Active groundwater sampling techniques are methods where the aquifer i
s flushed by pumping. The methods developed and tested represent non-d
edicated methods for use in existing water wells. This paper describes
two different sampling techniques: the Separation Pumping Technique (
SP) and the Packer Baffle System (PBS). The methodology and design of
the two systems is presented and the operational application is demons
trated by examples from full-scale field experiments. The methods are
validated and their sensitivity to the well construction and the hydro
geological environment is assessed based on numerical modelling and co
ntrolled laboratory experiments. Active groundwater sampling technique
s can be used for remedial pumping optimization and in obtaining hydra
ulic data and represent a fast operational and reliable sampling tool,
also under heterogeneous and low permeability conditions.