In this report, groundwater quality scenarios of the worst affected region of Nargund-Navalgund area of Malaprabha command in Dharwar, Karnataka have been simulated through a three dimensional finite difference code SWIFT III. Mathematical modeling of the groundwater quality was done on a local rather than a larger regional scale.
Simulations were carried out for the steady state conditions, which can be extended to other areas as also for transient condition subjected to generation of more and more information, which was a severe limitation of the study. The limitation has been overcome to an extent through various field tests like infiltration test, permeability test and pumping & recovery tests carried out at several locations.
Encouraging increase in groundwater abstraction in planned manner in the study domain shows an overall improvement in the quality of groundwater. The study can be useful as a pilot study for delineating rural water supply resources and conjunctive use strategies for Nargund-Navalgaon area under the Malaprabha command.
The present study deals with the non-reactive pollutant, chloride, which is the major contaminant constituent of the locality. Simulations can be tried out on other contaminants like nitrate, bicarbonate, sulphate and sodium on the same model. Furthermore, all the applications of SWIFT III can be tried out on the model for various types of problems available on hand.
The study based on the findings of the field trials recommends conjunctive use of surface and groundwater. It also states that wells spread out all over the region are preferable to those concentrated at few locations. The design of well locations and their production rates can be simulated on the present model in future.
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