The examples (in the "Response Functions- What are They?") illustrated how response functions can be developed and used when wells are operating continuously.  In reality, however, this is seldom the case.  We need to be able to evaluate stream depletion from wells that are used intermittently.  Response functions can be determined for wells that are pumped for a brief period and then turned off.  The procedure is described in the section "How are Response Functions Determined?".

Wells that are pumped for a brief period may produce very minor stream depletion effects that persist long after pumping has ceased.  The accompanying graph shows that pumping at a rate of 1 cfs has greatly attenuated effects on a hydraulically connected stream reach.  Although the illustration is hypothetical, it is important to recognize that ground water pumping impacts may persist for years or even decades into the future, depending upon the scale and properties of the system.