Groundwater Flow Models for Water Availability and Artificial Recharge Projections

The North Dakota Department of Water Resources is seeking proposals for the development of transient groundwater flow models using the MODFLOW software to assess water availability and project artificial recharge for three key aquifer systems: the Elk Valley aquifer, the Spiritwood-Warwick aquifer, and the Wahpeton Buried Valley aquifer. The contract aims to create detailed and dynamic models that can simulate groundwater movement over time, supporting sustainable water management and planning efforts across North Dakota. The solicitation, identified as number 770.3000-25-01, was posted on September 20, 2024, with a deadline for responses set for October 11, 2024. The project budget ranges from $500,000 to $1,500,000, reflecting its scope and importance. The North Dakota Department of Water Resources, a state agency, will oversee the project, with Sarah Felchle serving as the primary contact for inquiries. This initiative is part of broader efforts to improve groundwater resource management, especially considering recent regulatory updates such as amendments to water permits for the City of Wahpeton, which involved relocating municipal well fields to address contamination issues. These amendments, approved in late 2021, include detailed maps, permit summaries, and responses to public comments, highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure safe and sustainable groundwater use. The modeling project will incorporate such data and studies to enhance understanding of aquifer behaviors, support water supply planning, and inform policies related to groundwater recharge and sustainable extraction in North Dakota.