Assignment (8) Ground water

1- The map in fig. 1, shows the water-table contours in a region where there are no wells in operation. Elevations are in feet. The horizontal scale of the map is shown. On the map A and B represent two nonpumping observation wells. Dye injected into well A appears at well B in 90 days. Several tests indicate that the soil below the water table has a porosity of 28 %. On the basis of these data determine the hydraulic conductivity .

Fig. 1 Solution

Distance

XAB = XAB = 7.5 *20 J=

53 49 150 150 90 KJ n

= 7.5 = 150 = 0.0266 = 1.66

cm ft

V act = V act = K= K=

ft/day

nVact J

0.28 *1.66 0.0266

= 17.47

ft/day

2- In an environmental study related to seepage between an upper lake and lower reservoir, it is observed that the lake water level is 50 m above a reservoir water level. The horizontal distance between them is about 4 km. After long time, it is observed that the reservoir water is contaminated. The surface source of water coming to reservoir is a small river. Investigation shows that the water in river is clear. In your opinion, what is the source of reservoir contamination. The value of soil hydraulic conductivity is 10-3 m/s, soil porosity is 0.3 and the cross-section of permeable soil is 50 m2. Draw a sketch to show the seepage flow lines from the upper lake to the lower reservoir and estimate the discharge of contaminant. Estimate the time required to reach the river. Solution
Cross-section area of permeable soil layer Length of flow path L through soil layer Porosity of pores medium, n Head loss, h Soil conductivity, K = 50 m2 = 4000 m = 0.3 = 50 m = 10-3 m/s

Environmental Aspect related to seepage Apply Darcy law, Vact = V/n = Q = (K) A

Q h = K J/n = (K/n) An L

or

Q = (K) A

h L
-6

h -3 = (10 ) * 50 * (50/4000) L

= 625*10

m3/s

This is the amount of contamination. The time required for contaminant to travel from upper to lower, t = L/ Vact = L n/V

t = L n / (K

h -3 * ) = 4000 * 0.3 /(10 50/4000) = 9.6*107 sec = 1111 day = 3 years. L