Application of analytical solution for stream depletion due to groundwater pumping in Gapcheon watershed, South Korea

Abstract

AbstractA number of groundwater wells for agricultural activity, including rice farming and greenhouses, have been developed near streams over the past 20 years in South Korea. The result of a stream depletion calculation using an analytical solution of complimentary error function shows that groundwater pumping at 1949 wells drilled in the Gapcheon watershed can produce stream depletion. This amount is estimated at about 7% of annual baseflow and reaches as high as 18% of monthly baseflow during the maximum agricultural water consumption period in May. Agricultural wells have a larger effect on stream depletion than domestic wells because of their higher pumping rate. Stream depletion from agricultural wells located within 200 m from a stream represents 65% of the total depletion rate. Agricultural water policy for water use at nearby streams should be changed to reduce stream depletion and thereby maintain sustainable water development in South Korea. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.