Groundwater optimization model for sustainable management of the Valley of Puebla aquifer, Mexico

Abstract

The Valley of Puebla aquifer (VPA), at the central region of Mexico, is subject to intensive exploitation to satisfy the urban and industrial demand in the region. As a result of this increased exploitation, a number of state and federal agencies in charge of water management are concerned about the problems associated with the aquifer (decline of groundwater table, deterioration in water quality, poor well productivity and increased pumping and water treatment costs). This study presents a groundwater management model that combines ''MOD-FLOW'' simulation with optimization tools ''MODRSP''. This simulation-optimization model for groundwater evaluates a complex range of management options to identify the strategies that best fit the objectives for allocating resources in the VPA. Four hypothetical scenarios were defined to analyze the response of the hydrogeological system for future pumping schemes. Based on the simulation of flow with the MODFLOW program, promising results for the implementation of the optimization of water quantity were found in scenarios 3 and 4. However, upon comparison and analysis of the feasibility of recovery of the piezometric level (considering the policy of gradual reductions of pumping), scenario 4 was selected for optimization purposes. The response functions of scenario 4 were then obtained and optimized, establishing an extraction rate of 204.92 millions of m 3 /year (Mm 3 /year). The reduction in groundwater extraction will be possible by substituting the volume removed by 35 wells (that should be discontinued) by the same volume of water from another source.

Hydrogeochemistry and water-rock interactions in the urban area of Puebla Valley aquifer (Mexico)

“…1). The main rivers running through the Puebla Valley aquifer are the Atoyac, Zahuapan and Alseseca (Salcedo-Sánchez et al, 2013;Gárfias et al, 2010). The study area includes the Puebla City and neighboring municipalities (Fig.…”

“…This growth in both population and productive activities has created a high demand for water, which is entirely met by groundwater (CONAGUA, 2015). Intensive extraction of groundwater has led to significant decline in groundwater levels in the urban area and water quality changes (Flores-Márquez et al, 2006;Gárfias et al, 2010;Salcedo-Sánchez et al, 2013). A large percentage of groundwater extraction is concentrated in this urban-industrial area (approximately 350 wells), where 85% of the state's industry is located.…”

“…These sediments and rocks come from the surrounding volcanoes that produced lava flow, pyroclastic deposits and tuffs. This upper aquifer hydraulically functions as an unconfined aquifer, however in few localized areas can be semiconfined (Flores-Márquez et al, 2006;Salcedo-Sánchez et al, 2013). The hydraulic conductivity of this aquifer varies considerably, but their values in general are high.…”

A Methodology to Analyse and Assess Pumping Management Strategies in Coastal Aquifers to Avoid Degradation Due to Seawater Intrusion Problems

“…Although these models do not predict the effect of the variable density on the groundwater flow, they are tools which, for certain cases and objectives, may be suitable to simulate these systems (Iríbar et al, 1997;Rejani et al, 2008;Nettasana et al, 2012;Psarropoulou and Karatzas, 2012;Salcedo-Sánchez et al, 2012). The optimization problem has been solved by using a heuristic iterative process and a constant density flow simulation model of the aquifer, which assumes a direct relationship between piezometric drawdown and seawater intrusion.…”

Sustainable Irrigation in Agriculture: An Analysis of Global Research

“…This means that many farmers throughout the world are not willing to pay the price of the water unless there is no alternative available. Studies have been carried out on experience with the use of desalinated seawater, reused water or harvested rainwater all over the world [69][70][71][72][73][74][75].…”