Integrating storage and spatial variability into regional groundwater balances : Moving towards water security in hard rock coastal areas

• In terrains with limited soil cover and groundwater storage, groundwater resource management is governed by the spatial nature of storage, recharge and extraction. Local soils may act as important groundwater reservoirs for residents which have no other feasible water supply. A novel groundwater balance methodology is presented which accounts for the spatial distribution of storage and extraction. Existing topographical and geological databases as well as well data were used to construct a conceptual model of the groundwater system, assuming stratigraphy based on typical geology. The method is implemented in a geographic information systems environment and allows for variable climate and land use scenarios.Several scenarios were examined with this method, demonstrating that on a regional scale average reservoir volumes meet demand but at the local levels depletion of reservoirs may be experienced. Groundwater level drawdown in excess of 50% of the projected reservoir storage were seen, particularly near the coast. Soil-filled valleys may act as local hydraulic barriers, preventing contamination from saline water provided no direct hydraulic connection is present. The method demonstrates the importance of a spatial approach in managing groundwater resources, and shows promise as a tool for planners in increasing water security.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Samhällsbyggnadsteknik -- Vattenteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Civil Engineering -- Water Engineering (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

crystalline rock

fractured rock

geographic information systems

groundwater recharge

water budget

water security

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

ovr (ämneskategori)