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Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5234

Prepared in cooperation with the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission

Effects of Potential Changes in Groundwater Withdrawals from the Sparta Aquifer on Water-Level Altitudes in Jefferson County, Arkansas

By John B. Czarnecki

Abstract

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A groundwater-flow model of the Sparta aquifer was used to evaluate changes in water-level altitudes associated with the withdrawal of groundwater at varying rates from a well field near Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in Jefferson County. Water-level altitudes at three different model cell locations from five different scenarios for varying withdrawal rates from the well field were compared for the period 1998 to 2048. The three model cells used for the comparison were located (1) near the center of the well field, (2) near the center of the city of Pine Bluff (about 5 miles west of the center of the well field), and (3) about 15 miles north of the well field. Pumping rates at the well field were varied from 7.2 million gallons per day to 27 million gallons per day for the five scenarios analyzed, and water-level hydrographs were constructed for each scenario for each of the three model cell locations. Water-level altitudes near the center of the well field changed the most of the three model cell locations analyzed. Water-level altitudes were approximately 90 feet higher for the 7.2 million gallon per day scenario in 2048 compared to the baseline scenario of 25.4 million gallons per day. Whereas, water-level altitudes at the same location were 9 feet lower for the 27 million gallon per day scenario in 2048 compared to the baseline scenario.

First posted November 16, 2009

For additional information contact:

Director, Arkansas Water Science Center
401 Hardin Road
Little Rock, AR 72211-3528

http://ar.water.usgs.gov

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Suggested citation:

Czarnecki, J.B., 2009, Effects of potential changes in groundwater withdrawals from the Sparta aquifer on water-level altitudes in Jefferson County, Arkansas: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2009-5234, 8 p.



Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Effects of Groundwater Withdrawals on Water-Level Altitudes

Model Limitations

Summary

References


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