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Pre Investigation

Report
GROUNDWATER MODELING ON EFFECTS OF DOUBLE
EXTRACTION RATE FROM THE WELL IN THE KIL MUNICIPALITY

GRV.Co
RAMIRO PILCO ZOLA | ARLISA FEBRIANI
JANUARY, 2005
Summary

This report made under the request of Kil Municipality, to elaborate the impacts on the hydro
geological condition as a result of double extraction rate on the Kil’s Municipal Well. Data of
location derived from Hydrogeological map SGU (Ag nr 3) and information from Kil
Municipality used as a basic information for groundwater modelling, which conducted using
MODFLOW in the GMS 10.0.11
Values for hydrologic parameters that is needed to perform modelling in this study, such as
hydraulic conductivity and recharge rate, derived from literature. These values considered as the
limiting factor of outcome of the modelling, because it has a very wide range values that could
decrease the degrees of certainty in the outcome. To overcome the uncertainty, calibration
applied to the model by introducing observation points into the model. Based on the calibration
result, values of hydrologic parameters adjusted in order to have the most similar condition to
reality. Adjustment of hydrologic parameter values was done under the acceptable range based
on reference from the literature.
The calibrated model used to simulate doubled extraction on groundwater well. Based on the
MODFLOW result, decrease of hydraulic head on the area could be observed. In this case, the
doubled extraction causing ‘leakage’ in the river with a balanced flow. This effects considered
insignificance, because there is a surplus water on the initial condition, but it is suggested to
perform further study on the river to ensure minimum consequence to the environment.
Contents
Summary ....................................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Method & Methodology............................................................................................................................... 3
Conceptual Model ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Results .......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Discussion .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Possible Consequences ............................................................................................................................. 10
Reflection about MODFLOW..................................................................................................................... 10
References.................................................................................................................................................. 11
Reference list for figures and tables ........................................................................................................ 11
Appendix .................................................................................................................................................... 12
Calculations................................................................................................................................................ 13
Flow Budgets ............................................................................................................................................. 14
Introduction
Kil’s Municipality future plan is to double the extraction of groundwater well, from 10 l/s to 20
l/s. This plan was made due to the increase of the water consumption in the future. In order to
predict the effect of doubled consumption, a groundwater modelling and simulation conducted
around the area of the groundwater well using a MODFLOW code on GMS 10.0.11 software.
Data of area provided by Kil Municipality and SGU Map nr.3 was used to define and calibrate
the conceptual model of hydro-geologic situation, as well as data about characteristics of
geologic unit from literature (Hydraulic conductivity and recharge rates). The interest area is
shown in the Figure 1, with the town of Kil and neighbors like in the east Broby and the north-
west Falla.

Figure 1. Kil Kommun

Method & Methodology

In order to understand the situation of the aquifer of Kil, schematic physical configuration of the
aquifer was made, using data from hydrogeological map SGU nr 3 along with data provided by
Kil’s Municipality. Cross section along and across the Esker was made to have a detailed view
on the situation of studied area (See Figure 2). These information then used as a basic knowledge
to understand groundwater movement in the area. The initial groundwater-modeling performance
considers 10 l/s of groundwater extraction from the aquifer for human consumption in the KIL
community, the second scenario double water extraction (20 l/s).
For the modeling first was developed the database characterizing the aquifer, the corresponding
climatic condition for the recharge, and the hydrogeological parameters for the water movement
estimation. This conceptual model use different values for Hydraulic Conductivity and Recharge
Rates in different area which divided based on its geologic unit. The modeling was completed
with calibration processes with further explanation on ‘conceptual model’ section.

