Groundwater Abstraction Research Articles

The subsidence–distance relationship for land subsidence induced by groundwater abstraction

The subsidence–distance relationship for land subsidence induced by groundwater abstraction

Groundwater abstraction noticeably reduces the flow of some watercourses during the dry season

Groundwater abstraction noticeably reduces the flow of some watercourses during the dry season

The spatial distribution of surface and groundwater abstractions in Slovakia in the period 2013–2022 vs 2022

Abstract. In recent years, the impacts of climate change have become increasingly apparent; Slovakia has witnessed a rise in extreme weather conditions caused by climate change. To address these challenges, we analyze and prepare documents focused on monitoring and issuing drought warnings. These documents, including Slovakia's water resource balance, serve as fundamental materials for water management planning. The water resource balance assesses the relationship between water demands and available resources in the past year, identifying areas and times where water demands exceed supply. Additionally, our analysis provides a detailed map of surface and groundwater abstractions across Slovakia, categorizing total and individual abstractions by sector (e.g., public water supply systems, agriculture, and industry). We present surface and groundwater abstraction averages for the period of the last decade 2013–2022, along with its spatial distribution in Slovak districts. This comprehensive approach enables us to better understand and manage our water resources effectively.

Evaluating the sustainability of groundwater abstraction in small watersheds using time series analysis

Groundwater is crucial in meeting the water needs of communities, industries, and ecosystems. The effective management of this resource is essential for maintaining the long-term stability of both the environmental and socio-economic conditions. This work focuses on assessing the sustainability of groundwater abstraction in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, specifically from well fields situated within the small-scale watersheds of Winter River and North River. The advanced time series analysis techniques, including Vector Error Correction Models (VECM), Impulse Response Functions (IRFs), and Forecast Error Variance Decomposition (FEVD) are employed to investigate the relationships among precipitation, temperature, groundwater abstraction, and stream flows. The analysis of IRFs reveals dynamic responses of streams to various shocks, including the variation of temperature, precipitation and well discharges, which showcase related immediate impacts, short-term responses, and long-term relationships. Temperature fluctuations exhibit complex responses, with short-term response decreases followed by sustained increases. Precipitation emerges as a dominant factor, showing sustained positive impacts on streamflow. Well operations significantly influence stream ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of optimized well operation strategies. The FEVD revealed that the first forecast horizon for all stream flows is primarily influenced by past shocks in precipitation with 16–55% in addition to other factors. The walk forward cross-validated forecast values for the next 24 months align with seasonal trends, reflecting declining discharge in summer, variable but generally decreasing discharge in fall, and increased discharge in winter and spring. The study findings provide recommendations for sustainable groundwater abstraction practices, including optimizing well operation strategies, community and stakeholder engagement, and ecosystem preservation.

Integrating MODFLOW and machine learning for detecting optimum groundwater abstraction considering sustainable drawdown and climate changes

Detecting optimum groundwater abstraction is a challenging objective. This study proposes a new approach for identifying the optimum pumping rates by integrating MODFLOW with machine learning (ML). The adopted strategy has been applied to the Oligocene and Eocene aquifers in the western desert of Minia, Egypt. MODFLOW-2005 model has been utilized to simulate various management scenarios, including current and expected climate scenarios of two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs): RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. The steady-state and transient MODFLOW models were calibrated using the groundwater levels of 37 observation wells with a coefficient of correlation (R2) of 0.986 and 0.988, respectively. The developed model has been run for 80 years, from 2020 to 2100. The results of MODFLOW demonstrated a drawdown in the groundwater level in the two aquifers, about 40, 41, and 42 m, owing to current climate conditions and scenarios of RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively, in 2100. Generated data based on the calibrated model has been used to develop the ML models. ML models have been applied to predict the pumping rates using the well coordinates, aquifer type, evapotranspiration, the operating period in days, and drawdown as inputs. For this purpose, four ML models, Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Tree, and Artificial Neural Network (ANN)) were developed and evaluated. All ML models demonstrated an effective performance during the training and validation processes, particularly the GPR model, which has the best ability to predict the pumping rates with a correlation coefficient, RMSE, and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) equal to 1.0, 6.53, and 8.04, respectively. Therefore, the GPR model has been utilized to identify the optimum pumping rates. The findings of the GPR model revealed that the optimum abstraction of the Oligocene aquifer is 602266, 625329, and 635061 m3/day, while the Eocene aquifer’s optimal groundwater abstraction is 10229801, 1027906, and 102936 m3/day, considering the current climate, RCP 4.5, and RCP8.5, respectively. Anticipated findings are supposed to be instrumental for decision-makers, offering valuable insights into sustainable groundwater management. The novel integration methodology promotes the efficient use of groundwater, contributing to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Groundwater abstraction and woodland mortality: Lessons from Namibia

