This paper focuses on the development and testing of a mathematical model of an emergency ground water supply operated principally during periods of low streamflow. The process of ground water withdrawal and recharge is simulated taking account of streamflow, water demand, evapotranspiration, natural and artificial recharge and increased evapotranspiration due to artificial recharge, ground water pumpage, and streamflow contribution to pumped water. The model determines whether natural recharge is possible in less time than the return period of drought and also whether artificial recharge is needed. By simulating operation over a long period of time, the model can examine different droughts of short and long duration and can test the operating rules for ground water storage development in an area. Submodels analyze the components of the operating process including ground water flow into the stream, seepage losses, stream portion of well discharge due to induced infiltration and recharge from rainfall or water spreading. The model has been tested for areas in the humid northeastern United States.

In the criteria for Accrediting Engineering Program, it is emphasized that engineering programs should demonstrate that their graduates have an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering in their curriculum. They should also have the ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data. In the undergraduate Fluid Mechanics Laboratory the students conduct ten basic experiments, which proves to be a very fruitful experience for them. They can actually verify the existing theory, which they have learned in their lecture assignments. Sometimes the students face problems processing data on the computer. The results they get may not be what they expect. This can be frustrating. Too much dependence on the computer output and improper interpretation of the data lead to such problems. A simple error in the data can cause the result to deviate far from what is expected. The following laboratory assignments are selected in this paper as examples for discussion: a) Flow through a Venturi b) Calibration of a Triangular Weir The results are initially found to be inconsistent. But, with a little modification and adjustment, the results are found to be very convincing. The students are required to investigate the reasons for the inconsistency. They have to study if any important factor is overlooked during the data processing.