Analyzing the Effects of Groundwater Pumping on an Urban Stream‐Aquifer System. (12th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Flores, Luke; Bailey, Ryan T.; Kraeger‐Rovey, Catherine
• Is Part Of: Journal of the American Water Resources Association. Volume 56:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 310
• Page End: 322
• Publication Date: 2020-02-12
• Subjects: stream‐aquifer interactions -- stream leakage -- groundwater pumping -- analytical models; Water-supply -- Periodicals; Hydrology -- Periodicals; Water resources development -- Periodicals; Water resources development -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; 333.9100973
• DOI: 10.1111/1752-1688.12827
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1093-474X

Abstract

Abstract: When the cone of influence of a pumping well reaches a nearby river, the resulting hydraulic gradient can induce enhanced seepage of streamflow into the aquifer. The rate of seepage is often modeled using analytical solutions that are simple to apply but may not reproduce field data due to mathematical assumptions not being met in the field. Furthermore, the appropriateness of such models has not been investigated in detail due to difficulty in measuring streamflow loss in the field. In this study, a field experiment was conducted on a reach of the South Platte River near Denver, Colorado to estimate pumping‐induced streamflow loss. A network of stream gauges, monitoring wells, and in situ measurements was used to observe streamflow rates, groundwater levels, and temperature to assess if pumping wells have a significant impact on streamflow, and to compare observed streamflow depletion against analytical solutions. Data collected suggest that pumping wells have a noticeable impact on streamflow. The analytical solutions proved accurate if streamflow was low and constant but performed poorly if streamflow was high and variable. Therefore, for this reach, the use of analytical solutions to predict streamflow may only be appropriate under low‐flow, constant‐flow conditions. Methods and results can be used to guide other streamflow depletion studies and to inform cases of pumping‐induced streamflow depletion, particularly in regard to water rights. Abstract : Research Impact Statement : A comprehensive field study consisting of groundwater observation wells and streamflow measurements is used to assess the impacts of pumping on streamflow at a field scale.