Optimization of Well Locations and Pumping Rates in Coastal Aquifers

Proceedings of the 2003 Georgia Water Resources Conference, held April 23-24, 2003, at the University of Georgia.A multi-objective optimization approach is used to determine pumping rates and well locations to prevent saltwater intrusion, while satisfying desired extraction rates in coastal aquifers. The problem is formulated to maximize pumping rates while minimizing the distance between stagnation points of extraction wells and the reference coastline location, such that the wells are placed as closely as possible to the coastline. The efficiency of the optimization process is improved by solving the problem through a sub-domain perturbation approach. The sequential use of multi-objective criteria, with pre-selected weights, gives the model the capability to achieve two objectives simultaneously (these results are not provided in this proceeding). This approach provides cost effective solutions to an important management problem in coastal aquifers