Aquifer Drawdown Calculator (Theis Equation)

Calculate aquifer drawdown using the Theis Equation with our precise, accessible tool. Ideal for geologists, hydrologists, and environmental engineers.

Full original guide (expanded)

Aquifer Drawdown Calculator (Theis Equation)

Calculate aquifer drawdown from transmissivity, storativity, pumping rate, time, and distance.

Theis Equation Calculator

Results

Drawdown (s) [m]: 0.00

Data Source and Methodology

All calculations are based on the Theis Equation, a fundamental formula in hydrogeology. For more details, refer to the US Geological Survey. All calculations are strictly based on the formulas and data provided by this source.

The Formula Explained

The Theis Equation is expressed as:

s = (Q / (4πT)) W(u)

Where u = (r²S) / (4Tt) and W(u) is the well function.

Glossary of Variables

  • Transmissivity (T): The ability of the aquifer to transmit water.
  • Storativity (S): The amount of water an aquifer releases from storage per unit decline in hydraulic head.
  • Pumping Rate (Q): The volume of water extracted from the aquifer per unit time.
  • Time (t): The duration of pumping.
  • Distance from Well (r): The distance from the pumping well to the point of interest.
  • Drawdown (s): The decrease in hydraulic head observed in a well.

Practical Example: A Step-by-Step Guide

Consider a scenario where you need to determine the drawdown at a distance of 100 meters from a well, pumping at 500 m³/day, after 10 days. With a transmissivity of 200 m²/day and a storativity of 0.0001, the drawdown can be calculated as follows:

Given: Q = 500 m³/day, T = 200 m²/day, S = 0.0001, t = 10 days, r = 100 m

Calculate u = (r²S) / (4Tt), then use the W(u) function to find s.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Theis equation?

The Theis equation is used to predict the drawdown of an aquifer due to pumping.

How accurate is the Theis equation?

The Theis equation is highly accurate for homogeneous, isotropic, confined aquifers.

What is transmissivity?

Transmissivity is the ability of an aquifer to transmit water through its entire thickness.

How do I measure storativity?

Storativity can be measured through aquifer tests and is a dimensionless quantity.


Audit: Complete
Formula (LaTeX) + variables + units
This section shows the formulas used by the calculator engine, plus variable definitions and units.
Formula (extracted LaTeX)
\[','\]
','
Formula (extracted text)
s = (Q / (4πT)) W(u)
Variables and units
  • No variables provided in audit spec.
Sources (authoritative):
Changelog
Version: 0.1.0-draft
Last code update: 2026-01-19
0.1.0-draft · 2026-01-19
  • Initial audit spec draft generated from HTML extraction (review required).
  • Verify formulas match the calculator engine and convert any text-only formulas to LaTeX.
  • Confirm sources are authoritative and relevant to the calculator methodology.
Verified by Ugo Candido on 2026-01-19
Profile · LinkedIn

Aquifer Drawdown Calculator (Theis Equation)

Calculate aquifer drawdown from transmissivity, storativity, pumping rate, time, and distance.

Theis Equation Calculator

Results

Drawdown (s) [m]: 0.00

Data Source and Methodology

All calculations are based on the Theis Equation, a fundamental formula in hydrogeology. For more details, refer to the US Geological Survey. All calculations are strictly based on the formulas and data provided by this source.

The Formula Explained

The Theis Equation is expressed as:

s = (Q / (4πT)) W(u)

Where u = (r²S) / (4Tt) and W(u) is the well function.

Glossary of Variables

  • Transmissivity (T): The ability of the aquifer to transmit water.
  • Storativity (S): The amount of water an aquifer releases from storage per unit decline in hydraulic head.
  • Pumping Rate (Q): The volume of water extracted from the aquifer per unit time.
  • Time (t): The duration of pumping.
  • Distance from Well (r): The distance from the pumping well to the point of interest.
  • Drawdown (s): The decrease in hydraulic head observed in a well.

Practical Example: A Step-by-Step Guide

Consider a scenario where you need to determine the drawdown at a distance of 100 meters from a well, pumping at 500 m³/day, after 10 days. With a transmissivity of 200 m²/day and a storativity of 0.0001, the drawdown can be calculated as follows:

Given: Q = 500 m³/day, T = 200 m²/day, S = 0.0001, t = 10 days, r = 100 m

Calculate u = (r²S) / (4Tt), then use the W(u) function to find s.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Theis equation?

