Numerical modelling as a tool for optimisation of ground water exploitation in urban and industrial areas

Abstract The paper presents an approach to flow and transport modelling, which has been an important tool for the development of protection options for the important groundwater resource of the City of Ostrava in the Czech Republic. The resource is threatened by the impacts of long-term contaminant releases from a number of industrial enterprises in its neighbourhood. Due to the complex hydrogeological settings and man-made impacts, effective protection of the Nova Ves groundwater resource requires careful co-ordination of mitigation measures at individual sites. It was proved that long-term pumping intensity (140 l/s) does not guarantee protection of the water quality. A reduction in the pumped discharge to 120 l/s was recommended. To ensure the long-term water quality in the water withdrawal area without any restriction on pumping discharge, a reduction in ammonium in the vadose zone by the 50 % would be required. However, so far, no remediation activities have been started.