State Groundwater Research Articles

Comparative study on groundwater quality assessment of Chennai District, Tamil Nadu during 2019-2020

The groundwater usage for household, industrial and agricultural needs is largely depends upon the nature and composition of various dissolved components present in the water. A comparison of groundwater quality of Chennai district in 2019 and 2020 for its potability and its hydrogeochemical characteristics were studied using the physicochemical data of representative samples from 36 observation wells obtained during pre monsoon and post monsoon seasons. The chosen wells are spatially distributed in the study region. The present work was carried out using the water quality data consisting of various physicochemical parameters and major ions concentration pertaining to groundwater analysis of the study location obtained from State Groundwater and Surface Water Resources Data Centre (SGSRDC), Taramani, Chennai, India. Water quality parameters such as pH, total dissolved solids(TDS), total hardness(TH), total alkalinity(TA), Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl‒, SO42‒, and NO3‒,were used to calculate the water quality index (WQI) by weighted arithmetic method. The groundwater quality is ascertained from the calculated WQI values with reference to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The results of WQI calculation reveals that in the pre monsoon period of both 2019 and 2020, around 30 % samples fall under good category and 55 % samples fall under poor quality. In the post monsoon period of 2019, 70 % samples are of good quality, whereas for 2020, 61 % samples are of poor quality. Correlation analysis of water quality parameters and bivariant plots of major ions were plotted to decipher the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater. TDS, TH and electrical conductivity (EC) exhibits a strong positive correlations with Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, Cl- and SO42- ions. The Piper diagrams of the ground water samples of the study area reveal its hydrochemical facies as Na-Cl type. The Gibbs diagram of the groundwater samples shows that water-rock interactions and evaporation are the predominant factors in controlling the ground water chemistry.

Evaluation Of Some Drinking Water Qualities In Some Villages In Gezira State

Safe and potable water is the basic need for human. In Gezira State groundwater is the main source of domestic water. While most villages in Gezira State traditionally use pit latrines, septic tanks and injection wells have been introduced recently. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of latrine system in some villages in North Gezira State on some physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters of groundwater. Water samples were collected from sixteen villages (Wadalmahna, Alkamlin Abdalab, Umdagarsey, Wadalmajedi, Abu usher, Altalbab, Alshawarab, Genib, Albataheen, Abufroa, Alsadaga, Alhassaheisa, Alsalama, Addaid Abu usher, Altakla Hamed, and Altakla Gobara) and analyzed for various physico-chemical and microbiological parameters. Physico-chemical parameter includes pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, and some heavy metals. The microbiologic test includes a total count of coli form and fecal coli form E. coli, which is an indicator of fecal contamination of water. Standard laboratory methods for analysis were used. These parameters were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) and Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO) to assess the suitability of groundwater for domestic purpose. The results show that most of the Physio-chemical parameters are within the acceptable ranges for WHO and SSMO, except water salinity in three villages (Alshawarab, 1935 μmhoscm-1; Albataheen, 1885 μmhoscm-1 and Abufroa, 1780 μmhoscm-1) is higher than the acceptable level (1500 μmhoscm-1). For microbiological tests, total coli form bacteria were detected in all water samples. E. coli was not detected in villages where traditional pit latrine is used. In village where septic tank and injection well is common E. coli was detected in all the samples. The study concludes that the groundwater used for drinking in North Gezira State is polluted, and there is contamination with E. coli in areas where traditional pit latrines are not the sanitation system. Keywords: drinking water, latrine system, Villages in Gezira State, Physical, chemical, groundwater, WHO, microbiological

