Groundwater abstraction impacts on river flows: predictions from regional groundwater models

Soley, R. W. N.; Matthews, A. M.; Ross, D.; Maginness, C. H.; Packman, M. J.; Hulme, P. J.

doi:10.1144/sp364.17

Cited by 13 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…The predictions with regional models made by Soley et al (2012) show the same thing. In the investigations in this paper, it was 800 days before river nodes began to dry up but shorter (and more realistic) times are likely with modified parameter values.…”

Section: Series 3: the Length Of Intermittent Streamssupporting

confidence: 54%

“…In England and Wales there are regional models for most of the major aquifers (Whiteman et al 2012), many of which are used to assess the spatial and temporal impacts of groundwater abstraction (Shepley & Soley 2012;Soley et al 2012). Where there is no regional model, analytical approaches can be used, such as the Environment Agency's IGARF (Impact of Groundwater Abstraction on River Flows) spreadsheet tool (Kirk & Herbert 2002;Environment Agency 2004).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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A rapid model for estimating the depletion in river flows due to groundwater abstraction

Hulme

Jackson

Atkins

et al. 2012

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The Environment Agency of England and Wales uses its calibrated regional models to estimate the reduction in river flows resulting from proposed groundwater abstractions. Where there is no regional model, analytical equations can produce quick initial estimates of river flow depletion. However, users often want more confidence in their estimates by representing more faithfully their understanding of the real river–aquifer system. This paper shows that, when using a numerical model designed to predict river flow depletion, it is important to include adjacent catchments and intermittent streams and less important to include river elevations and variations in transmissivity with groundwater head. Recharge does not usually need to be included unless part of the river becomes disconnected or dry. Therefore, for rivers where stream length is constant and transmissivity variations are small, it is valid to use a ‘no-recharge’ depletion model, which can be built quickly (within a month). A case study on the River Leith in NW England illustrates the use of such a model to assess the ecological impact of two groundwater abstraction licences under the European Union Habitats Directive.

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Section: Series 3: the Length Of Intermittent Streamssupporting

confidence: 54%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

A rapid model for estimating the depletion in river flows due to groundwater abstraction

Hulme

Jackson

Atkins

et al. 2012

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“…This behaviour is well known in high-diffusivity solution-enhanced, fractured carbonate aquifers where large non-perennial reaches are naturally dry during periods of low flow (e.g. Rushton 2002;Soley et al 2012).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%

The use of groundwater levels and numerical models for the management of a layered, moderate-diffusivity aquifer

Shepley

Soley

2012

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The predictions from a numerical time-variant distributed groundwater model are used to assess the spatial and temporal impacts of groundwater abstraction for an unconfined and layered, moderate diffusivity aquifer; the West Midlands–Worfe Permo-Triassic Sandstone in the UK. These impacts have been determined by comparing a recent actual baseline predictive simulation with simulations where groundwater abstractions are switched off, including a ‘naturalized’ simulation. By reference to the historic simulation, the predictive model results are compared against observed groundwater levels. The predictive simulations demonstrate that observed groundwater levels could be an indicator of groundwater abstraction impacts on surface water flows where widespread stream disconnection has occurred due to high rates of abstraction. This relationship also depends on the aquifer hydraulic characteristics, the interaction between groundwater levels and the surface drainage network and other artificial flow influences. Abstraction impacts on groundwater levels are large for the West Midlands–Worfe aquifer, but can be obscured by the climatic recharge signal in observed groundwater level records. This is a consequence of the moderate diffusivity and the main groundwater abstraction development preceding systematic monitoring. The groundwater model can be used to identify which observation boreholes have negligible abstraction impacts; this may be valuable for identifying groundwater level records that are useful for climate change analysis.

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“…Examples of flow impact predictions for Leckford and Clarendontwo groundwater sources next to the intermittent and perennial reaches of the Bourne -are described in Soley et al (2012). This work has been carried out on behalf of both the Environment Agency and the water company (Wessex Water).…”

Section: Model Use Update and Ongoing Refinementmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Both the Havant and Bedhampton Springs and Worlds End sources are included as examples in Soley et al (2012).…”

Section: East Hampshire and Chichestermentioning

confidence: 99%

Modelling the hydrogeology and managed aquifer system of the Chalk across southern England

Soley¹,

Power²,

Mortimore

et al. 2012

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Six regional recharge and groundwater models have been recently developed of the Chalk and Upper Greensand from Dorset to Kent. Updated Chalk stratigraphy and mapping have improved understanding of geological structure and the development of preferential groundwater flow pathways along hardground horizons. Where shallow dipping folds bring these into the zone of active groundwater flow, extensive ‘underdrainage’ may result in marked differences between surface and groundwater catchments. Hardgrounds and marls are also associated with spring discharges, as are some faults and the clay formations that underlie or confine the aquifer system. Higher specific yield within the Upper Greensand helps support summer baseflow, as do local groundwater discharges from augmentation schemes, watercress and fish farm operations. The aquifer system has been successfully modelled using the ‘variable hydraulic conductivity with depth’ version of MODFLOW. Depths of secondary permeability development have been distributed according to ground and groundwater level data. Interfluve–valley contrasts overlie a base hydraulic conductivity set according to the formation saturated at the water table and enhanced by active hardgrounds. Local parameter overrides may also be needed. The Wessex Basin conceptual and numerical model is described before summarizing similarities and contrasts from the other five regional model areas.

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Groundwater abstraction impacts on river flows: predictions from regional groundwater models

Cited by 13 publications

References 16 publications

A rapid model for estimating the depletion in river flows due to groundwater abstraction

A rapid model for estimating the depletion in river flows due to groundwater abstraction

The use of groundwater levels and numerical models for the management of a layered, moderate-diffusivity aquifer

Modelling the hydrogeology and managed aquifer system of the Chalk across southern England

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