Teach Me How to PyCap: A High-Capacity Well Decision Support Tool Using Analytical Solutions in Python

Area of Science:

• Hydrogeology
• Environmental Science
• Water Resource Management

Background:

• Regulatory agencies require timely streamflow depletion and drawdown evaluations in humid temperate zones.
• Traditional numerical models are often too complex and time-consuming for rapid regulatory decision-making.
• Protecting aquatic ecosystems and existing water users necessitates efficient impact assessment tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce pycap-dss, an open-source Python package for estimating streamflow depletion and drawdown.
• Provide a tool that supports superposition of multiple wells and time-varying pumping for cumulative impact assessments.
• Facilitate integration with regulatory workflows and enable uncertainty analysis.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a suite of analytical solutions for streamflow depletion and drawdown estimation.
• Support for superposition of multiple wells and time-varying pumping scenarios.
• Development of a modular and extensible software architecture with YAML-based configuration.
• Integration of rigorous testing and continuous integration for reliability and development.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of deterministic drawdown examples with multiple solutions.
• Application to streamflow depletion with multiple wells in Wisconsin's Central Sands region.
• Showcasing Monte Carlo analyses for evaluating uncertainty in streamflow depletion calculations from numerous wells.

Conclusions:

• pycap-dss offers a computationally efficient and reliable tool for regulatory streamflow depletion and drawdown assessments.
• The package supports complex scenarios including multiple wells and time-varying pumping, crucial for cumulative impact analysis.
• Its modular design and integration capabilities enhance its utility for water resource management and regulatory workflows.