In response to escalating worldwide groundwater dependence amid climate change, accurate estimation of sustainable groundwater yield becomes crucial. This study investigated the impact of groundwater abstraction on tree mortality in Namibia. We compared tree mortality around production boreholes with monitoring boreholes and we correlated groundwater decline rates with tree mortality, establishing a model from which we derived a groundwater decline rate range limit. Ana tree mortality was significantly higher (P = 0.01) around production boreholes (13.3%) than around monitoring boreholes (0%). In the dammed Swakop River, Ana tree mortality correlated with decline rates (rS = 0.64, P < 0.01). The study suggests that decline rates of above 0.2–0.23 cm day−1 may cause elevated mortality (3–7%) and should not be sustained for extended periods. Rates exceeding 0.5 cm day−1 should be avoided, while monitoring is recommended for rates between 0.23 and 0.5 cm day−1. Woodlands in rivers with altered flood frequencies may be more sensitive to groundwater abstraction than previously thought. The study's methods offer a universal framework for refining sustainable yield calculations worldwide.

Geophysical electrical survey for aquifer detection, and carbon footprinting for groundwater abstraction in India

Geophysical electrical survey for aquifer detection, and carbon footprinting for groundwater abstraction in India

Groundwater Abstraction has Caused Extensive Ecological Damage to the Doñana World Heritage Site, Spain

Acreman et al. (Wetlands 42:63, 2022) reviewed evidence for ecological damage to the Doñana wetlands (UNESCO World Heritage Site [WHS] and Ramsar site), Spain, associated with intensification of groundwater use, particularly for agriculture. Acreman et al. presented a multistep methodology for evidence-based risk assessment that involves identification of conservation issues, and a systematic review of scientific evidence for ecological damage and its causes. However, they involved few local scientists, used a questionable methodology in stakeholder selection and involvement, used a flawed conceptual framework, and an incomplete literature review. We propose improvements to their methodology. They overlooked or misinterpreted key evidence, and underestimated the impacts that abstraction for irrigation for red fruits (mainly strawberries), rice and other crops has had on Doñana and its biodiversity. They reported groundwater level depletion of up to 10 m in the deep aquifer, but wrongly concluded that there is no evidence for impacts on the natural marsh ecosystem, the dune ponds or the ecotone. Groundwater drawdowns are actually up to 20 m, and have inverted the formerly ascending vertical hydraulic gradient in discharge areas. Phreatic levels have been lowered from 0.5 to 2 m in some areas. Groundwater abstraction has caused multiple ecological impacts to temporary ponds and marshes in the WHS, as well as to terrestrial vegetation, and should be urgently reduced. Furthermore, Acreman et al. focused on groundwater quantity while overlooking the importance of severe impacts on quality of both surface and groundwater, intimately connected to the use of agrochemicals for irrigated crops.

Using Remote Sensing to Assess the Vegetation Cover of a Protected Salt Marsh Subjected to Artificial Recharge and Groundwater Abstractions during the Period 1925–2022 (Alicante, SE Spain)

The Agua Amarga salt marsh has been subjected to artificial seawater recharge on its surface during the period 1925–1969 for industrial purposes (saltwork activity) and from 2008 to present to compensate for coastal groundwater abstraction to supply Alicante desalination plants. This groundwater abstraction has caused piezometric depletion in the coastal aquifer connected to the protected salt marsh. The seawater recharge program also involved vegetation monitoring to control the impact on the salt marsh ecosystem, allowing data to be collected about the halophyte vegetation species growing in the salt marsh (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Sarcocornia fruticosa, and Ruppia maritima, among others) from spring and autumn field surveys. In this work, vegetation development is assessed with remote sensing for the period 1929–2022 using images with visible and near-infrared spectral resolution. Different spectral indices (NDVI, BI, and NDWI) and classification algorithms (random forest) are used to calculate the vegetation cover. Field data are employed to evaluate the protocols and compare the results, showing a 46% decrease caused by the salt works and a 50% increase as a result of natural evolution and artificial recharge. The spread of Phragmites australis is also addressed by comparing LiDAR data with field monitoring, showing an increase of 12% during the period 2005–2023. The advantages and complementarity of field monitoring and remote sensing information are explained.

