DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL FOR DETERMINING OPTIMAL PUMPING AND RECHARGE OF LARGE SCALE AQUIFERS.

The objective of this research is to develop an optimization model for the conjunctive use of groundwater and surface water in urbanizing areas such that the optimal rates and locations of pumping and recharge within an aquifer system are determined considering the conjunctive use. The major emphasis is to develop a model that can handle very large scale systems such as an entire aquifer system and various urbanizing areas. This model would be developed in a general format such that it could be used for any aquifer and urbanizing area. The model constraints would be based upon spatial and temporal increments defined by the finite difference grid and planning periods used in a simulation model. Both artesian and nonartesian conditions would be considered in the model. Essentially all the aquifer conditions existent in the simulation models would be incorporated in the optimization model. The approach will emphasize the ability to handle large scale optimization problems using a solution approach based upon optimal control theory and reduced gradient techniques.