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Pumping Well Drawdown Thiem Theis Calculator

Our hydrology & water resources calculator computes pumping well drawdown thiem theis accurately. Includes formulas and worked examples.

Reviewed by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer

Reviewed by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer

Formula

s = (Q / 4piT) x W(u)

The Theis equation s = (Q / 4piT) x W(u) calculates drawdown in a confined aquifer due to pumping. s is the water-level decline (m) at a given point, Q is the pumping rate (m³/s), T is aquifer transmissivity (m²/s) representing the rate of horizontal water flow, and W(u) is the Theis well function of u = r²S / (4Tt), where r is radial distance from the well (m), S is storativity (dimensionless), and t is pumping duration. The result predicts how far and how deeply the cone of depression extends around a production well.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Temperate Catchment

Problem:P=800mm/yr, C=0.3, ET=450mm/yr, dS=20mm, A=10km2

Solution:R = 800 - 240 - 450 - 20 = 90 mm/yr

Result:Recharge: 90 mm/year | Low Recharge

Example 2: Semi-Arid Region

Problem:P=350mm, C=0.15, ET=310mm, dS=5mm, A=25km2

Solution:R = 350 - 52.5 - 310 - 5 = -17.5 mm/yr

Result:Recharge: -17.5 mm/yr | Deficit

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pumping Well Drawdown (Thiem/Theis)?

Pumping Well Drawdown (Thiem/Theis) is a fundamental concept in hydrology used to quantify water movement and distribution in natural and engineered systems. It provides essential data for water resource management, flood prediction, and environmental assessment. Understanding this helps engineers design infrastructure and scientists model hydrological processes. Pumping Well Drawdown Thiem Theis Calculator implements standard formulas from published hydrology references.

How is Pumping Well Drawdown (Thiem/Theis) calculated?

The calculation uses s = (Q / 4piT) x W(u) relating key physical parameters. Each variable must be measured or estimated from field data or published tables. The formula assumes steady-state or quasi-steady conditions. Units must be consistent and results should be validated against field observations when available.

References

Reviewed by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer · Editorial policy