Principal Investigator: Shahrokh Rouhani Ph.D (Newfields Inc)
Principal Investigator: Timothy J. Hall (Georgia Institute of Technology)
Sponsor: GWRI
Start Date: 1987-03-01; Completion Date: 1987-03-01;
Keywords: Network Design, Statistical Methods, Regional Analysis, Water Quality, Water Management (Applied), Georgia.
Description:
Geostatistical schemes for ground water quality monitoring in the shallow aquifer of Dougherty Plain, Georgia are presented. This aquifer is not generally used for water supply purposes. However, it is the main recharge route to the principal artesian aquifer which is the primary source of water supply in this rapidly growing agricultural region. The desired monitoring network acts as an early warning system for ground water pollution in deeper layers. We have utilized the available data on hydraulic properties of the shallow aquifer to identify the zones which should be the primary locations for our sampling activities. The one variable which appears to be most suitable for our study is leakance. Statistical analyses indicate that leakance has a log-normal distribution with a constant trend and a linear covariance function. Ranking criteria for the selection of the best sampling points are: the variance reductions, the medians, and the risk values. Due to the nature of our monitoring network we suggest to use mainly risk ranking as the basis of our sampling activities. The results of our risk rankings demonstrate that the southern tip of the Dougherty Plain’ and its upper central zone should be the prime targets of our monitoring activities.