Geo-spatial epidemiology of gallbladder cancer in Bihar, India

Recently, a substantial increase in gallbladder cancer (GBC) cases has been reported in Bihar, India. The region's groundwater can naturally contain harmful concentrations of arsenic, which appears to be epidemiologically linked to the unusually high incidence. However, the root causes remain largely unexplored. Recent findings of uranium in the state's groundwater may also have associations. This study investigates the geo-spatial epidemiology of GBC in Bihar, India—with a focus on the correlation between environmental carcinogens, particularly arsenic and uranium in groundwater, and the incidence of GBC. Utilizing data from 8460 GBC patients' registration records over an 11-year period at a single health center, the research employs Semi-parametric Geographically Weighted Poisson Regression (S-GWPR) to account for non-stationarity associations and explores significant factors contributing to GBC prevalence at a subdistrict level. The S-GWPR model outperformed the standard Poisson regression model. The estimates suggest that arsenic and uranium concentrations in groundwater did not present significant associations; however, this could be due to the lower resolution of this data at the district level, necessitating higher resolution data for accurate estimates. Other socio-environmental factors included demonstrated significant regional heterogeneity in their association with GBC prevalence. Notably, each 1 % increase in the coverage of well- and canal-irrigated areas is associated with a maximum of 3.0 % and 5.2 % rise in the GBC incidence rate, respectively, likely attributable to carcinogen exposure from irrigation water. Moreover, distance to the health center and domestic electricity connections appear to influence the number of reported GBC cases. The latter suggests that access to electricity might have facilitated the use of groundwater pumps—increasing exposure to carcinogens. The results underscore the necessity for targeted health policies and interventions based on fine-resolution spatial analysis, as well as ongoing environmental monitoring and research to better understand the multifaceted risk factors contributing to GBC.

Assessing groundwater quality dynamics in Madhya Pradesh: Chemical contaminants and their temporal patterns

Groundwater is essential for maintaining ecosystem health and overall well-being as a pivotal resource for plants and animals. The increasing public consciousness of the deterioration of groundwater quality has emphasized the significance of undertaking extended evaluations of groundwater water quality, particularly in regions undergoing substantial hydrological alterations. This study primarily aims to investigate the spatio-temporal variations in groundwater quality and evaluate its suitability for potable purposes in the region of Madhya Pradesh. The study combines the Mann-Kendall (MK) test and Sen's Slope (SS) to analyze the changes in groundwater quality of all 51 districts of Madhya Pradesh, India, utilizing 12 water quality indices using MATLAB. Data was sourced from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) in India from the year 2001–2021. The data was then tested for homogeneity at all 1154 sampling stations using the software XLSTAT. Piper plot clustering characterized the state's groundwater as bicarbonate-calcium-magnesium (HCO3−-Ca2+-Mg2+) type. The study found that the groundwater in the area is heavily impacted by high levels of nitrate and hardness, which is caused by an increase in multivalent cations. The water was classified as ranging from hard to extremely hard, and approximately 25.49% of the state's groundwater has nitrate levels that exceed the acceptable limits. The MK test showed a significant increasing correlation in trends for parameters such as nitrate, sulfate, fluoride, chloride, bicarbonate, total hardness, and electrical conductivity. It also showed a significant decreasing correlation for calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. These results were observed at a confidence level of 95%. The analysis of trends has shown that human-related factors have a considerable effect on the characteristics of groundwater quality. It is therefore recommended that such human-related factors be taken into consideration when developing policies for managing groundwater resources. Consequently, these policies should emphasize the strict enforcement of rules and standards that limit the overuse of fertilizers, ensure the appropriate disposal of municipal solid and liquid wastes, and regulate industrial pollutants.

Machine learning approach to predict the turbidity of Saki Lake, Telangana, India, using remote sensing data

Water quality is crucial for all life forms, yet water pollution is escalating. Monitoring water quality is essential to combat this challenge. This study introduces a precise and efficient approach to predict water turbidity levels using linear regression models and machine learning algorithms such as k-NN regression and decision trees. The model is trained using independent features like red band reflectance and NDTI. Hyperparameter tuning, utilizing grid search CV and repeated k-fold cross-validation, is applied to enhance the model's accuracy. The machine learning method was assessed with turbidity data measured from Saki Lake in Hyderabad, India, over four years (2014–2017) by the Telangana State Groundwater Department. Concurrently, Landsat-8 imagery from the USGS was employed for comprehensive analysis. The decision tree regression, optimized with hyperparameter tuning, outperformed the others, yielding an MAE of 3.246, an RMSE of 3.802, and a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.776. This study validates the decision tree method's precision in forecasting water turbidity and its strong agreement with on-site measured values.

Predictive modelling of post-monsoon groundwater quality in Telangana using machine learning techniques

Groundwater quality is vital for public health, agriculture, and industry, especially in regions like Telangana, India. This study analyses and predicts post-monsoon 2020 groundwater quality using data from the Telangana State Groundwater Department. We employed Linear Regression and Random Forest Regression to predict key parameters: pH and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Exploratory data analysis revealed significant correlations, such as between TDS and Electrical Conductivity (E.C). The Linear Regression model for TDS performed exceptionally well, with an R2 of 0.985, while the Random Forest model also showed strong results. However, both models exhibited moderate accuracy in predicting pH. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of machine learning models in predicting groundwater quality, offering valuable tools for groundwater management. These findings can aid policymakers and environmental managers in making informed decisions to safeguard water resources.

