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Groundwater Flow Model for the Des Moines River Alluvial Aquifer near Des Moines, Iowa

Scientific Investigations Report 2024-5059
Prepared in cooperation with Des Moines Water Works
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245059

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Abstract

Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) is a regional municipal water utility that provides residential and commercial water resources to about 600,000 customers in Des Moines, Iowa, and surrounding municipalities in central Iowa. DMWW has identified a need for increased water supply and is exploring the potential for expanding groundwater production capabilities in the Des Moines River alluvial aquifer, where it operates two radial collector wells (RCWs). The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with DMWW, completed a study of the Des Moines River alluvial aquifer and interactions of the RCWs with the aquifer; no previously published model has included the existing well locations, which is the focus of this model. A conceptual and numerical groundwater flow model have been developed to characterize the Des Moines River alluvial aquifer under existing conditions, to simulate water levels observed in the RCWs, and to provide publicly accessible hydrologic data and research that advance understanding of the regional hydrologic system and can potentially be used in the future to evaluate groundwater production scenarios. Model performance was assessed by comparing observed and simulated groundwater levels that included water level elevations, water level changes, water level inequality observations, surface water streamflow, and change in surface water volume from upstream to downstream. Water table elevation in the aquifer layers is on average slightly overestimated with average absolute value error less than 1.5 meters at both RCWs and less than 2.5 meters for all observation wells in the alluvial aquifer layers. The model also accurately simulated water tables greater than the RCW design minimum (a water level threshold at which RCW pumping is reduced) in all timesteps for which water level observation data existed. Water table elevation error was higher in other model layers that were not the focus of the study, and the model did not accurately match streamflow targets.

Suggested Citation

Bristow, E.L., and Davis, K.W., 2024, Groundwater flow model for the Des Moines River alluvial aquifer near Des Moines, Iowa: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2024–5059, 47 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245059.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Conceptual Model and Hydrogeologic Framework
  • Numerical Groundwater Flow Model
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Groundwater flow model for the Des Moines River alluvial aquifer near Des Moines, Iowa
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2024-5059
DOI 10.3133/sir20245059
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Central Midwest Water Science Center
Description Report: ix, 47 p.; 3 Data Releases; 1 Dataset
Country United States
State Iowa
City Des Moines
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details