The act of establishing a shallow borehole or wellpoint in unconsolidated or semi-consolidated materials.
A tool (known as a auger) is used to bore shallow holes into the subsurface. Augers resemble a pipe or large cork screw and are effective up to the point where groundwater is intersected. They may be hand driven or machine driven.
Augering is a rapid and cost-effective method of accessing shallow groundwater resources and can be used in environmentally sensitive areas.

Source: www.woodburysawandmower.com