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Sources of groundwater pumpage in a layered aquifer system in the Upper Gulf Coastal Plain, USA |
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| Authors: | Yun Huang Bridget R Scanlon Jean-Philippe Nicot Robert C Reedy Alan R Dutton Van A Kelley Neil E Deeds |
| Institution: | 1. Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, University Station, Box X, Austin, TX, 78713-8924, USA 2. Department of Geological Science, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA CIRCLE, San Antonio, TX, 78249-0663, USA 3. INTERA Incorporated, 1812 Centre Creek Dr # 300, Austin, TX, 78758, USA |
| Abstract: | Understanding groundwater-pumpage sources is essential for assessing impacts on water resources and sustainability. The objective of this study was to quantify pumping impacts and sources in dipping, unconfined/confined aquifers in the Gulf Coast (USA) using the Texas Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer. Potentiometric-surface and streamflow data and groundwater modeling were used to evaluate sources and impacts of pumpage. Estimated groundwater storage is much greater in the confined aquifer (2,200?km3) than in the unconfined aquifer (170?km3); however, feasibility of abstraction depends on pumpage impacts on the flow system. Simulated pre-development recharge (0.96?km3/yr) discharged through evapotranspiration (ET, ～37%), baseflow to streams (～57%), and to the confined aquifer (～6%). Transient simulations (1980–1999) show that pumpage changed three out of ten streams from gaining to losing in the semiarid south and reversed regional vertical flow gradients in ～40% of the entire aquifer area. Simulations of predictive pumpage to 2050 indicate continued storage depletion (41% from storage, 32% from local discharge, and 25% from regional discharge capture). It takes ～100?yrs to recover 40% of storage after pumpage ceases in the south. This study underscores the importance of considering capture mechanism and long-term system response in developing water-management strategies. |
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