Alternatives for Ground-Water Management in the Brunswick, GA Area

Abstract

The quality of ground-water withdrawals in the Brunswick, GA area has degraded over the years due to the upconing of highly mineralized water into the Floridan aquifer from the underlying Fernandina formation. The upconing has resulted in a saltwater plume in the Floridan aquifer that has migrated among various pumping centers. This degradation in water quality has threatened the potential of the Floridan aquifer as a long term water resource for both industrial and municipal water supply. Several alternatives to improve the water quality of withdrawals from the Floridan aquifer are offered. These alternatives include: 1) making withdrawls from the Upper Floridan aquifer, only 2) optimizing pumping schedules, 3) controlling vertical migration of the plume by manipulating aquifer pressures, and 4) selective pumping in areas outside the plume to control horizontal migration.