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

November 17, 2009

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.

Publication Year 2009
Title Effects of Potential Changes in Groundwater Withdrawals from the Sparta Aquifer on Water-Level Altitudes in Jefferson County, Arkansas
DOI 10.3133/sir20095234
Authors John B. Czarnecki
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Scientific Investigations Report
Series Number 2009-5234
Index ID sir20095234
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Arkansas Water Science Center