Predicted variable river response at high and low flows due to groundwater abstraction changes in Chalk catchments

Improving low flows in Chalk streams by relocating groundwater abstraction further downstream is an idea that has become popular in the UK in recent years. Simulations using the Environment Agency's Hertfordshire Chalk Groundwater Model predict that reducing groundwater abstraction close to ephemeral or intermittent Chalk streams is more likely to increase river flows during high-flow conditions than during low flows. This finding helps to explain the apparent lack of observed benefit to river flows during drought periods in catchments where abstractions have been reduced. If abstraction reductions are predicted to result in more of an increase to high river flows than to low flows, they may risk contributing to increased flood likelihood downstream, without providing significant habitat protection during low flows. Conversely, it has also been found that, under certain circumstances, preferential benefits can be predicted for low flows. Simulations show that such benefits are most likely to manifest by relocating abstraction to downstream locations where groundwater levels are already below the base of the riverbed (e.g. due to existing abstraction or artificial channel modifications). Here, the varying degree of hydraulic connection between groundwater and river can result in preferential benefits to downstream low flows and reduced downstream flood risk. Thematic collection: This article is part of the Karst: Characterization, Hazards &amp; Hydrogeology collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/karst

Impact assessment of long-term high-volume abstraction of groundwater from Palla floodplain aquifers of Delhi, India

The global demand for freshwater resources has universally stressed the groundwater system. This is particularly seen in urban areas like the National Capital Territory (NCT), Delhi where extreme disturbance in the natural flow conditions may result in a variety of complex hydrological crises. To address the issues of uneven water distribution in NCT-Delhi, a detailed assessment was undertaken to formulate a holistic approach to efficiently utilize natural water in the late 1990s and early 2000s, leading to the development of the Palla well field, which has been deemed successful on the water supply front. However, its hydrogeological impact assessment was not fully reviewed until now.In this context, the study presented here aims to assess the impact of the long-term pumping from Palla well field tube wells on the physical and chemical attributes of the hydrogeological system. The experimental investigations revealed that the aquifers have high potential, and can achieve dynamic equilibrium relatively faster, thereby showing resilience to the drastic effects of prolonged pumping. Furthermore, the isotopic signatures revealed varying impacts of recharge associated with given hydrological settings.Additionally, the XRD and SEM-EDS analyses indicate that the sediment-groundwater interaction does not primarily control the major ion chemistry in the younger alluvium. However, iron enrichment in a few groundwater samples was supposedly observed to be a product of the chemical weathering of iron oxides. Overall, the multifaceted investigation provided evidence that there is no major detrimental impact on the groundwater system from the prolonged pumping in the Palla wellfield.

Neural network predictions of drawdown from groundwater abstraction in the Egebjerg catchment, Denmark

Results from numerical simulations play a vital role in the decision process of everyday groundwater management. However, these simulations can be time-consuming for large-scale investigations, and it can be necessary to apply approximate methods instead. This study investigates the abilities of a neural network to replicate simulated drawdown from groundwater abstraction in a numerical groundwater model of the Egebjerg catchment, Denmark. We follow a generalised methodology that uses the information within the deterministic numerical model to create a training set for the neural network to learn from and extend the method to work in a 3D Danish groundwater model case. We compare the abilities of the trained neural network with the results of conventional computations in terms of speed and accuracy and argue that this approach has the potential to improve decision support for decision-makers within groundwater management.

Performance of Regression and Artificial Neural Network Models, Informed with an In Situ Sensor Network, in Forecasting Groundwater Abstraction in the Central Valley, California

Performance of Regression and Artificial Neural Network Models, Informed with an In Situ Sensor Network, in Forecasting Groundwater Abstraction in the Central Valley, California

Energy consumption as a proxy to estimate groundwater abstraction in irrigation

Groundwater irrigated agriculture accounts for approximately 70% of global groundwater withdrawals and around 38% of the total irrigated area. The indiscriminate use of groundwater has resulted in the depletion of groundwater resources across many regions globally. To ensure sustainable use, it is imperative to limit abstraction to within the average annual recharge rate. However, in agricultural systems in many developing countries, including India, where millions of smallholder farmers use individual wells for pumping, monitoring, and reliable data are lacking. This study proposes an energy-based approach to estimate groundwater abstraction, providing a low-cost method for deriving estimates of moderate accuracy. The research focuses on two areas with contrasting aquifer conditions in Gujarat, India: one alluvial and one hard rock. Using pump and well data, a conversion factor (CF) relating to the volume of water abstracted per unit of energy consumed is determined. In hard rock aquifers, the conversion factor decreases from an average of 6.0 m³ kWh−1 for 3 HP pumps to 4.7 m³ kWh−1 for 7.5 HP pumps. In alluvial aquifers characterized by higher aquifer transmissivity and flow rates, the conversion factor decreases from an average of 9.4 m³ kWh−1 for 10 HP pumps to 4.7 m³ kWh− 1 for 20 HP pumps. The developed relationship shows that CF is related to factors such as pump horsepower, well characteristics, groundwater levels, and pump age. The CF relationship with pump and well characteristics is more robust (R2 ∼ 0.75) in alluvial aquifers compared to the hard rock aquifer (R2 ∼ 0.49). The developed models provide satisfactory estimates of groundwater abstraction, with R2 ∼ 0.92 for alluvial aquifers and ∼0.69 for hard rock aquifers, as compared to observed data on groundwater abstraction. This energy-based approach offers a cost-effective means of monitoring groundwater abstraction, particularly crucial in regions with heavily developed groundwater resources.

