Effects of Aquifer Heterogeneity on Estimation of Permissible Long-Term Groundwater Extraction Rates
Date
2015-08-21
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Abstract
In Alberta, Canada, groundwater extraction limits are required to ensure longevity of groundwater systems. Despite these limits, there have been incidents in which groundwater levels have declined below government regulated allowable levels. This work investigated one such incident to assess how this problem can be avoided in the future. Historical groundwater data from the Town of Irricana were studied to compare the groundwater production rates with the regulated extraction limits and to evaluate the impacts of long-term groundwater use on local groundwater levels. A 48-hour pumping test was conducted to assess the local hydrogeological conditions. Geological conditions were investigated with the use of well formation logs. The investigation revealed a bounded aquifer that is recharged by leakage from overlying hydrostratigraphic units. Analyses of hydrogeological and geological conditions using readily available data and methods utilized in this study should be applied in groundwater management practices to help quantify long-term extraction rates.
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Geology, Hydrology
Citation
Munroe, E. (2015). Effects of Aquifer Heterogeneity on Estimation of Permissible Long-Term Groundwater Extraction Rates (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/25818