What process should be conducted before performing yield and drawdown tests on a well?

Before performing yield and drawdown tests on a well, it is essential to surge and develop the well. This process involves improving the well's performance by removing fine particles and ensuring that the surrounding aquifer is responsive. Surging helps to agitate the water column in the well, which can dislodge debris from the well screen and surrounding formation. The development process is critical because it allows for a more accurate assessment of the well's capacity to deliver water efficiently.

Implementing this step before testing ensures that the water quality and quantity reflect the well's optimal conditions, providing reliable data during yield and drawdown evaluations. If the well is not properly surged and developed, the tests may yield misleading results due to sediment or debris affecting water flow, therefore compromising the accuracy of the test outcomes.