Conceptual Model
Taken into account a conceptual modeling approach was form a generic view about groundwater
condition and movement of the aquifer in KILL Community-Sweden (Fetter, 2001). The
definition of the conceptual model, followed by the ground-water-model, is based on the
schematic physical configuration of the aquifer, available on the hydrogeological maps for the
area in Sweden and as well the topographic conditions. The ground-water-model performance
for the steady state considers the groundwater extraction for human consumption in the KILL
community; the initial groundwater-modeling performance considers 10 l/s of groundwater
extraction from the aquifer for human consumption in the KIL community, the second scenario
double water extraction (20 l/s).
The model is then applied in MODFLOW code embedded in GMS 10.0.11. It is a Conceptual
Model Approach software, where the MODLOW has a modular finite-difference flow model
which solves the groundwater flow equation and GMS consists of advanced three dimensional
groundwater modeling (http://www.aquaveo.com/software/gms-modflow). Modflow includes
two parts: one is the impost items: grid, time stepping, hydraulic parameters, boundary
conditions and solution parameters; by other hand the output items include: hydraulic head,
drawdown, flow rates, mass balance and iteration information. Two kinds of approaches can be
used to construct a MODFLOW simulation in GMS: the grid approach or the conceptual model
approach. The first one can work directly with 3D grid on cell-by cell basis (MODFLOW – Grid
Approach); the second one consists in using GIS tool and developing a conceptual model for the
interested side. For this is necessary to perform a data base for different items, staring with the
geometry and concluding on calibration parameters. When the model is completed this is
converted to the grid model. This step involves the simulation processes and is followed by the
calibration processes.
The physical condition in terms of polygon was derived on the hydro-geologic and
georeferenced map SGU (1970) at Scale 1:50000. Territory that been studied was defined by
natural boundary condition such as ground water divider located near Dalskogen as Northern
limit and near Vilhelnsro for Southern limit, whereas the Western and Eastern Side boundaries
are areas with postglacial clay and glacial clay. These natural boundaries was carefully taken
into account to define the shape of the polygon, which in final we got the boundary condition of
the aquifer and further modeling. The present boundary now is placed between the geographic
coordinates: 15 7` of LAT - 59 25` of LONG and 15 7` LAT - 59 20`LONG; with approximate
area of 10 Km2.
According to our conceptual model and information from Kil’s municipality, geometry of
aquifer could be assumed to have volume with length 10 Km from North to South while the
average width from the aquifer is around 500 m and thickness varied from 15 m to 45 m. This
aquifer has a saturated thickness around 5 to 25 meters which situated on top of a bedrock with
elevation 30 – 40 above sea level.
Area of study consist of three main geologic unit such as esker (green area), coarse silt (yellow
dotted), and fine sand (orange area) (see figure 2). It is estimated that the groundwater flow
mainly occur in the esker, this estimation was based on the information of hydraulic properties,
where other geological unit has lower properties of hydraulic conductivity. Geologic unit with
lower hydraulic properties are more unlikely able to contain flow that is enough to supply
groundwater wells. Hydraulic properties such as hydraulic conductivity and recharge rate
presented as different layer on the model.

The layer of hydraulic conductivity consist of 4 polygons which made based on different
hydraulic gradient in the area. For the layer of recharge condition, considering two variables, the
precipitation and evaporation at annual scale in 4 different areas. The precipitation for the area is
650 mm/year and the evaporation 400 mm/year; therefore the infiltration value result by
multiplying the precipitation and evaporation difference by 50% and 75%.

The other layer performed for the modeling was the source/sink coverage, which allows to define
the values of specific head for the existing river, the drains which are the spring and properly the
well in exploitation. For the head in the river was assigned a value close to the topographic
elevation (-0.1 m); for the conductance the value of 86 (m2/day)/(m), considering the longitude
of 0.1 m and cross section area of 1 m2. Conductance for the two drains (K8 and K9) determined
as 800 (m2/day)/(m). Finally it was introduced the elevation area for the polygon according the
elevation values.

Another consideration that should be taken regarding the groundwater flow is the topography.
Topography of studied area was made based on SGU map nr 3, where the points to shape
topography in this model are made from 36 points.
Information about the studied area was transformed into a conceptual model using Microsoft
excel and Paint tools in Windows. Cross sectional view along the esker and across the esker
could be seen in Figure 2.
The modeling was completed with calibration processes. For this was created three observed
wells, derived from the hydrogeological map (SGU, 1970). The processes was consisted in
checking and running the model for several times, mostly by reducing the error between the
simulating head value and the observed head.

Results
Cross section of the lithology
In the Figure 2 is shown the longitudinal cross section of the lithology of the KIL zone. The
section extends from the northern water divider (15 7` of LAT - 59 25` of LONG), where the
potentiometric elevation is at 60 m, till the southern water divider (15 7` LAT - 59 20`LONG),
where the potentiometric elevation is at 55 m. Roughly three principal layers were identified,
consisting of the bedrock which is granite, the unsaturated and saturated zone and the layer of the
aquifer which has a thickness between 10 and 40 m. In general the unsaturated thickness in
thickness is less than the saturated thickness.