The Theis equation is used to predict the drawdown of an aquifer due to pumping.

How accurate is the Theis equation?

The Theis equation is highly accurate for homogeneous, isotropic, confined aquifers.

What is transmissivity?

Transmissivity is the ability of an aquifer to transmit water through its entire thickness.

How do I measure storativity?

Storativity can be measured through aquifer tests and is a dimensionless quantity.


Audit: Complete
Formula (LaTeX) + variables + units
This section shows the formulas used by the calculator engine, plus variable definitions and units.
Formula (extracted LaTeX)
\[','\]
','
Formula (extracted text)
s = (Q / (4πT)) W(u)
Variables and units
  • No variables provided in audit spec.
Sources (authoritative):
Changelog
Version: 0.1.0-draft
Last code update: 2026-01-19
0.1.0-draft · 2026-01-19
  • Initial audit spec draft generated from HTML extraction (review required).
  • Verify formulas match the calculator engine and convert any text-only formulas to LaTeX.
  • Confirm sources are authoritative and relevant to the calculator methodology.
Verified by Ugo Candido on 2026-01-19
Profile · LinkedIn

Aquifer Drawdown Calculator (Theis Equation)

Calculate aquifer drawdown from transmissivity, storativity, pumping rate, time, and distance.

Theis Equation Calculator

Results

Drawdown (s) [m]: 0.00

Data Source and Methodology

All calculations are based on the Theis Equation, a fundamental formula in hydrogeology. For more details, refer to the US Geological Survey. All calculations are strictly based on the formulas and data provided by this source.

The Formula Explained

The Theis Equation is expressed as:

s = (Q / (4πT)) W(u)

Where u = (r²S) / (4Tt) and W(u) is the well function.

Glossary of Variables

  • Transmissivity (T): The ability of the aquifer to transmit water.
  • Storativity (S): The amount of water an aquifer releases from storage per unit decline in hydraulic head.
  • Pumping Rate (Q): The volume of water extracted from the aquifer per unit time.
  • Time (t): The duration of pumping.
  • Distance from Well (r): The distance from the pumping well to the point of interest.
  • Drawdown (s): The decrease in hydraulic head observed in a well.

Practical Example: A Step-by-Step Guide

Consider a scenario where you need to determine the drawdown at a distance of 100 meters from a well, pumping at 500 m³/day, after 10 days. With a transmissivity of 200 m²/day and a storativity of 0.0001, the drawdown can be calculated as follows:

Given: Q = 500 m³/day, T = 200 m²/day, S = 0.0001, t = 10 days, r = 100 m

Calculate u = (r²S) / (4Tt), then use the W(u) function to find s.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Theis equation?

The Theis equation is used to predict the drawdown of an aquifer due to pumping.

How accurate is the Theis equation?

The Theis equation is highly accurate for homogeneous, isotropic, confined aquifers.

What is transmissivity?

Transmissivity is the ability of an aquifer to transmit water through its entire thickness.

How do I measure storativity?

Storativity can be measured through aquifer tests and is a dimensionless quantity.


Audit: Complete
Formula (LaTeX) + variables + units
This section shows the formulas used by the calculator engine, plus variable definitions and units.
Formula (extracted LaTeX)
\[','\]
','
Formula (extracted text)
s = (Q / (4πT)) W(u)
Variables and units
  • No variables provided in audit spec.
Sources (authoritative):
Changelog
Version: 0.1.0-draft
Last code update: 2026-01-19
0.1.0-draft · 2026-01-19
  • Initial audit spec draft generated from HTML extraction (review required).
  • Verify formulas match the calculator engine and convert any text-only formulas to LaTeX.
  • Confirm sources are authoritative and relevant to the calculator methodology.
Verified by Ugo Candido on 2026-01-19
Profile · LinkedIn
Formulas

(Formulas preserved from original page content, if present.)

Version 0.1.0-draft
Citations

Add authoritative sources relevant to this calculator (standards bodies, manuals, official docs).

Changelog
  • 0.1.0-draft — 2026-01-19: Initial draft (review required).