The ground-water flowmeter system, model 30L, manufactured by K-V Associates, Inc., Falmouth, Massachusetts was tested under controlled laboratory conditions. The influence of slotted pipe schedule, slot orientation, backfill materials, endcap bags, isolated regions of high hydraulic conductivity, and channelization near the slotted pipe wall was measured. The physical concept of the flowmeter in an ideal configuration was analyzed, and with the aid of an analytical model, the significance of the thermal and hydraulic characteristics of the aquifer and backfill materials is clarified. Results indicate that the basic instrument response is linear, consistent, and predictable qualitatively in a laboratory environment.