Figure 2: The main and longitudinal cross section of the KIL aquifer.

Hydraulic conductivity and recharge


In the Figure 3 we have 4 different zones of hydraulic conductivity according to different
hydraulic gradient behavior in the hydrogeological map of KIL. The defined zones is based on
the potentiometric surface information; thus mainly two kind of gradients were considered, one
type has low hydraulic gradient, the other type has high hydraulic gradient. On the same figure
we can see the four diverse zones and with respective hydraulic conductivity values defined
during the calibration processes. These finales values ranges from 2 to 30 m/d; consequently as
an example the low value of K belongs to low gradient hydraulic and the high value to opposite.
By the other hand on similar way was defined the recharge zones, in this case based on the
surface permeable areas (Figure 3). In total 5 zones were identified with different shapes. The
esker formation represents the largest one, for which on the calibration processes was obtained
the recharge value of 0.00055 m/d; followed by sand and gravel formation, defining the recharge
value of 0.0007 m/d; finally also we have the sand and coarse silt formations in small extension
for both.

Figure 3: Final hydraulic conductivity and recharge values obtained during the calibration
processes of the model

Water flow pattern and potentiometric surface (MODFLOW)


As outputs of the MODFLOW application have resulted in three types: the groundwater flow
pattern direction, the potentiometric surface of groundwater and the mass of balance, which are
shown in the next Figures 4 and 5. On the same as outputs we have for two scenarios: scenario
one which is to be considered a steady state of the aquifer with water extraction of 10 l/s, the
second scenario which is to be considered for double water extraction (20 l/s).
Scenario-1(left side): Q=10 l/s
For this scenario were defined two generic groundwater flow fields, one of them is marked by
flow in direction from north to the river, the second field is marked by the flow in direction from
south to the river. The flow direction is defined as a perpendicular line to heads lines. The
maximum water heads for the extreme sides ranges between 63 and 52 m; the buffer zone where
we have the river has around 43 m of head. In this steady we have groundwater movement from
high topographic elevation to the lowest elevation, and in the buffer zone (river), we can
appreciate the groundwater contribution slightly to the river.
Scenario-2 (right side): Q=20 l/s
The results for scenario in general are showing the same above pattern (like for scenario-1),
which includes two generic groundwater pattern flow fields, only with small changes in water
heads for the buffer zone (river). Due to double water extraction now we have for the extreme
zones the head between 62 and 52 m; the river water been reduced slightly. Considering both
scenarios, we can conclude the following: in the first scenario probably the river receives water
from the aquifer and in the second one, because the water table was reduced to the extra
extraction, the river is contributing to compensate the water table.

Figure 4: Ground water flow pattern and potentiometric surface

In the Figure 5 the previous maps were ploted in 3D, where can be seen the elevation, the
thickness of the aquifer and the the water table. Due to double water extration the water table has
sufferd a drawndown.
Q 10
lps

Q 20
lps

Figure 5: 3D view of Ground water flow pattern and potentiometric surface

Flow budget on MODFLOW

In Table 1 is shown the results of the water balance of the aquifer and for both scenarios
mentioned. The input/output variables in this case are: wells, drains, river leakage, recharge and
sources/sinks. The water budget is summarized in Total Flow, and for the first scenario-1 the
amount of inflow to the aquifer is higher in comparison to outflow; for the second scenario between
the Flow In and Flow Out almost are equal. According to this situation we can conclude saying, if the
system is in balance for the scenario-2, the water extraction can be done up to 20 l/s for the Kil
Municipality. Also the same results the extracted water can be replaced by water river leakage.