Contribution of groundwater to dietary requirements of essential metals in Lagos and Ogun States, Nigeria.

Knowledge of dietary intakes of essential elements in groundwater is important for proper assessment of the actual contribution of drinking water to daily nutrient requirements. This study assessed the daily intake of nutritional elements in drinking groundwater of Lagos and Ogun States of Nigeria. One hundred and seventy (170) water samples were collected and analyzed for thirteen (13) nutritional elements (K, Mg, Ca, Co, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo, Se, Na, Mn, Cr, and I) by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS). Chronic daily intake CDI of the nutritional elements was higher for children and infants than adults in all cases. Percentages of tolerable daily intake reference value (TIRV) obtained for Lagos State groundwater were Mg 0.425%, Ca 0.309%, Fe 14.0%, Cu 1.84%, Zn 6.25%, Mo 0.057%, and Mn 1.08%; for Ogun State groundwater, % TIRV were Mg 1.99%, Ca 0.586%, Fe 81.1%, Cu 2.12%, Zn 9.21%, Mo 1.16%, and Mn 0.023%. The order of dermal absorption by an adult in Lagos when the water is used for bathing daily was Cr > Mn > Fe > Zn > Cu while the order in Ogun was Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr. The research concluded that groundwater alone cannot provide enough essential elements for human dietary needs in the study area.

Building MODFLOW Model in ModelMuse GUI For Bari Doab

This steady state groundwater model was developed in ModelMuse GUI developed by USGS, for irrigated areas of Bari Doab with an area of 2.95657 Mha (million hectares) GCA (gross command area). Under this study, the data of depth to watertable in all canal commands of Bari Doab was also collected and analyzed. Canal water supplies have recharged the aquifer and created a groundwater resource in the command areas. Continued abstraction and extensive exploitation of groundwater have resulted in the depletion of the ground watertable especially in fresh groundwater areas. Although there is clear evidence of groundwater over exploitation, in the form of falling watertables, even then, hundreds of new wells are being installed every year without knowing the sustainability of the aquifer for meeting this increased demand. For this purpose, ModelMuse GUI (graphical user interface), which is downloadable without any fee, was used for building MODFLOW model for Bari Doab, which can be used for different scenario simulations such as climate change and re-allocation. Model was calibrated and graphs were prepared in Excel. According to the calibration results, farmers are pumping 50 to 60 % higher than canal and rainfall recharge to groundwater.

Key Elements of a State Regulatory Framework for Managed Aquifer Recharge.

The regulation and permitting of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) has largely been integrated within existing State groundwater regulations. MAR implementation encompasses associated processes that include: (1) source water acquisition and conveyance to the recharge site; (2) source water treatment to ensure compatibility with native groundwater, (3) aquifer capacity to receive recharged water; (4) migration and recovery of recharged water; (5) geochemical reactions of injected water with aquifer matrix and native groundwater; and (6) monitoring and mitigation measures as required. Characterization, design, and operation of the various components involved in successfully recharging groundwater over extended duration is evolving and depends in part on effective coordination and communication between MAR project proponents and regulators. Sustained groundwater availability will depend upon investment in development of effective managed aquifer recharge regulations that are practical, not overly burdensome and support water supply resiliency. MAR has a history of at least 100 years in the United States typically, but not exclusively, in the southwest due to more arid conditions. Regulation and permitting of MAR projects developed over that time vary substantially between states. Implemented properly, MAR project permitting and compliance provide critical oversight to protect water quality and water rights. The MAR regulatory components presented here are intended to inform future development of more consistent and effective regulation across the United States to facilitate investment in their installation and operation.

Scientific assessment of negative changes in the state of karst groundwater

Centralized water supply in remote settlements is often difficult or impossible, so there is a need to use a non-centralized water supply. The article develops a method for an expert assessment of the negative change in the state of underground karst waters based on a paired analysis of complex indicators of the protection of the aquifer. To assess the vulnerability of non-centralized water supply sources, five factors are used, including the geological structure of the territory, the level of surface and underground runoff, the development of the karst network, precipitation regime electrical conductivity, and mineralization of groundwater. The test was performed using the method of inversely weighted distances (IDW). The vulnerability assessment of karst waters was carried out in the area of 10 key control points identified during the deployment of the hydrogeological control system in 2017. Based on various geological and hydrological indicators, the discrepancy between the vulnerability assessment of karst waters was no more than 15 %. The conditions under which it is advisable to use direct measurements or geoelectric methods to monitor karst groundwater's state are identified.

