An aquifer that is partly confined by layers of lower permeability material through which recharge and discharge may occur.
Leaky aquifer.
Semi-confined and semi-unconfined aquifers are intermediate between confined and unconfined aquifers. Their confined character is often a result of the heterogeneous nature of the subsurface and have a piezometric surface rather than a water table.
Most aquifers in South Africa are semi-confined or semi-unconfined in character.