An Integrated Groundwater Management Mode Based on Control Indexes of Groundwater Quantity and Level

Groundwater is an important source of freshwater throughout the world. Due to over-exploitation of groundwater over many years, a number of potential adverse hydrogeological problems have raised. To reduce such adverse effects, it is necessary to carry out strict groundwater management in over-exploited areas. In this study, quantity-level binary control management mode has been developed in Tianjin. Initially, the management is the key to determine control levels of groundwater including the blue line levels (proper levels) and red line levels (warning levels), the blue line levels can be determined by the ground settlement recovery scenario, and the red line levels can be determined through planning groundwater exploitation scenarios. By comparing the real-time observed groundwater data with the blue levels and red levels the management grade of groundwater levels which are present, can thus be identified. Secondly, the corresponding management strategies would be determined by the management grade. On this basis reasonable groundwater levels and mining schemes can be made. Finally, the water quota for each sector can be optimized and adjusted in real time according to the binary groundwater management methodology established in this study. Thus, the exploitation of groundwater can be monitored and dynamically managed by the real-time monitoring levels and the sustainable utilization of groundwater resources can be achieved. To achieve all the objectives mentioned above, it is necessary to provide a powerful tool through the utilization of a numerical model for groundwater management. Based on geological and hydrogeological conditions in Tianjin city, a three-dimensional numerical groundwater flow model was established by coupling a one-dimensional soil consolidation model with MODFLOW model. Through calibration and verification, the model showed good simulation accuracy. It proved that the new management mode can provide a scientific basis for groundwater management.