Numerical-Simulation and Conjunctive-Management Models of the Hunt-Annaquatucket-Pettaquamscutt Stream-Aquifer System, Rhode Island.

摘要

Numerical-simulation and optimization techniques were used to evaluate alternatives for the conjunctive management of ground- and surface-water resources of the Hunt-Annaquatucket-Pettaquamscutt stream-aquifer system in central Rhode Island. Ground-water withdrawals from the Hunt-Annaquatucket-Pettaquamscutt aquifer exceeded 8 million gallons per day during months of peak water use during 1993-98, and additional withdrawals have been proposed to meet growing demands from within and outside of the system boundary. The system is defined by the Hunt-Annaquatucket-Pettaquamscutt aquifer, which is composed of glacial stratified deposits, and the network of rivers, brooks, and ponds that overlie and are in hydraulic connection with the aquifer. Nearly all of the water withdrawn, however, is derived from depletions of flow in the rivers, brooks, and ponds that overlie the aquifer. Streamflow depletions are of concern to environmental agencies because of the adverse effects that reductions in streamflow can have on aquatic and riparian ecosystems.