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

The U.S. Geological Survey constructed a steady-state numerical groundwater flow model in cooperation with Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) to simulate groundwater flow conditions in the Des Moines River alluvial aquifer (DMRA) during winter low-flow conditions typical of December 2018-2020. The Des Moines River alluvial aquifer (DMRA) is an important source of water for Des Moines Water Works (DMWW), the municipal water utility that serves residential and commercial water needs in the city of Des Moines, Iowa and surrounding municipalities. A comprehensive understanding of groundwater flow processes in the DMRA is needed for DMWW to make decisions related to the management of this water resource. A three-layered model was constructed [...]