MODFLOW-NWT model used to simulate groundwater levels in the Cedar River alluvial aquifer near Cedar Rapids, Iowa

A three-dimensional MODFLOW-NWT model was constructed to better understand the effects of drought stress on the Cedar River alluvial aquifer, the principal source of municipal water for the City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Historically, the aquifer supported the production needs of the City of Cedar Rapids and surrounding area but between July 2011 and February 2013, Iowa experienced severe drought conditions that affected water availability for communities that relied on alluvial aquifers for their production needs. During that time, the City of Cedar Rapids observed water level declines in their horizontal collector wells (HCW) of as much as about 11 meters. Pumping from affected production wells had to be halted to prevent damage to [...]