Groundwater models are becoming increasingly important in water resources management. Most aquifers in the UK are closely linked with river systems, to which they contribute baseflow from seepages and springs. As a result, major groundwater abstractions almost inevitably affect river flows. To assess with confidence the effect of utilizing groundwater resources, an aquifer and river system has to be linked within an integrated model which can simulate varying hydrogeological conditions throughout the catchment.The main features of an integrated catchment management model, which links aquifer and river systems, are described in this paper. The model has been applied to a number of catchments in southern England including the River Darent in Kent, which is probably the most well-known and worst-affected of all rivers identified nationally as suffering from overabstraction.The process of model preparation and calibration is illustrated with reference to the River Darent. Twenty years of river flow and groundwater hydrograph records were used in producing a close simulation of modelled and actual hydrological conditions. The model was then operated to assess a large number of possible options for restoring flows to the river. Examples of various management strategy simulations are given, leading to formulation of a water resources management plan for the Darent. This involved (a) reductions in selected abstractions, (b) flow augmentation using river support boreholes, and (c) meeting peak groundwater supply demands in drought periods.
Groundwater contamination by chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethene is of increasing concern in the UK. This paper describes a case study of chlorinated solvent contamination of the Chalk aquifer at a groundwater supply source in eastern England. The investigations comprised two phases: the first phase focused on the extent and nature of the contamination within the main Chalk aquifer (both in the fissures and in the Chalk matrix); and the second phase targeted the sources of contamination through detailed sampling of the unsaturated drift at suspect sites. The volatile nature of the organic contaminants required special hygiene procedures during drilling and sampling to avoid cross-contamination between boreholes, or loss of contaminants in the samples collected. Four potential sources of contamination were identified within an industrialized area about 1 km up hydraulic gradient from the contaminated well. However, the contamination was found to be extremely localized, with closely spaced investigation boreholes at individual sites giving highly varied results. To be successful, investigation boreholes had to target precise locations where these chemicals were known or suspected to have been used or stored. Therefore, a key aspect of the investigation was a solvent usage survey prior to each phase of drilling.chlorinated solvents: a case study from the Chalk aquifer of eastern England.
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