Streamflow Depletions Resulting from Ground Water Transfers

by Chris C. Mahannah, Water Research & Development, Inc, Reno, United States,
Clare N. Mahannah, Water Research & Development, Inc, Reno, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Management of Irrigation and Drainage Systems: Integrated Perspectives

Abstract:

An application to move the point of diversion of a quasi-municipal ground water right from about 4.8 km to a second well about 0.3 km from a river channel was made in the Reno/Sparks, Nevada service area. A simple analytical solution invoking image wells and the principle of superposition was initially used to ascertain the impact of the well pumpage upon the River. A more rigorous analysis, using a multi-layer numerical finite difference simulation flow model (MODFLOW) was also developed to quantify the impacts of this proposed pumpage upon the River. Model results indicated that after 30, 90 and 365 days of pumping at the proposed point of diversion, 67, 82 and 89 percent of the well's supply, respectively would be taken directly from the River. Flow measurements taken during low River stage conditions, confirmed that pumpage from wells located near the River caused streamflow depletions.

Subject Headings: Wells (water) | Streamflow | High-rise buildings | Groundwater flow | Groundwater depletion | Flow measurement | Simulation models | Nevada | United States

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