The impact of urban groundwater upon surface water - eTheses ...

GROUNDWATER FLOW MODELLING
the aquifer has occurred during periods of peak abstraction. The MODFLOW model was used
to investigate the effect of these abstraction wells on flow paths and surface water loss.
6.8 Investigation of the effect of abstraction wells on groundwater flow to the
river.
6.8.1 Conceptual model
There is a high concentration of industry in the model area and a total of ten currently licensed
industrial abstraction wells. High rates of abstraction may alter the direction and reduce the
amount of contaminant flow to the river from that observed under natural conditions.
Abstraction wells located close to the river may induce the infiltration of poor quality surface
water into the aquifer.
6.8.2 Application of the MODFLOW flood plain model to assess abstraction.
The industrial abstraction wells were modelled under steady state conditions using the
calibrated MODFLOW flood plain model. Details of well locations and abstractions (Table
6.4) were obtained from Environment Agency records. (1/4/89 to 1/3/99). The model was run
with particle tracking under conditions of both average and maximum abstraction rates to see
the effect on contaminant flow paths and discharge to the river.
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