Stream-Aquifer System Analysis

Under the Prior Appropriation Doctrine, the establishment of rights to use natural stream flows was determined on a basis of time, without regard to relative position on the stream of the existence of ground-water supply stored below the land. The subsequent development of ground-water supplies from alluvium below and adjacent to the streams has presented the need for planned operation of the ground-water system in conjunction with the surface supplies—such conjunctive operation being directed at both an alleviation of water right conflicts and an improvement of over-all efficiency of water use. The interrelationships of the components of a stream-aquifer system are programmed for computer analysis. A simple hypothetical model is used to present sample results of operational relationships.