ENE 822 – Homework 5
Tackling Real-World Groundwater Modeling Challenges - Getting Started
Due Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
About MAGNET4WATER
MAGNET4WATER is a next-generation water intelligence platform—powered by industry- standard analysis engines (MODFLOW for groundwater, SWMM for stormwater, EPANET for pipe networks, SWAT for watersheds). It is live-linked to global big data, including USGS, NOAA, NASA, and other authoritative sources. MAGNET4WATER – IGWNET enables users to simulate, analyze, and solve groundwater problems with unprecedented efficiency.
This assignment is designed to help you engage with realistic groundwater challenges using MAGNET4WATER’s modeling tools. You’ll explore both large-scale data integration and site-specific dispute resolution—just as you would in professional practice.
Problem 1 - Groundwater Modeling Using Big Data
Objective: Use MAGNET4WATER – IGWNET to simulate groundwater systems using real- world, georeferenced datasets. This task emphasizes conceptual clarity, numerical modeling, and interpretation of flow and transport dynamics.
Instructions
1. Go through the Georeferenced Big Data-Enabled Modeling Tutorial:
IGW-NET Detailed Tutorial (PDF)
2. (Optional but recommended) Watch the video version for a more intuitive walkthrough:
..IGW-NET Video Tutorial
Reporting Requirement
Prepare a professional report documenting your modeling process and interpreting the simulation results. A recommended length is approximately 2 pages, excluding figures.
You may go beyond this if needed to fully support your analysis.
Your report should address the following:
1. Conceptual Model Setup
• Define:
o Model boundaries
o Aquifer geometry and elevations
o Aquifer properties (e.g., hydraulic conductivity, thickness)
o Sources and sinks (e.g., recharge, rivers)
• Specify the grid resolution used and justify your choice
2. Numerical Model and Head Computation
• Explain how head contours are computed
• Identify the governing equations solved (e.g., groundwater flow equation)
• Estimate how many equations are solved in your domain (based on grid size)
3. Seepage Velocity Calculation
• Describe how seepage velocity is computed from head gradients and aquifer properties
• Discuss any assumptions made.
4. Flow Pattern Interpretation
• Present and explain the simulated flow pattern
• Assess whether the flow directions and magnitudes make physical sense
• Highlight any areas of convergence, divergence, or anomalies
5. Particle Tracking and Contaminant Transport
• Describe how particle tracking was used
• Identify source water areas and flow paths
• Discuss potential impacts on downstream communities or receptors
• Reflect on how particle tracking enhances understanding of groundwater vulnerability
Appendix (figures)
Include:
• Screenshots or figures of your conceptual model setup
• Graphics showing head contours, flow vectors, and particle paths
• Any additional visuals that support your interpretation
Problem 2-Groundwater Dispute Resolution: Modeling a Contaminated Basin
(click this link for the full problem description)
Objective: Apply groundwater modeling techniques to investigate a realistic contamination dispute involving multiple stakeholders. This exercise connects classroom theory to real-world complexity—requiring critical thinking, spatial reasoning, and simulation-based evidence.
◆ Background Scenario
Trouble is brewing in the valley.
Lil’ Pete suspects his irrigation well has been contaminated—possibly by Phil’s not-so- fabulous pigs. After suffering crop losses from last year’s bumper harvest of mutant tomatoes, he’s preparing to sue. But before hiring legal counsel, he wants scientific evidence to support his claim.
You’ve been hired to model the groundwater hydrology of the basin and determine whether Phil’s pigs—or another party—might be responsible.
Other potential culprits include:
• Megalo Vegetable Farms (rumored to be non-organic)
• Henry,s Fertilizer & Co. (allegedly dumping effluent into the river)
• The County Landfill (a capped but leaky site with reduced recharge)
Start early—this is a realistic, multi-party problem that requires time and iteration. This is not a simple “given A, find B” exercise. You’ll encounter ambiguity, competing narratives, and the need for evidence-based reasoning.
Your Report Must Address:
• The source water area of Lil’ Pete’s well (groundwater capture zone)
• The water budget of the aquifer
• Groundwater flow paths from potential sources of contamination
• How sources and sinks are represented in your model
• Where and how data was used or assumed in your simulation
Modeling Parameters
• Domain size: 2 km × 2 km
• Lake: Fully connected to aquifer; head = 500 m
• River: Partially connected; head = 500 m, leakance = 0.05/day, riverbed elevation = 497 m; flows west to east
• Southwest corner head: 505 m
• Southeast corner head: 505 m
• Hydraulic conductivity: 2 m/day
• Land surface elevation: ~510 m
• Aquifer bottom elevation: ~450 m
• Aquifer boundaries: No-flow along northwest and eastern edges
• Recharge:
o General: 13 in/year
o County Landfill: 2 in/year
o Megalo Vegetable Farms: 7 in/year
• Lil’ Pete’s well: Pumps at 75 GPM
Modeling Instructions (IGW-NET)
1. Use Synthetic Mode in IGW-NET:
IGW-NET Quick Tutorials
o Go to: Other Tools > Utilities > Go to Synthetic Case Area
o Unlock geometry to adjust domain dimensions
o Lock geometry once finalized
2. Overlay the SiteMap image provided with the problem:
o Go to: Other Tools > Utilities > Overlay myImage
o Use “Domain Extent” to fix image to model size
3. Conceptualize the aquifer:
o 1-layer system
o Use given transmissivity and aquifer thickness to derive hydraulic conductivity
4. Add features:
o Lake: Constant head zone
o River: Head-dependent zone with leakance
o Recharge zones: Assign reduced recharge to landfill and farms
o Boundary conditions: Use variable prescribed head lines along southwest boundaries
5. Use particle tracking to determine:
o Groundwater flow paths from suspected sources
o Capture zone of Lil’ Pete’s well
6. Grid settings:
• Default: NX = 40
• For particle tracking: Consider NX = 60
Submission Format
• Typed responses in PDF or Word format
• Include screenshots or figures in an appendix
• Submit via D2L