Flow Nets: A 2-D application of Darcy’s Law with the objective of

finding Q between 2 points (i.e., a graphical solution to the 2-D Laplace

equation).

Assumptions:
1.
2.
3.
4.

5 Hydrologic Factors determined by Flow nets:

1. hydraulic head

2. dh/dl

3. q

4. v

5. Q

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Flow nets Examples

Gaining stream:

Losing stream:

Lensed unconfined
aquifer:

Example – The average discharge due to groundwater withdrawals from the aquifer near
Sparrows Point was 1 million ft3/dy. Estimate the transmissivity of the formation.

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Basic Rules for Flow Nets

1. A no-flow boundary is a flow line.

2. The WT is a flow line when there is no recharge or evapotranspiration.

If there is recharge, the WT is a variable head boundary and neither
a flow line or a constant head line.

3. Flow lines end at pumping (extraction wells), drains, and gaining streams,
and they start from injection wells and losing streams.

4. Lines dividing a flow system into two symmetric parts are flow lines.

5. Flow lines often begin in areas of groundwater recharge and end at

areas of groundwater discharge.

Flow net at a Pumping Well