Optimal Ground Water Distribution Systems

Most utilities and other large users of ground water construct well fields to deliver the needed supply. There are two engineering problems that need to be solved in these instances. First is the optimal spacing of the wells and their interconnecting pipe network. The other is operating the well field optimally. For designing the well field, the long term effects of the field need to be estimated. If the cone of depression stabilizes over time, the steady state dynamic pumping levels are the main determinate of the well field design, assuming a reasonably homogenous aquifer. The pumping strategy is more complex. As water demand increases, the order in which the wells are brought on may change. First, the engineer needs the cost function of each well plus the pipe characteristics, etc. Then either a "brute force" (for small fields) or an mathematical optimization model may be used to determine the most cost effective scheme. For large utilities, the algorithm may be incorporated into their SCADA system.