Groundwater management by using mathematical modeling: case of the Makutupora groundwater basin in dodoma Tanzania

Abstract

The ever-growing dependency on groundwater sources for both agriculture and domestic water uses has called for studies to ensure aquifer sustainability. The computer code Visual MODFLOW was employed in the study. The study intended at developing a groundwater management model for Makutupora groundwater basin through mathematical modeling. The model was calibrated using a set of observed dynamic water levels, aquifer parameters until the best fit between the observed and simulated heads was obtained. The model was then verified using parameters that gave the least Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The developed model was then used to simulate the dynamic water table elevations for the next twenty years under the different management scenarios and pumping policies from the year 2000 to 2020. The model revealed that a pumping scenario that considers a 10 % of rainfall as recharge could ensure aquifer sustainability for the planned period.


(Botswana Journal of Technology: 2003 12(1): 19-24)