Computer-model analysis of the use of Delaware River water to supplement water from the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer system in southern New Jersey

A computer model of the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer system was used to simulate the effects of supplementing ground water with water from the Delaware River. Replacement of ground water pumpage with surface water in a 150-square-mile area near Camden, N.J., was simulated. Artificial recharge of surface water was also simulated in the same area. A series of nine simulations was made. The simulations include the period 1974 to 2000. Two projections for water use were used. Also, in some of the model simulations a line of injection wells was simulated to prevent movement of saline water into pumping centers.

The simulations indicate that heads will be as much as 100 feet higher in the year 2000 near the 150-square-mile area than that if ony ground water would be used without supplement of surface water. In the model simulations, heads recover upon application of surface water, but start declining again within 2 years. The rate of head decline after suface-water application is slower than before the application.