Pond basin colonization by terrestrial vegetation indicates wetland deterioration

Abstract Efforts to conserve the pond network in the Doñana National Park are being threatened by groundwater overexploitation. The dramatic expansion of farming and tourism in nearby areas has caused a severe lowering of the water table, reducing pond hydroperiod length or even instigating pond desiccation. It is important to document the link between groundwater abstraction and pond deterioration with a view to decreasing human pressures on the park and preserving the pond network's singular biodiversity. Here, the gradual deterioration of one of the network's main ponds is described in detail by characterizing vegetation patterns within the pond's basin using orthophotos taken between 1956 and 2019. In the earliest images, the pond contained a wide central area of bare soil during its dry phase. This area was surrounded by reeds and had a line of Tamarix canariensis trees along its southern edge. Starting in 2000, the orthophotos showed the pond's gradual colonization by terrestrial vegetation. In tandem, pond hydroperiod decreased, as did the length of time the pond retained certain depths of water. In recent years, Tamarix trees finally fully invaded the pond's central area, which is surrounded by reeds and has scattered terrestrial bushes and pines. This invasion resulted from the pond's sparse inundation over recent decades, being the cover of trees related to the depth of groundwater, and is a clear sign of pond deterioration. More broadly, colonization by terrestrial vegetation has been observed in approximately 60% of the network's ponds. Colonization of temporary pond basins by terrestrial vegetation can be used as an indicator of deterioration and highlights the need for active restoration and management.

Using numerical modelling to test the geological and groundwater conceptual understanding of a complex, layered aquifer: a case study from the Fell Sandstone, Northumbria

Groundwater abstractions from the Carboniferous Fell Sandstone, Northumbria, NE England, provide water supply to the Berwick-upon-Tweed area. Management of these abstractions, totalling 6.5 Ml/day, by the water company along with the regulator for sustainability issues is required. Groundwater abstraction takes place from different sandstone units, which are separated by mudstones, with monitored groundwater heads showing variable responses to system stresses. To improve understanding of this complex system, various activities have been undertaken. Geological mapping and interpretation have been conducted to characterize the nature, geometry and interconnection of the sandstone units, along with the superficial deposits. Recharge modelling helped to quantify inputs to the system and to understand the long-term water balance. A time-variant model has been implemented to simulate groundwater flow in the sandstone units and to quantify the groundwater balance. The work confirms that the Fell Sandstone can be split into seven discrete sandstone units, separated by low-permeability mudstones, with variable laterally connectivity not necessarily laterally connected. There is a range of timescales of groundwater response to recharge events from slow (6 months) to very rapid ( c. 1 day). These findings confirm the complexity of this groundwater system and are transferable to similar sandstone systems in the UK and worldwide. Thematic collection: This article is part of the Hydrogeology of Sandstone collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/hydrogeology-of-sandstone

Innovative monitoring for managing groundwater abstraction for agricultural irrigation in northeast Lower Saxony

Innovative monitoring for managing groundwater abstraction for agricultural irrigation in northeast Lower Saxony

ROS production upon groundwater oxygenation: Implications of oxidative capacity during groundwater abstraction and discharging

Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl radical (•OH), has been increasingly discovered upon oxygenation of reduced species in anoxic soil and sediment pore waters. We therefore hypothesize that H2O2 and •OH can be produced during groundwater abstraction and discharging due to oxygenation. To evaluate the capacities of H2O2 and •OH accumulation during groundwater oxygenation, here we measured H2O2 and •OH accumulations during dark oxygenation of groundwater abstracted from different depths of 11 wells adjacent to the Han River. This abstraction could simulate the scenarios of groundwater abstraction by riverside pumping and also of groundwater discharging in hyporheic zones. Results showed that H2O2 and •OH formed during oxygenation of the groundwater with low Eh values (< 63 mV), and only H2O2 (< 3.37 μM) formed for the groundwater with high Eh values (63–206.5 mV). Statistical analysis indicated that dissolved Fe(II) was mainly accountable for the production of measurable •OH in the low Eh locations. The aquifer conditions (i.e., aquifer lithology) and external environmental factors (i.e. pumping disturbance) within short-term abstraction process had negligible influence on ROS production. The relationship between ROS production and groundwater chemistry was further explored by multiple linear regression, which deduced the quantitative models for estimating ROS production upon oxygenation of groundwater from different sources with different chemistry. Using the abstracted groundwater in western Bengal basin as an example, the estimated results indicated that ROS production had a great potential to oxidize the typical contaminant of As(III). As ROS, particularly •OH, represents strong oxidants, our findings implicate an overlooked oxidative capacity during groundwater abstraction and discharging in hyporheic zones or other areas, which could lead to the oxidative transformation of substances and the oxidative stress of microbial metabolism and associated biogeochemical processes in the environments suffering from groundwater oxygenation. This oxidative capacity is particularly important when the groundwater with low Eh values, i.e., under strongly reductive conditions, were abstracted and oxygenated in the surface.

HORIZONTAL CIRCULAR PUMPING WELLS TO MINIMIZE SALINE WATER UPCONING: WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT MEASURE FOR TROPICAL SAVANNA CLIMATIC NINH THUAN AREA, VIETNAM

Link for citation: Nguyen Van Hoang, Trinh Hoai Thu, Shakirov R.B., Syrbu N.S., Tran Thi Thuy Huong, Lee N.S. Horizontal circular pumping wells to minimize saline water upconing: water resource development measure for tropical savanna climatic Ninh Thuan area, Vietnam. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Аssets Engineering, 2023, vol. 334, no. 4, рр.209-220. In Rus.&#x0D; The relevance. The Southern central region of Vietnam, including Ninh Thuan province, has a tropical savanna climate and has been heavily suffering from drought and water salinization. Ninh Thuan province has faced severe droughts in recent years because of the increase of the frequency and intensity of extreme weather conditions, the water scarcity, and the salinity of the groundwater. The distribution of fresh and saline groundwater in Ninh Thuan plain has three zones: 1) zone of entire profile with fresh groundwater; 2) zone of the upper profile's with fresh groundwater and of the lower profile's with saline groundwater, and 3) zone of entire profile with saline groundwater. The groundwater abstraction facilities in the first zone are vulnerable to salinization from surrounding saline water, while in the second zone are vulnerable to the upconing saline water from below. The aim: to determine the optimal groundwater pumping in respect to given water level drawdown, to show that the horizontal circular wells are the best for minimization of saline water upconing, to determine the relationship between the saline water upconing height and the radii of the horizontal circular wells. Objects: tropical savanna climate, coastal plain, fresh and saline groundwater, aquifer with fresh water in the upper profile and saline water in the lower profile, circular groundwater wells, saline water upconing. Methods: finite element method, dynamic programming, Dagan–Bear model of saline water upconing, superimposition principle in dealing with multiple pumping points for identification of overall saline water upconing. Results. Different schemes of pumping fields with either vertical wells or horizontal circular wells with different radii were analyzed for saline water upconing. The time of saline upconing height in all the alternative schemes were determined. A very well regression curve of the relationship between the time saline water upconing to the horizontal circular wells and the circular well radii was obtained. The analysis results are extremely useful supporting well design in terms of minimization of saline water upconing.

Thirty-four years of Landsat monitoring reveal long-term effects of groundwater abstractions on a World Heritage Site wetland

Wetlands are among the most biodiverse yet endangered ecosystems on Earth. Despite being the most important wetland in Europe, the Doñana National Park (southwestern Spain) is no exception, and the increase of nearby groundwater abstractions for intensive agriculture and human supply has raised international concerns about the conservation of this iconic wetland. It is thus needed to assess wetlands' long-term trends and responses to global and local factors to make informed management decisions. In this paper, we used 442 Landsat satellite images to analyze the historical trends and drivers of the date of desiccation and maximum flooded area in 316 ponds located in Doñana National Park during a 34-year period (1985–2018) and found that 59 % of the ponds studied are currently desiccated. The use of Generalized Additive Mixed Models (GAMMs) showed inter-annual variation in rainfall and temperature as the most important factors determining pond flooding. However, GAMMS also showed that intensive agriculture and the nearby tourist resort were related to the desiccation or shrinking of ponds all over Doñana, finding that the strongest negative flooding anomalies (i.e. ponds flooding less than explained by climate alone) were located in proximity to pumping areas. These results suggest that current levels of groundwater exploitation may be unsustainable and require urgent measures to control abstractions to ensure the integrity of the Doñana pond network, and the persistence of >600 wetland-dependent species.