Groundwater Regulation Bills in Haryana – A Call forGroundwater Conservation and Management forSustainable Irrigation Supply Services – Opportunitiesand Challenges

Over-reliance on groundwater resources for irrigation has helped achieving food/nutritional targets, at the expense of growing increased vulnerability of water resources in the northwest Indian states. In this reconnaissance study, we take Sonipat district, Haryana as a microcosm, to evaluate potential impacts of Haryana State Groundwater Management and Regulation Bill, 2008 and Haryana Preservation of Sub-Soil Water Act 2009, to understand future requirements of groundwater resources conservation/management. Well level groundwater level (GWL) information was obtained from the Central Groundwater Board’s archive, between 1996 and 2018, disaggregated by tehshils and growing seasons. Results indicated statistically significant (p<0.05) ‘shallowing’ of median GWLs in the Post-Bill periods (2009-2013 and 2014-2018) in the Sonipat and Ganaur tehshils, for all growing seasons, which might gratify the authorities about ‘success’ of the two Regulatory Bills to conserve groundwater. However, (i) presence of ‘outliers’ in Sonipat and Ganaur tehshils (deeper GWLs); (ii) dropping monitoring efficiency over years; and (iii) growing water resources vulnerability by predictive geostatistical modeling, question the above. For future conservation efforts, we urge the authorities to integrate three spheres: (1) Process-based Groundwater Research and Development; (2) Creating an Enabling Environment at Grassroots; and (3) Policy Appraisal and Institutional Changes.

Application of Meshless local Petrov-Galerkin approach for steady state groundwater flow modeling

Abstract The complicated behavior of groundwater system in an arid aquifer is generally studied by solving the governing equations using either analytical or numerical methods. In this regard, analytical methods are just for some aquifers with regular boundaries. Numerical methods used for this aim are finite difference (FDM) and finite element methods (FEM) which are engaged for some simple aquifers. Using them in the complex cases with irregular boundaries has some shortcomings, dependent on meshes. In this study, meshless local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) method based on the moving kriging (MK) approximation function is used to simulate groundwater flow in steady state over three aquifers, two standard and a real field aquifer. Moving kriging function known as new function which reduces the uncertain parameter. For the first aquifer, a simple rectangular aquifer, MLPG-MK indicates good agreement with analytical solutions. In the second one, aquifer conditions get more complicated. However, MLPG-MK reveals results more accurate than FDM. RMSE for MLPG-MK and FDM is 0.066 and 0.322 m respectively. In the third aquifer, Birjand unconfined aquifer located in Iran is investigated. In this aquifer, there are 190 extraction wells. The geometry of the aquifer is irregular as well. With this challenging issues, MLPG-MK again shows satisfactory accuracy. As the RMSE for MLPG-MK and FDM are 0.483 m and 0.566 m. therefore, planning for this aquifer based on the MLPG-MK is closer to reality.

Groundwater Recharge Assessment Using WetSpass and MODFLOW Coupling: The Case of Hormat-Golina Sub-basin, Northern Ethiopia

Water scarcity in northern Ethiopia, as well as its socio-economic relevance in terms of water demand for agriculture and domestic use, are at the root of the search for new groundwater resources and the development of groundwater models that can be used to control and manage the resource. The groundwater recharge of the Hormat-Golina sub basin was assessed using WetSpass-MODFLOW coupling. The goal of this paper is to assess the groundwater recharge in the Hormat-Golina sub-basin. These findings are then used to simulate the hydraulic head distribution using the MODFLOW groundwater flow simulation model. By comparing measured and simulated hydraulic heads, the steady state groundwater flow calibration was obtained. WetSpass calculated the mean annual evapotranspiration, surface runoff, and groundwater recharge to be 516.6, 204.9, and 35.6 mm, respectively. Groundwater recharge accounted for 4.7% of precipitation, while actual evapotranspiration and surface runoff accounted for 27% and 68% of precipitation, respectively. In such seasonal variations, the groundwater head distribution is 9.37 to 29.86 m in the winter (dry season), 9.53 to 29.89 m in the summer (wet season), and 9.58 to 30.17 m in the annual stress periods (recharges). For all stress periods, the estimated hydraulic heads in steady state fit well with the measured ones, with a correlation coefficient of 0.86 (summer, winter, and annual recharge). To preserve the resource's long-term viability, the balance between groundwater recharge and projected abstraction rates for agriculture and domestic water supply must be considered in future groundwater resource development plans in the valley.

