An Open Forum Discussion on Issues Related to Modeling of Integrated Ground and Surface Water Management

Abstract

With the population growth and increase in land development, comprehensive management of sustainable water resources related to water supply, water quality, wetlands, and recreational issues becomes increasingly important. Hydrologic modeling in regions with flat topography and shallow water table is complex because of strong surface water ground water interactions, reverse flow and backward effects. In order to address these issues, it is necessary to have an integrated ground water and surface water (IGSW) model that is capable of accurately evaluating the impacts and the effects of various water management alternatives. These alternatives often involve operation of surface water systems to alter ground water flows and levels and vice versa. Most of the current evaluation processes involve using either a ground water model or a surface water model. The accuracy of such model results is often questioned or challenged because the models simulate only one of two important components of the hydrologic system. Some development towards need and use of integrated ground and surface water models has been initiated by various agencies (e.g., South Florida Water Management District, Department of Defense for Site Remediation, among others). An IGSW model should be capable of simulating all major components in the hydrologic cycle along with the water use and management features such as various water control structures, wellfields, lakes, canals, water quality, etc. The IGSW model should also be capable of calculating evapotranspiration, recharge, and other hydraulic and hydrologic components based on land use, soil type, hydrometeorological information, and water management operations. i President, BP Consulting Group, Inc., 6220 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Suite 110, Orlando, Florida 32809; Tel. 407-851-5020; Fax. 407-857-3154; e-mail: bpanigrahi@bpcgroup.cc