Q 10 lps Q 20 lps
Components
Flow In Flow Out Flow In Flow Out
Q 10 lps Q 20 lps
Components
Flow In Flow Out Flow In Flow Out
Wells 0 -864 0 -1728
Drains 0 -765.26 0 -760.80
River Leakage 0 -859.43 185.42 -185.31
Recharge 2488.60 0 2488.60 0
Total Sources/Sinks 2488.60 0 2674.03 -2674.12
Total Flow 2488.60 -2408.70 2674.03 -2674.12
Table 1: Flow Budget

Discussion
The scenario-1 explains that two drains represent the water extraction from the well (springs) as
the same the single well (Kil); in the case the river is fed by aquifer substantially, which is
explained by the result of the water balance, even this can be due the weak calibration of the
model, which is open for the further discussion. Definitely the aquifer receives water from
recharge, making in total higher value of inflow in respect to outflow like water extraction from
well and the evaporation. The recharge is very important for the aquifer. Since the simulating
head was reached by the observed well heads, all the parameters and variables assumed on
different criteria must be considered as values close to reals ones.
The head relationship between the river and aquifer can be greatly improved having the elevation
from the field, also having the head valued for the observed wells, or the same introducing more
real values of recharge.

Possible Consequences
From the water balance made by MODFLOW we can conclude that after extraction the aquifer is
not able to suffer any negative consequences, since the systems in in balance. It was noticed due
to slightly water table reduction the water inflow can increase by the river leakage, thus only in
this case the we could have some possible consequences, of course in case into the river can be
trough any contaminants. The hydraulic head relation between the river and the water table is
very close from both side.

Reflection about MODFLOW


Based on our experience when using the MODFLOW, this software could not simulate dynamic
conditions. We have analyzed the artificial changes of the system, but we must also analyze the
possible natural changes, such as the recharge changes due to climate changes.
Regarding the outcome of this software, the conceptual model can be reach by assuming
different technical values. However, tutorial from this software provide limited information on
how to define certain values, thus if Kil’s Municipality decided to use this software, it is
suggested to ensure that the users already have prior experience and knowledge or provide some
training for the user.
References

Aquaveo 2014. GMS 10.0 Tutorial: Modflow-Conceptual Model Approach- I. Aquaveo


Aquaveo 2014. GMS 10.0 Tutorial: Modflow-Conceptual Model Approach- II. Aquaveo
Aquaveo 2014. GMS 10.0 Tutorial: Model Calibration. Aquaveo
http://www.aquaveo.com/software/gms-modflow
Fetter, C.,W., 2001. Applied hydrogeology. Pearson.

Reference list for figures and tables

Figure 1 taken from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kil_Municipality and SGU’s website


http://apps.sgu.se/kartvisare/kartvisare-berggrund-1-miljon-en.html
Appendix

Hydraulic Conductivity
Hydraulic Conductivity (K) values determined by looking at the geologic unit and hydraulic
gradient. For the first trial the area divided into three different polygon, and after the calibration we
adjusted the polygon into four.
K values range taken from Fetter’s ‘Applied Hydrogeology’ (page 85)

Recharge rate
Recharge rate calculated by multiplying infiltration rate with capacity of the geologic unit to
infiltrate (in percentage). Infiltration rate should be reduced by evapotranspiration number before
multiplied by the presentation of water that infiltrate.
Infiltration rate in Kil’s municipality is approximately 650 mm/year while the Evapotranspiration
rate is 400 mm/ year.

𝑚𝑚 (𝐼𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 − 𝐸𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛) 𝑥 % 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛


𝑅𝑒𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 (𝑖𝑛 )=
𝑑𝑎𝑦 365
Variations for % infiltration given in the table below
Recharge area % infiltration % of Infiltration for sand and gravel assumed very high
Sand and Gravel 102 % (>100%) because from the map we could see that the area of
Sand 70% sand and gravel in the model is in upper most part, which have
Esker 80% additional infiltration from surrounding area. 102 % value
Coarse Silt 50% assigned based from the adjustment process after calibration.
Clay 25%
Calculations

Calculations for river and spring conductance was calculated using the equation from MODFLOW
tutorial:
𝑘𝑥𝐴
𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 =
L
K = hydraulic conductivity
A = Cross sectional area
L = length

First value that we use for the Conductance for the river and springs was 8.64, this is calculated
using k= 10-5 m/s with A = 1 m2 and L = 0.1 m.

The final value that is assigned to the model was 86 for river and 800 for springs. These number
determined after calibration. The value was adjusted to approach the real situation.
Flow Budgets
Flow Budgets for Q 10 l/s Flow Budgets for Q 20 l/s

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