Source: UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA submitted to
ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT OF GROUNDWATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS USING SOFT COMPUTING APPROACHES
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0202798
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
NEB-11-128
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jan 1, 2005
Project End Date
Jan 1, 2011
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Woldt, W. E.
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
(N/A)
LINCOLN,NE 68583
Performing Department
BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Non Technical Summary
There is a real need to bring innovative technologies and solutions to bear upon the fundamental challenge of groundwater resource allocation. An important element of these technologies and solutions includes hybrid systems that support the analysis of management approaches in groundwater. Quantitative groundwater management studies represent the opportunity to provide a comprehensive tool for the analysis of site-specific conditions, and evaluation of alternatives that lead to more efficient use of the resource. Adaptive management holds great promise for improved management of water resources, but additional research is needed to advance the concept. It is possible to combine the community and agricultural demands on groundwater resources into an integrated adaptive management analysis, thereby providing insights into resource capabilities and providing a framework for allocation decisions. In addition, adaptive management techniques should allow for more efficient use of limited water resources among competing users.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
15%
Applied
25%
Developmental
60%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1110210202020%
1115350202010%
1115370202010%
1120210202015%
1330210202010%
4040210202015%
4040320208010%
4050210202010%
Knowledge Area
133 - Pollution Prevention and Mitigation; 112 - Watershed Protection and Management; 405 - Drainage and Irrigation Systems and Facilities; 404 - Instrumentation and Control Systems; 111 - Conservation and Efficient Use of Water;

Subject Of Investigation
0210 - Water resources; 0320 - Watersheds; 5350 - Domestic and community water supply facilities and systems; 5370 - Sewage and waste disposal facilities and systems;

Field Of Science
2020 - Engineering; 2080 - Mathematics and computer sciences;
Goals / Objectives
1) Development of a numerical model and a management model of a groundwater reservoir serving as a supply for a community with nearby agricultural, and environmental interests; 2) Extending the traditional management model approach developed in Objective 1 into a predictive modeling framework for adaptive management of groundwater reservoirs that serve as water supplies for community, agricultural and environmental interests; 3) Exploration and definition of the role of groundwater modeling, soft computing and advanced information systems in the emerging field of adaptive infrastructure management to provide a framework to underpin critical policy decisions on the emerging concept and eventual implementation of these systems at the community level, with emphasis on rural communities.
Project Methods
Adaptive infrastructure management combines distributed sensor networks with predictive modeling to make better, more optimal, decisions within the complex space/time framework of the environment, water cycle, and community interface. In this case, the decisions pertain to the short and long term management of key surface/groundwater reservoirs and water supply as related to community demands for sustained economic development. The methodology will be integrated across these key infrastructure systems, and across communities. The general idea is to use adaptive management approaches to enhance performance, extend capacity, respond to disasters, and increase the life expectancy of existing water-based infrastructure systems. As an example, the ability to manage community groundwater reservoirs in drought conditions, while minimizing adverse impacts on nearby agricultural irrigation, will be possible under the adaptive infrastructure management concept. In the case of an environmental, water cycle, and community interface, there are many factors (dimensions) that need to be considered simultaneously, in order to move toward more optimal management of the infrastructure that extracts water resources for beneficial use. For example, if an integrated network is assembled in which water demand information (both real time and forecasted) is connected to model-based control systems for groundwater water reservoir infrastructure, then this highly connected infrastructure will be able to adapt to projected demands and potential natural or man-made disasters. This "infrastructure flexibility" will allow for operations in a more efficient manner and/or minimize adverse impacts from potential disasters. As a further example, if a high water demand is projected, then the water reservoir (groundwater pumping) can be simulated and modeled in such a manner that innovative groundwater management techniques can be employed to minimize the interference between agricultural interests and community demands. The proposed methodology is scalable, so that the water infrastructure located in clusters of communities can be interconnected using information systems, and work together to achieve a more optimal regional solution. A significant challenge that this research seeks to address is the complexity of linking predictive simulation models of separate, yet dependent, environment / water /community infrastructure systems, to achieve a more optimal management of existing and sometimes marginal systems. In addition, the vision of linking multiple communities together, to achieve an economy of scale, will be examined. This additional level of complexity in adaptive management approaches increases the need for innovative methods, such as soft computing. This research planning thrust will incorporate considerations for multi-scale inputs, transformations and outputs, to and from the community water cycle/infrastructure interface; along with costs, benefits, uncertainties and risks associated with adaptive management in the previously defined objectives.

