The flow of soil water is characterized by water transmission parameters, field-saturated hydraulic conductivity, matric flux potential and sorptivity. Soil water flow is, in turn, the primary mechanism by which soil contaminants, such as excess plant nutrient, bacteria, viruses, salts, and industrial chemicals are transported. Consequently, knowledge of soil water transmission parameters is essential for understanding, preventing and remediating the contamination of soil water and ground water. This paper describes steady-state and transient methods for obtaining soil water transmission parameters from ponded infiltration under constant head and falling head conditions in surface rings and shallow auger holes. Also discussed are the conditions under which the various methods are most appropriate.