GIS-Coupled Numerical Modeling for Sustainable Groundwater Development: Case Study of Aynalem Well Field, Ethiopia
Publication: Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 22, Issue 4
Abstract
Improved understanding of linkages of hydrogeological systems with human interactions is required for sustainable development of groundwater resources in arid and semiarid regions. In this paper, an integrated approach coupling geographical information system (GIS) and a finite-difference method–based numerical model was used to carry out groundwater flow modeling of the Aynalem well field aquifer system in Ethiopia to determine impacts of external hydraulic stresses on the groundwater regime and to investigate the long-term effects of current pumping practices for municipal water supply to the city of Mekelle, Ethiopia. It incorporates stream–aquifer interaction, water budgeting, and long-term groundwater level prediction. Results show good agreement between simulated and observed hydraulic heads with a correlation coefficient of 0.97. The well yield potential would decrease because of the alarming rate () of decline in groundwater level. An approximately 38-m decline in groundwater level is expected by the end of year 2022, and thus no additional wells are recommended for groundwater sustainability. Results reveal the need of regulation on groundwater draft, determination of optimized pumping rates, and groundwater recharge measures for the sustainability of groundwater resources. The sensitivity analysis reveals that the recharge is more sensitive compared to hydraulic conductivity and streambed conductance.
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Acknowledgments
The authors wish to express their thanks to the Federal Demographic Republic of Ethiopia Ministry of Water and Energy, National Meteorology Agency of Ethiopia, and Mekelle City Water Supply and Sewerage Service Office for providing the necessary data used for this study free of charge. The financial support for the field visit from Debre Markos University is also gratefully acknowledged.
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Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 22 • Issue 4 • April 2017
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©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 18, 2015
Accepted: Jun 22, 2016
Published online: Jan 23, 2017
Published in print: Apr 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Jun 23, 2017
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