Sustainable Management of Transboundary Groundwater Resources: Past and Future

Groundwater resources at all times have provided and continue to provide a significant impact on the economic, social, and often political activities of any state, especially if the reserves of this strategic resource are limited. Coordinated groundwater resources management is one of the main conditions for the sustainable development of countries’ transboundary basins, affecting all aspects of human activity, including water supply, agriculture, industry, hydropower, water transport, environment, and the very quality of human life. Modern international trends in the field of transboundary groundwater resources management is undergoing significant changes. This article dwells upon the features of groundwater as a mineral, the structure of state groundwater management in the Russian Federation, the regulation of transboundary groundwater use, and protection at the international and domestic levels are analyzed. The system of management of the transboundary aquifers of Kazakhstan and Belarus is considered in more detail. The unitization approach used for coordinated development of oil and gas fields can, to some extent, serve as a model for managing common groundwater aquifers located on the border of neighboring states. Dogmatic and comparative legal methods consisting of analyzing the applicable legal regulations on the use and protection of groundwater were used. Several recommendations for improving the system of state sustainable management of groundwater resources at the global level are proposed.

Beneficial effects of dynamic groundwater flow and redox conditions on Natural Attenuation of mono-, poly-, and NSO-heterocyclic hydrocarbons

Natural Attenuation (NA) processes have been demonstrated to reduce pollutant loads at different contaminated groundwater sites world-wide and are increasingly considered in contaminated site management concepts. However, data are mainly available for steady state groundwater flow and stable redox conditions as well as pollutants listed in standard regulatory schemes. In this study, the influence of transient groundwater flow and redox conditions on NA was examined at a former gas works site near the river Rhine in Germany. The investigated 78 pollutants included 40 mono- and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs, PAHs) and 38 NSO-heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NSO-HET). In the highly polluted areas, the MAHs benzene, indene and indane, the PAHs naphthalene, acenaphthene, 1- and 2-methylnaphthalene and the NSO-HET 2-methylquinoline, carbazole, benzothiophene, dibenzofuran and benzofuran were predominant. Pollutant concentrations decreased with increasing distance from the sources of contamination. At the plume fringes, the MAHs benzene and indane, the PAH acenaphthene, the NSO-HET carbazole, 5-methylbenzothiophene, 2- and 3-methylbenzofuran and 2-methyldibenzofuran were predominant, indicating low retention and slow intrinsic biodegradation of these compounds. The influence of surface water on groundwater level, pollutant concentrations, and redox conditions in the monitoring wells was observed with a permanently installed groundwater sensor. The temporary availability of oxygen was observed at the plume fringes, resulting in aerobic and ferric iron reducing biodegradation processes. Field and laboratory data were used to set-up a groundwater flow and reactive transport model used for quantification of the field mass transfer rates. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that NA is effective under transient flow and redox conditions. A conceptual model and reactive transport simulation can facilitate the interpretation of pronounced fluctuations of pollutant concentration in monitoring wells. Based on the analysis of 78 pollutants, indane, indene and several NSO-HET like carbazole, benzothiophene and 2-methyldibenzofuran are recommended for monitoring at tar oil polluted sites, besides EPA-PAHs and BTEX.

Value of InSAR for Monitoring Land Subsidence to Support Water Management in the San Joaquin Valley, California

AbstractLand subsidence caused by groundwater extraction in California’s San Joaquin Valley has been occurring for many decades. In situ monitoring of subsidence in this large geographic area has historically been limited. The California Department of Water Resources (CDWR) sought the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s assistance for satellite‐ and aircraft‐based synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) monitoring of subsidence during the 2012–2016 drought. InSAR was successful in cost‐effectively providing first‐ever synoptic measurement of land subsidence over the entire San Joaquin Valley. The purpose of the monitoring was screening or hotspot detection of impact areas affecting critical water infrastructure. Long‐term cumulative land subsidence has substantially reduced the conveyance capacity of sections of major valley canals and the monitoring revealed that subsidence rates observed during the drought ranked with maximum historically observed rates, highlighting risks to water infrastructure. InSAR also identified new and rapidly emerging hotspots adjacent to critical water infrastructure. The success of the InSAR monitoring for drought response resulted in CDWR’s decision to subsequently provide InSAR data as technical assistance to local agencies required to comply with recent state groundwater management legislation.

