Deep geothermal energy extraction can potentially reduce temperature and discharge at hot springs

Geothermal energy is an attractive alternative to fossil fuels because it is sustainable, supplied continuously, and has a minimal carbon footprint. Where subsurface temperatures are significantly warmer than surface temperatures, heat from the subsurface can be extracted for use on the earth's surface. In some areas, water carries heat to the surface in the form of thermal springs that support recreation and tourism. An unanswered question is whether larger scale geothermal development will lead to cooling of the recreational thermal springs or a reduction in flow rate, negatively impacting the industry. This work uses groundwater flow and heat transport modeling to evaluate the potential impact of geothermal energy production on hot springs. The modeled system is loosely based on the geologic and thermal regimes near Mt. Princeton in central Colorado, USA. The results show that the extraction of deep thermal water for geothermal energy production and the subsequent reinjection of cooled water has the potential to reduce the water temperature of surface springs.