Progress 01/01/05 to 01/01/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Implementation of a Hydrologic Information System "node" in Nebraska through a project entitled GIS Framework for Hydrologic Observatory Research: Development of a Pilot Hydrologic Information System in the Republican Basin. A second generation large format model has been designed and built to take advantage of the large presentation format that such a educational tool offers. This includes successful design, construction and development of the mobile, large format, water education system entitled "The WATER Machine". The WATER Machine has been utilized in 19 high traffic events, with delivery of the educational content to more than 4,600 water professionals, students, youth, and citizens across Nebraska. PARTICIPANTS: The Groundwater Foundation, Nebraska Well Drillers Association, Nebraska Onsite Wastewater Association, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska Water Environment Association. TARGET AUDIENCES: Community leaders, Legislative leaders, Graduate students, Water resources professionals, Wastewater management professionals, Adult learners, Youth learners. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Research is focused on establishing a Nebraska node for the NSF/CUAHSI Hydrologic Information System (HIS). This is a GIS-based data portal with a focus on Hydrologic Systems and provides a framework to archive and disseminate water resources data. Having this capacity available in Nebraska will be critical to greater understanding and management, in an adaptive manner, of our subsurface water resources. More than 4600 water professionals, students, youth and citizens across Nebraska have a greater understanding of our hidden groundwater resource as a result of 19 events in which The WATER Machine, a new large format water model, was used to demonstrate adaptive management of complex surface and groundwater systems. The educational sessions have provided insights into deployment of the demonstration system and approaches to evaluation.

Publications

  • Woldt, W.E., Herpel, R., Corr, A., and Skipton, S. 2010. The WATER Machine: A large format water education system for insights into water across interfaces. Page 29 in Proc. CUAHSI Second Biennial Science Meeting, Boulder, CO, July 19-21.
  • Woldt, W.E., Herpel, R., Corr, A., and Skipton, S. 2010. The WATER Machine: A demonstration model for water and energy. Page 16 in Proc. Renewable Energy: Building a Sustainable Future for Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, October 5.
  • Woldt, W.E., Jacobs, G., Burbach, L., Schaphorst, K., and Rau, D. 2010. Geothermal Energy in Nebraska. Page 30 in Proc. Renewable Energy: Building a Sustainable Future for Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, October 5.
  • Woldt, W.E., Herpel, R., Corr, A., and Skipton, S. 2010. The WATER Machine: An Educational System for the Greater Platte River Basins. Page 28 in Proc. Greater Platte River Basins Symposium, Lincoln, NE, October 7.
  • Hygnstrom, J., Skipton, S., and Woldt, W. 2010. Residential Onsite Wastewater Treatment: Septic Tank and Drainfield Maintenance - G1424. Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Hygnstrom, J., Skipton, S., and Woldt, W. 2010. Residential Onsite Wastewater Treatment: Lagoon Design and Construction - G1441. Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Skipton, S., Dvorak, B., and Woldt, W. 2010. Drinking Water: Sulfur (Sulfate and Hydrogen Sulfide) - G1275. Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Woldt, W.E. 2010. Using Fuzzy Logic to Simulate Wastewater Treatment Performance of a Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetland. Journal of Environmental Quality (pending).


Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities and events include successful delivery of an undergraduate "Introduction to Water Science" course in the Fall 08 semester and a senior and graduate level "Groundwater Engineering" course during the Spring 09 semester, and active participation in the River City Roundup event demonstrating the concept of surface/groundwater interaction using a large format, interactive physical modeling system. Another activity linked to this project is the mentoring of junior and senior students interested in the water environment profession by chairing the Nebraska Water Environment Scholarship committee. Products include the development of a new, larger format, interactive model for demonstration and education on surface and groundwater interaction, and further implementation of a new watershed hydrology model that is able to simulate channel flow, overland flow and groundwater flow in a cyber-enabled environment. Research has also supported content for a new water resources web site entitled http://www.water.unl.edu. Research results have been disseminated through national conference participation, the new UNL water web site, and three regional presentations of progress on model development including Lincoln, NE, Boulder, CO, and Oberlin, KS. PARTICIPANTS: Mahesh Pun, Graduate Research Assistant. Danielle Moore, Graduate Research Assistant. Gregory Arthur, Graduate Research Assistant. Dr. George Yeh, University of Central Florida, Collaborator. Dr. Dean Eisenhauer, University of Nebraska, Collaborator. Dr. Xun-Hong Chen, University of Nebraska, Collaborator. Dr. Ashok Samal, University of Nebraska, Collaborator. Dr. Domenico Bau, Colorado State University, Collaborator. TARGET AUDIENCES: Community of Hydrologic Scientists. Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. Nebraska Natural Resources Districts. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No major changes in approach.

