The induced infiltration of river water to wells

Abstract

Two methods are proposed for determining whether water from a surface source will infiltrate to an adjacent aquifer if wells are pumped at the site tested. One method is based on steady flow before the onset of pumping, whereas the other is based on steady flow occurring during a pumping test. As the basis of analysis both methods rely on contour maps of the piezometric surface or changes in the piezometric surface. The maximum rate of infiltration from a surface source is not involved in either of these methods. The only answer sought is whether infiltration will occur after pumping begins. As a by‐product of this analysis a method of determining the effective distance to the line of recharge is also given. Illustrations and actual maps of piezometric surfaces are included to bring out the fundamental principles described in the text.

A Modeling Framework for the Design of Collector Wells

“…In many alluvial settings, this is limited by the vertical hydraulic resistance of riverbed sediments (Hubbs et al 2006). The effects of low‐permeability riverbed sediments on well yield are not addressed by the equations of Hantush and Papadopulos (1962); however, an ad hoc method described by Kazmann (1946, 1948) and Rorabaugh (1956) have been used to account for partially‐penetrating and partially‐clogged riverbeds. This approach accounts for the presence of a leaky riverbed indirectly by defining an effective distance to a hypothetical line of recharge (the a‐distance) based on the aquifer's response to a pumping test (Hantush 1959).…”

An evaluation of the effect of groundwater pumpage on the infiltration rate of a semipervious streambed

“…This assumption generally is valid, but if the streambed is much less pervious than the aquifer material, contribution of the stream to the aquifer can be severely limited. Several investigators tHantush, 1959, 1965Kazmann, 1948;Rorabaugh, 1948Rorabaugh, , 1956; Walton, 1963] have recognized this possible limitation and have suggested modifications to the commonly used formulas to account for the effect of a 'semipervious' streambed. water table below the streambed, may be met more frequently than is commonly supposed.…”

Induced infiltration in aquifers with ambient flow

“…With induced infiltration, a stream that is normally gaining becomes a losing stream in the vicinity of the well. The potential for induced infiltration is clearly documented in the theory of well hydraulics [Theis, 1941;Kazman, 1946Kazman, , 1948Ferris et al, 1962;Hantush, 1965;Walton, 1970; Bear, 1979] and has been studied in the field [Rorabaugh, 1956;Norris, 1983]. The amount of induced infiltration is a function of many factors, including aquifer transmissivity, aquifer geometry, well pumping rate, the strength of the hydraulic connection between the aquifer and surface water body due to stream penetration and clogging layer, and the presence of other sources of water supplying the well.…”

“…Quantifying the amount of induced infiltration in terms of these parameters is an important factor in conjunctive water use as water demand increases and the reliability of surface supplies is threatened by streamflow depletion. The streamflow depletion problem has been well-studied, particularly in the western and midwestern states [e.g., Theis, 1941;Kazman, 1948;Glover and Balmer, 1954;Rorabaugh, 1956; Hahtush, 1959 Hahtush, , 1965Jenkins, 1968;Walton, 1970]. In the east, streamflow depletion is usually not the critical issue, but water quality is.…”