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A Modeling Framework for the Design of Collector Wells
Author(s) -
Moore Rhett,
Kelson Vic,
Wittman Jack,
Rash Vern
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
groundwater
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.84
H-Index - 94
eISSN - 1745-6584
pISSN - 0017-467X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-6584.2011.00850.x
Subject(s) - aquifer , groundwater , hydrology (agriculture) , petroleum engineering , aquifer properties , environmental science , civil engineering , geology , engineering , geotechnical engineering , groundwater recharge
We present results of a design study performed for the Saylorville Wellfield in Iowa, which is owned and operated by the Des Moines Water Works. The purpose of this study was to estimate wellfield capacity and provide a preliminary design for two radial collector wells to be constructed in the outwash aquifer along the Des Moines River near Saylorville, Iowa. After a field investigation to characterize the aquifer, regional two‐dimensional and local three‐dimensional, steady‐state groundwater flow modeling was performed to locate and design the wells. This modeling was the foundation for design recommendations based on the relative performance of 12 collector well designs with varying lateral numbers, elevations, screen lengths, and orientations. For each site, alternate designs were evaluated based on model estimates of the capacity, the percent of surface water captured, and the production per unit length of screen. Many of our results are consistent with current design practices based on experience and intuition, but our methods allow for a quantitative approach for comparing alternate designs. Although the results are site‐specific, the framework for evaluating the hydraulic design of the Saylorville radial collector wells is broadly applicable and could be used at other riverbank filtration sites. In addition, many of the conclusions from this design study may apply at other sites where construction of radial collector wells is being considered.