Advanced simulation and modelling for urban groundwater management

Abstract

Historically, the vital role that groundwater plays in the urban water cycle has been severely neglected. To a certain extent this reflects an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mentality, resulting in ignorance of subsurface water movements. However, neglect has also arisen because groundwater and surface water systems are spatially distinct, and in terms of water flow velocities, they operate on totally different timescales. Reasons aside, the unfortunate consequence is that tools for urban water management rarely, if ever, incorporate an adequate understanding of urban aquifers and the role of groundwater – either during the analysis stage or, just as importantly, during the subsequent decision-making process. These attitudes must change and time is of the essence. The need to prioritize holistic management of the urban water cycle is gaining increasing recognition worldwide. In turn, practical, soundly developed urban water system modelling tools are essential if the goal of urban sustainability is ever to be achieved. In the face of such challenges, UGROW (UrbanGROundWater) represents one of the most advanced urban water management tools produced to date. Developed under the sixth phase of UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme (IHPIV), UGROW fully integrates all urban water system components including groundwater. Its principal aims are to raise awareness of the interaction between urban water system components, to support management decision-making, and to solve a wide range of urban water problems. The model has a sound scientific basis, is computationally efficient and is supported by excellent graphics. It has also been tested and refined under a range of demanding urban conditions.