Experimental Study of the Hydrodynamic Interference in a Low Enthalpy Geothermal Aquifer of the Veneto Region

Abstract

A long duration variable rate pumping test was carried out at the low enthalpy geothermal well VICENZA 1 (Veneto Region - Italy), from August, 1990 to August, 1991. The test aimed at defining the long term hydraulic behaviour of the geothermal carbonate reservoir via the response of some observation wells, located up to 30 km far away the test well, and at determining the extent of the regional interference caused by the exploitation at the mean project pumping rate of 95 The 68?C water, withdrawn during the test, was utilised by the installations of the geothermal district heating project of Vicenza town. The results, mainly the response of the geothermal well Villaverla 1, located 12 km north of the test well, allowed the drawing of different hydrodynamic scenarios fitting the measured drawdown values. The test represents the first application of an experimental approach followed by the regional Authority in order to regulate the exploitation of a geothermal aquifer. The outcome of the work shows that only an experimental approach may supply concrete and reliable indications on the subject.