Impacts
Generation of new knowledge has occurred through the continued pilot implementation of a complex, new watershed hydrology model (WASH123D) that is able to simulate surface and groundwater interaction through consideration of 1-D channel flow, 2-D overland flow, and 3-D groundwater flow in a Nebraska watershed. An outcome from this research is a Masters thesis, and the increased realization that high performance computing will be an important component of continued model development.

Publications

  • Pun, M. (2008) Implementing an Integrated Surface-Groundwater Model in Multiple Computational Environments, M.S. Thesis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, December.
  • Skipton, S., Dvorak, B., and Woldt, W. (2009) Drinking Water: Testing for Quality, NebGuide G907, Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Skipton, S., Dvorak, B., Baumert., and Woldt, W. (2008) Drinking Water: Uranium, NebGuide G1569, Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Woldt, W., Hygnstrom, J. and Skipton, S. 2009, Continuing to Advance the Onsite Industry in Nebraska. Proc. ONSITE: The Sustainable Wastewater Opportunity, National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association, Milwaukee, WI, April 6-9.


Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities and events include successful delivery of a senior and graduate level Groundwater Engineering course during the spring semester, and active participation in Husker Harvest Days demonstrating the concept of surface/groundwater interaction using a large format, interactive physical modeling system. Another activity linked to this project is the mentoring of junior and senior students interested in the water environment profession by chairing the Nebraska Water Environment Scholarship committee. Products include the development of a new, large format, interactive model for demonstration and education on surface and groundwater interaction, and implementation of a new watershed hydrology model that is able to simulate channel flow, overland flow and groundwater flow in a cyber-enabled environment. Research has also supported content for a new water resources web site entitled http://www.water.unl.edu. Research results have been disseminated through national conference participation, the new UNL water web site, and local presentation of progress on model development at a statewide modeling workshop. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Wayne Woldt, University of Nebraska, PI. Mahesh Pun, Graduate Research Assistant. Dr. George Yeh, University of Central Florida, Collaborator. Dr. Dean Eisenhauer, University of Nebraska, Collaborator. Dr. Xun-Hong Chen, University of Nebraska, Collaborator. Dr. Ashok Samal, University of Nebraska, Collaborator. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. Nebraska Natural Resources Districts. National Center for Atmospheric Research. National Science Foundation. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Generation of new knowledge has occurred through the pilot implementation of a complex, new watershed hydrology model (WASH123D) that is able to simulate surface and groundwater interaction through consideration of 1-D channel flow, 2-D overland flow, and 3-D groundwater flow in a Nebraska watershed. An outcome from this research is the increased realization that high performance computing will be an important component of continued model development.

Publications

  • Dvorak, B.I., Hygnstrom, J.R., Youngblood, D.J., Woldt, W.E., and Hawkey, S.A. (2008) Lessons Learned Concerning Impact Assessment: Pollution Prevention Technical Assistance in Nebraska, Journal of Cleaner Production, 16(6) 751-760.
  • Youngblood, D.J., Dvorak, B.I., Woldt, W.E., Hawkey, S.A., Hygnstrom, J.R. (2008) Quantifying and Comparing a P2 Program Benefits: Pollution Prevention Technical Assistance in Nebraska, Journal of Cleaner Production, 16(6) 761-770.
  • Woldt, W., Pun, M., and Yeh, G. (2008) Watershed Modeling for Surface-Groundwater Interaction, Electronic conference proceedings (abstract), World Environmental and Water Resources Congress, American Society of Civil Engineers, Honolulu, HI, May 13-16.
  • Skipton, S., Dvorak, B., Kahle, A., and Woldt, W., (2008) Drinking Water: Fluoride, NebGuide G1376, Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
  • Skipton, S., Shelton, D., Dvorak, B., Woldt, W., and Christopherson, T. (2008) Decommissioning Water Wells to Protect Water Quality and Human Health, NebGuide G1471, Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
  • Skipton, S., Dvorak, B., Woldt, W., and Drda, S., (2008) Drinking Water: Copper, NebGuide G1360, Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
  • Skipton, S., Dvorak, B., Woldt, W., and Kahle, A., (2008) Drinking Water: Arsenic, NebGuide G1552, Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
  • Skipton, S., Dvorak, B., Woldt, W., and Drda, S., (2008) Drinking Water: Lead, NebGuide G1333, Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
  • Skipton, S., Dvorak, B., Woldt, W., and Wirth, S., (2008) Drinking Water: Bacteria, NebGuide G1826, Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
  • Skipton, S., Woldt, W., Dvorak, B., and Pulte, R., (2008) Drinking Water: Nitrate-Nitrogen, NebGuide G1784, Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
  • Skipton, S., Dvorak, B., and Woldt, W., (2008) Drinking Water: Certified Water Testing Laboratories in Nebraska, NebGuide G1614, Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska - Lincoln (in press).
  • Skipton, S., Dvorak, B., Baumert., and Woldt, W., (2008) Drinking Water: Uranium, NebGuide G1569, Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska - Lincoln (in press).
  • Hygnstrom, J., Woldt, W.E., and S. Skipton, (2009) Continuing to Advance the Onsite Industry in Nebraska, 2009 National Onsite Waste Water Association Annual Conference, Milwaukee, WI (pending).


Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: One of the underlying requirements for adaptive management of groundwater systems is a robust modeling framework. Outputs that lead to enhanced modeling capacity, and greater integration of adaptive management concepts into the research project include: 1) Maintain and expand involvement in National Science Foundation initiative entitled WATERS Network (combination of CLEANER and CUAHSI). Served as a member of the CLEANER Cyberinfrastructure Committee, and have served as Chair for the Modeling Committee which was charged with developing a vision for simulation modeling within the WATERS Network. 2) Served as committee chair in the completion of the Modeling Committee report entitled: WATERS Network Modeling Plan. 3) Served as committee member in contributing to completion of Cyberinfrastructure report entitled: WATERS Network Cyberinfrastructure Plan. The report was submitted to the WATERS Network Project Office. 4) Both reports, along with the other WATERS Network planning documents can be found at the following web link: http://www.watersnet.org/plngdocs.htm 5) Advanced modeling component of research project in which integrated modeling of surface and groundwater is accomplished. Adapted the model WASH123D to a personal computer, and developed input files with successful running of the program for case study watershed. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborators include faculty at UNL. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include state agencies and organizations that are responsible for water resources management.

Impacts
The work of the WATERS Network Modeling Committee that I chaired, and the Cyberinfrastructure Committee that I served on, is being used as a foundation to write the detailed WATERS Network Project Execution Plan, that will be used as a foundation for a MREFC funding request from Congress. In a sense, the results of the research contributions from this project will be instrumental in the design and development of WATERS Network at the National level. The net result of these impacts is continued research focusing on sustainability of groundwater related small community water and environment infrastructure across watersheds using adaptive management concepts.

Publications

  • Woldt, W., Beck, B., Kumar, P., and T. Papanicolaou, 2007, WATERS Network Modeling Plan, WATERS Network Project Office, http://www.watersnet.org/plngdocs.html, June 8.
  • Pun, M., Woldt, W., Chen, XH., Samal, A., Eisenhauer, D., and Yeh, G., 2007, Integrated Watershed Modeling for Surface-Groundwater Interaction in a High Performance Computing Framework, proceedings of Groundwater Expo and Annual Conference, National Ground Water Association, Orlando, FL, Dec 4-7.


Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06

Outputs
Initial research results using numerical groundwater modeling to simulate a community water supply in an agriculturally dominated watershed indicate that simplified approaches to wellhead delineation can be appropriate if suitable extensions to the capture zone are included in the analysis. These extensions can be used to allow the wellhead protection area to conform to legal property descriptions, and also provide for uncertainty due to modeling approaches. In addition, initial research results indicate that a significant time will be necessary for nitrate levels at the community water supply well to begin a decline phase. This is primarily due to the existing nitrate levels in the groundwater, and the time lag between implementation of best management practices at land surface and realizing benefits at the water table.

Impacts
This initial research presents a foundation to explore adaptive management of a community water supply for water quality.

Publications

  • Woldt, W., and Marahatta, R. 2006. Modeling Biofilm Dynamics in Constructed Wetland Wastewater Treatment Systems. Paper #15087, proceedings American Society of Civil Engineering, Environmental and Water Resources Institute, World Water Congress, Omaha, NE, May 21-25.
  • Woldt, W., and Dahab, M. 2006. Adaptive Infrastructure Management in Environmental and Water Resource Systems. Proceedings American Society of Civil Engineering, Environmental and Water Resources Institute, World Water Congress, Omaha, NE, May 21-25.
  • Woldt, W., and Ginige, K. 2006. Protection of Community Water Supply in Agricultural Watershed. Proceedings of Modflow and More 2006 Conference, International Groundwater Modeling Center, Golden, CO, May 22-24.
  • Woldt, W., and Dahab, M. 2006. Adaptive Management of Community Water and Wastewater Infrastructure: A Conceptual Approach. Proceedings of Adaptive Management of Water Resources, American Water Resources Association, Missoula, MT, June 26-28.


Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05

Outputs
Research has been initiated in a watershed in Nebraska that has high levels of nitrate in groundwater. A groundwater model is being constructed to simulate a community water supply and explore implications for adaptive management of the groundwater supply well.

Impacts
It is expected that this research will lead to improved management of a community water supply system that is challenged by increasing nitrate levels.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period