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Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework
Published on: July 24, 2016
Sustainable Capture: Concepts for Managing Stream-Aquifer Systems.
Jeffrey C Davids1,2, Steffen W Mehl2
1Davids Engineering, 3881 Benatar Way, Suite G, Chico, CA 95928.
This study introduces a framework and metrics for sustainable stream-aquifer management, focusing on how groundwater pumping impacts surface water. The proposed metrics, like Capture Efficiency, help assess system vulnerabilities and ensure long-term water resource sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology
- Hydrogeology
- Water Resource Management
Background:
- Surface water and groundwater systems are interconnected, with complex interactions over long timescales.
- Traditional management relies on observations, which are insufficient for long-term sustainability due to slow system responses.
- Numerical modeling is crucial for analyzing management scenarios in stream-aquifer systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a framework and metrics for sustainable stream-aquifer management.
- To relate Theis concepts of capture to sustainable measures.
- To develop practical tools for assessing the vulnerability of stream-aquifer systems.
Main Methods:
- Development of four key concepts: Sustainable Capture Fractions, Sustainable Capture Thresholds, Capture Efficiency, and Sustainable Groundwater Storage.
- Application of these concepts to a hypothetical stream-aquifer system.
- Analysis of pumping impacts on streamflow and phreatophyte discharge.
Main Results:
- The proposed framework provides metrics for sustainable stream-aquifer management.
- Capture Efficiency (CE) effectively quantifies the impact of pumping on connected water bodies.
- A CE exceeding 100% indicates a vulnerability in sustainable management.
Conclusions:
- The developed metrics offer a robust approach to sustainable stream-aquifer management.
- Capture Efficiency is an intuitive metric for assessing system sustainability and identifying risks.
- This framework aids in informed decision-making for managing interconnected water resources.
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