More precise mapping of subsurface heterogeneity through hydraulic tomography analysis of municipal pumping and water level records

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Hydraulic tomography (HT) has emerged as a new field technology to image the subsurface heterogeneity for both hydraulic conductivity (K) and specific storage (Ss). In particular, HT involves conducting sequential pumping tests over a well network and jointly analyzing the data set to obtain a consistent interpretation of K and Ss distributions. Prior research has shown that HT yields reliable results through pilot studies at small-scale field sites. However, research is critically needed to investigate whether HT can yield accurate parameters from existing water level records due to pumping/injection operations at municipal wellfields. At such sites, distances among wells are large and data are sparse making the application of HT technology new and challenging.The overall goal of this project is to examine the feasibility of utilizing existing data from a municipal wellfield to map the K and Ss of various aquifer/aquitard units of the Waterloo Moraine in partnership with the Region of Waterloo and Aquanty, Inc. Specific objectives are: 1) to demonstrate that HT is superior to conventional methods for estimating the spatial distribution of K and Ss; 2) to investigate whether HT results can yield finer scale details to heterogeneity through the integration of geological data; 3) to develop guidance for HT analysis of municipal well data; 4) to explore the utility of HT technology in the Canadian municipal water and water bottling markets; and 5) to train highly qualified personnel (HQP).The main benefit from this project that is expected to accrue to the Canadian industry is the development of a new method to delineate subsurface heterogeneity in hydraulic parameters through the innovative analysis of existing water level records from municipal wellfields that are typically not analyzed. If the research is successful, aquifer parameters could be characterized without the conduct of dedicated pumping tests which would result in substantial cost savings. In addition, this research should lead to improved reliability of groundwater flow and transport models, ultimately leading to better decision making.