Utilizing induced recharge for regional aquifer management

The deep aquifers of the Portland Basin are used as a regional water supply by at least six municipalities in Oregon and Washington. Maximum continuou s use of the aquifers in 1998 was 13 mgd and peak emergency use was 55 mgd. Continuous use of the deep aquifers at a rate of 55 mgd has been proposed and inchoate water rights have been reserved for expansion of pumping to 12 1 mgd. A study was completed, using a calibrated ground water flow model, t o evaluate the role of induced recharge from the Columbia River in mitigati ng aquifer drawdown from continuous-use and expanded pumping scenarios in t he center and eastern areas of the basin. The absolute average residual was less than 3.6 feet for steady-state model calibrations, and less than 8.0 feet for transient calibration to a 42 mgd pumping event in 1987 with 170 f eet of drawdown. Continuous use of the aquifers at a rate of 55 mgd is pred icted to increase drawdown to 210 feet. Expansion of pumping to 121 mgd in the center basin is predicted to cause 400 feet of drawdown. However, expan sion of pumping in the east basin is predicted to result in only 220 feet o f drawdown because of induced recharge from the Columbia River.