Cannabis farms in California rely on wells outside of regulated groundwater basins

As permitted cannabis farming in California continues to expand statewide, including in ecologically sensitive watersheds, an improved understanding of water-use practices is needed. Existing evidence suggests widespread reliance on groundwater wells for cannabis irrigation may result in streamflow depletion, yet our understanding of where and why well use for cannabis is most prevalent is currently limited. Here, we use California state cannabis permitting data to address four important information gaps regarding well use by cannabis farming: (1) the prevalence of groundwater wells as an irrigation source for regulated cannabis farms statewide, (2) the extent to which groundwater use occurs outside of regulated groundwater basins, (3) the most useful predictors of whether a farm will rely on groundwater for irrigation, and (4) the potential well use from cannabis farms that are currently unpermitted. Well use by cannabis farms is common statewide, with percentages in excess of 75% among permitted farms in nine of the 11 top cannabis producing counties. In eight of these 11 counties, more than one quarter of farms using wells are located outside of groundwater basins subject to state groundwater use regulations. We found that cultivation area size was a positive predictor of well use, while annual precipitation and on-farm stream network density were negative predictors, highlighting the influences of water demand and surface water availability. The output of a machine learning model trained with data from permitted farms in Northern California suggests that the majority (60%) of unpermitted farms are likely to use groundwater wells if they follow the same patterns as the regulated industry. Our results suggest that proactive steps be taken to address groundwater use in cannabis regulations in California and call for further research into the effects of groundwater use on streamflow, especially outside of large groundwater basins.

2021 Handbook of Florida Water Regulation: State Groundwater Discharge Regulations

This handbook is designed to provide a summary of the principal federal and state (Florida) laws that directly or indirectly relate to agriculture. Because these laws are subject to constant revision, portions of the handbook could become outdated at any time. The reader should use it as a means to determine areas in which to seek more information and as a brief directory of agencies that can help answer more specific questions.

An Urban Drought Reserve Enabled by State Groundwater Recharge Legislation

For decades, the city of Albuquerque, NM, relied solely on groundwater for its municipal water supply. However, concerns about long-term sustainability of its local groundwater resources spurred the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (the Water Authority) to pursue a groundwater recharge project which could serve as a drought reserve for future municipal use. Aided by new favorable state groundwater recharge legislation and funding, the Water Authority developed the Bear Canyon Recharge Project. The project utilizes portions of the Water Authority’s Colorado River water that is unused in a given year, delivering the water to an unlined arroyo channel where it infiltrates into local aquifers. As the first groundwater recharge project successfully implemented in New Mexico, the Bear Canyon Recharge Project required significant local effort to navigate the institutional and regulatory necessities that arose in implementing an onstream recharge project. The project illustrates that state support can be necessary but not sufficient for local implementation of groundwater recharge and points the way for other water utilities in the state who may be looking to implement groundwater recharge projects.

GRNN Model for prediction of groundwater fluctuation in the state of Uttarakhand of India using GRACE data under limited bore well data

Abstract Springs, the primary source of water in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, are disappearing day by day. A report published by United Nations Development Program in 2015 indicates that due to deforestation, and forest fire, the groundwater of the state has been reduced by 50% between 2007 and 2010. As such, for taking proper adaptation policies for the state, it is necessary to monitor the state's groundwater fluctuation. Unfortunately, the bore well data are very limited. Thus, we are proposing two general regression neural network (GRNN)-based models for fast estimation of groundwater fluctuation. The first model evaluates and predicts the groundwater fluctuation in the five known bore well data districts of the state, and the second model, which is based on the first model along with a correlation matrix, predicts the groundwater fluctuation in the districts where no bore well data are available. The assessment of the results shows that the proposed GRNN-based model is capable of estimating the groundwater fluctuation both in the areas where bore well data are available and the areas where bore well data are not available. The study shows that there is a sharp decline in the groundwater level in the hilly districts of the state.