AWWA ACE94087

This paper describes a method of monitoring the groundwater supply of the Philadelphia Suburban Water Company. The monitoring is accomplished within a highly complex hydrogeologic environment to predict climatic impacts and discerning between the effects of climate change and other causes on the operation of wells. Climatic monitoring consists of tracking the cumulative departure from the ten year progressive monthly average of precipitation. From this information, the time periods when recharge is most effective (non-growing seasons) are separated from the periods when recharge is least effective (growing seasons). Monitoring of the wells consists of tracking specific capacities, which combines the water level with the pumping rate. By comparing trends in specific capacities with trends in recharge, general correlations are apparent and predictions of available supply can be made. Any abnormal trends in specific capacity are investigated. Causes have been found to range from faulty monitoring devices in individual wells to regional impacts of quarry dewatering.

Product Details

Published:

01/01/1994

ISBN(s):

0898677734

Number of Pages:

8

File Size:

1 file , 300 KB