Development of a Numerical Multi-Layered Groundwater Model to Simulate Inter-Aquifer Water Exchange in Shelby County, Tennessee

Villalpando-Vizcaino, Rodrigo; Waldron, Brian; Larsen, Daniel; Schoefernacker, Scott

doi:10.3390/w13182583

Cited by 8 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…Furthermore, the tests were performed during March through May of 2019, during a period when water demand was at an annual minimum (Villalpando‐Vizcaíno et al. 2021). This timeframe allowed for other nearby production wells to be temporarily turned off without compromising supply for limited demand.…”

Section: Approach and Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Villalpando‐Vizcaíno et al. (2021) and Jazaei et al. (2019) identified the broad ranges of aquifer parameters as an obstacle in appropriately representing aquifer parameters in their numerical models of Shelby County or portions thereof.…”

Section: Previous Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Both Villalpando‐Vizcaíno et al. (2021) and Jazaei et al. (2019) calibrated their models using Parameter ESTimation (PEST) that adjusts aquifer parameters on a cell‐by‐cell basis within user‐defined ranges.…”

Section: Previous Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Villalpando‐Vizcaíno et al. (2021) addressed the spatial heterogeneity by using pilot points at discrete locations (Doherty 2003), allowing their ranges to extend outside published values. Although values for transmissivity and storage resulting from PEST mostly fell within the ranges reported by previous studies, it was concluded that the real distribution of parameters was not well represented; thus, resulting in model non‐uniqueness and uncertainty in interpreting certain model outcomes.…”

Section: Previous Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Better estimates of the aquifer parameters will improve groundwater modeling efforts in Shelby County by reducing parameter nonuniqueness and aid in informed decision making on groundwater sustainability (Villalpando‐Vizcaíno et al. 2021).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Characterization of Hydraulic Properties of the Memphis Aquifer by Conducting Pumping Tests in Active Well Fields in Shelby County, Tennessee

Sahagún‐Covarrubias

Waldron

Larsen

et al. 2022

J American Water Resour Assoc

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Limited availability of field measurements for aquifer parameters commonly leads to nonuniqueness of numerical model solutions. Six pumping tests were conducted in five municipal well fields within Shelby County following the procedure described in the ASTM D4050-14 and using an additional qualitative matrix framework to achieve greater reliability. Drawdown data of the pumping tests were analyzed using AQTESOLV, which allowed for partial penetration of well screens and interference from neighboring production wells. The values of transmissivity have a combined range of 600-3,100 m 2 /day, which is 2-4 times less than published measures that used less robust data analysis and questionable or poorly documented methods. The range of storativity was 0.0005-0.002, and again, the resulting values have greater reliability than prior investigations. Robust quality assessment in the present methodology through assignment of a scoring decision matrix provides greater trust in the measurements. With a score at or above 10 considered optimal, the methodology and test environment resulted in an average score of 8.7, a vast improvement from prior investigations that together averaged 4.1. The calculated parameter values are an improvement on historical values, constraining the two critical groundwater hydraulic terms that should reduce modeling nonuniqueness of numerical modeling solutions that should lead to improved evaluation of local groundwater resources and environmental impacts.

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Section: Approach and Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Previous Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Previous Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Previous Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Characterization of Hydraulic Properties of the Memphis Aquifer by Conducting Pumping Tests in Active Well Fields in Shelby County, Tennessee

Sahagún‐Covarrubias

Waldron

Larsen

et al. 2022

J American Water Resour Assoc

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Comprehensive, Multi‐Scale Evaluation of Field Methods for Assessing Stream–Aquifer Interactions Along Channelised Lowland Streams

Ledesma,

Villalpando‐Vizcaino,

Larsen

et al. 2024

Hydrological Processes

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Stream–aquifer interactions (SAIs) play a critical role in effective groundwater management, yet their complex dynamics remain poorly understood in channelized lowland perennial streams. This study presents a multi‐scale, multi‐technique investigation of SAIs along two long‐stream reaches in Tennessee, United States. The goal is to define a suitable methodology for characterising SAIs in this specific hydrological setting, serving as a starting point for developing a more standardised and replicable approach. The methodology includes an initial evaluation of various field techniques, followed by extensive surveys using potentiomanometers, electromagnetic induction (EMI), vertical temperature profilers (VTPs) and complementary methods such as seepage meters, bank tests and well‐data analyses. Results reveal distinct hydrogeomorphic behaviours across and along the streams, challenging the SAI‐homogeneity notions typically assumed in groundwater models. Nonconnah Creek exhibited streambed colmation and negligible hydraulic gradients, resulting in disconnection from the aquifer during low flows, except for a 300‐m losing reach with high downward gradients. In contrast, the Loosahatchie River displayed relatively homogeneous streambed properties and small, upward hydraulic gradients, suggesting uniform SAIs along the surveyed reaches. EMI proved highly effective for mapping streambed sediments quickly, while potentiomanometers accurately measured small head differences critical for understanding SAI dynamics. VTPs were less practical due to the extended data‐collection times required and their vulnerability to flooding. This study emphasises the importance of multi‐scale investigations using diverse techniques to accurately characterise SAIs in lowland streams, highlighting the confounding influences of geological formations, anthropogenic alterations and depositional processes on groundwater–surface water interactions. The findings contribute to refining local water balances, informing groundwater management strategies and underscoring the need for incorporating local‐scale field data into regional groundwater models. The proposed methodology serves as a foundation for developing a standardised approach for characterising SAIs in lowland channelized perennial streams, adaptable for similar stream systems worldwide.

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Stories of a water-table: anomalous depressions, aquitard breaches and seasonal implications, Shelby County, Tennessee, USA

Lozano-Medina

Waldron

Schoefernacker

et al. 2023

Environ Monit Assess

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An extensive water level survey of the water-table aquifer (i.e., shallow aquifer) within Shelby County, Tennessee, was conducted in the dry (fall 2020) and wet (spring 2021) seasons. Water-table surfaces were generated using cokriging to observe seasonal differences to identify anomalous water-table depressions, indicative of an underlying aquitard breach. Seasonal differences were attributed to non-coincident control and timing between the surveys and when optimum dry (fall) and wet (spring) conditions existed, as observed through comparisons with continuous historical water levels from 12 shallow monitoring wells. Additionally, data from fall 2020 were compared to previous studies in 2005 and 2015 to determine decadal changes in levels and shape of the water-table surface which were mostly attributed to changes in data control and potential climate variations. A prediction error map was generated from the 2020 dataset to identify areas of the county with high-prediction error (>7.0 m) to offer guidance on where future well control would be optimal.

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Development of a Numerical Multi-Layered Groundwater Model to Simulate Inter-Aquifer Water Exchange in Shelby County, Tennessee

Cited by 8 publications

References 54 publications

Characterization of Hydraulic Properties of the Memphis Aquifer by Conducting Pumping Tests in Active Well Fields in Shelby County, Tennessee

Characterization of Hydraulic Properties of the Memphis Aquifer by Conducting Pumping Tests in Active Well Fields in Shelby County, Tennessee

Comprehensive, Multi‐Scale Evaluation of Field Methods for Assessing Stream–Aquifer Interactions Along Channelised Lowland Streams

Stories of a water-table: anomalous depressions, aquitard breaches and seasonal implications, Shelby County, Tennessee, USA

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