Providing Accessibility and Usability of MODFLOW Models for Water Managers

Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for the construction and calibration of a groundwater model are widely available and tailored to be easily understood by trained hydrogeologists. However, with limited, highly specific examples, these models are not delivered to the water manager with a related GUI that would allow for the full integration of the model into water management activities. Rather, models have traditionally been developed and used to conduct a single set of model scenarios that are the basis for a report that the water manager receives - this report is destined to gather dust on a shelf. We envision a paradigm shift in the way groundwater models are used to manage water. Models can and should be delivered with an easy-to-use GUI that can be used many times over to keep the model up-to-date and can run as many hypothetical scenarios as the water manager can dream up.

There are two fundamental requirements for this approach: 1) an intimate understanding of the water manager’s objectives for constructing the model, and 2) a very detailed understanding of the format of specific MODFLOW packages that may be incorporated into the model, and the ability to produce computer code that will manipulate the data in these packages. This is in addition to the traditional components that generally include the ability to construct and calibrate a groundwater model that is scientifically defensible.

This presentation will explore several projects that we have completed in Nebraska that have put water managers in the “decision making” driver’s seat. It has also empowered them with a tool that can keep their models current. They are now able to answer management questions in real-time in their own office faster and more efficiently than if they employed the hydrogeologists necessary to otherwise conduct these evaluations.