Q = K A [H1-H2]/L

For the following example, we are assuming that the groundwater flow direction is uniform or in one direction (one-dimensional). We can estimate groundwater flow rates (Q) from measurements within an aquifer. Installation of wells allows us to measure the piezometric water elevation [H1-H2]. The distance between wells can be measured [L]. The cross-sectional area, A, is the confined aquifer's saturated thickness, B, multiplied by the aquifer width, W.

An estimate of the hydraulic conductivity, K, must be made to calculate groundwater flow. Estimates can be made from knowledge of the geologic material, permeameter tests or from aquifer hydraulic tests.