Mathematical simulation of groundwater abstraction from confined aquifers for river regulation

The development of an initially confined aquifer for river regulation is considered. Model investigations cover a range of groundwater ion regimes and a number of aquifer systems typical of those found in the United Kingdom. The various factors affecting net gains are discussed. The main conclusions are that high net gains can be sustained only if unconfined storage is developed around the ion site. In practice this requires a high density of ion wells. Also higher net gains are obtained from those aquifers having a large response time.