ABSTRACTSix borehole methods for determining the vertical distribution of hydraulic conductivity in unconsolidated geologic formations are evaluated. Straddle packer tests are inappropriate if there is a hydraulic path around the packer on the outside of the well screen. Methods based on grain‐size analysis fail to incorporate the influence of small‐scale structure and packing. Methods based on relationships between electrical and hydraulic conductivity require special conditions and are site‐ and formation‐specific. Borehole effects invalidate methods based on the natural flow of fluid through a well bore. Stoneley wave attenuation methods are not effective in unconsolidated formations. A single‐well electrical tracer test is effective, but requires the injection of significant volumes