2007 Ground Water Summit

Wednesday, May 2, 2007 : 2:40 p.m.

Models as Tools for Hydrogeologic Reconnaissance – A Case Study in the Espanola Basin

Van Kelley1, John Ewing1, Kim Gordan1, David Jordan1, Cynthia Ardito1, Stephen Wust, Director2 and John Waugh3, (1)INTERA, (2)Santa Fe County, (3)San Antonio Water System

INTERA Incorporated (INTERA) was retained by Santa Fe County to perform a geohydrologic study and regional aquifer evaluation.  The purpose of the study was to assist the County in evaluating potential well locations for ground water supply sources to supplement surface water in a conjunctive use strategy.  Central to this desire was the development of a groundwater model to predict hydraulic responses in a geologically complex region south of the Santa Fe River and north of Galisteo Creek. 

Development of the groundwater model was initiated through development of a fully three-dimensional geologic model.  The model was calibrated to steady-state conditions comparing using head targets from 184 observation wells and flow gain/loss targets for the major streams.  The model was also used to simulate the historical transient period from 1947 through 2004.  Additional transient calibration is ongoing at present.

The model provided input into a Decision Support System which quantified site suitability for ground water development based on a variety of criteria.  Screening criteria included the location of existing supply wells, streams, springs, existing infrastructure, and population centers, as well as areas of favorable geology.  Once potential well locations were selected, the model was used to simulate pumping at each location.  Performance measures evaluated included: (1) drawdown at the nearest supply well, (2) spring depletion, and (3) stream depletion.

Van Kelley, INTERA Van Kelley is a Senior Hydrogeologist with Intera, Inc. in Austin, Texas. He has 22 years of experience in groundwater modeling and groundwater characterization experience. Mr. Kelley currently is a Vice President of Intera and he is the Manager of the Texas Water Resources Division.

Stephen Wust, Director, Santa Fe County Mr.Wust is Director of Water Resources.

John Waugh, San Antonio Water System John Waugh is director of SAWS, San Antonio Water System.


The 2007 Ground Water Summit