Introduction: Hays

Setting

Sensitive System

Hays, KS lies atop a small Quaternary alluvial aquifer, supplying 40% of its drinking water

Complex Hydrogeology

permeable sand-filled channels in muddy terrace deposits complicates hydrogeology. 600 borehole logs from within city limits provide dense lithologic data.

Complex Contamination

presence of various contaminant plumes (PCE, gasoline, ...) requires detailed understanding of aquifer to protect drinking water supplies

Models

Hydrostratigraphic Model

Lithologic data used to model the geometry and distribution of Quaternary silt overbank and sand channel facies, and bedrock topography.

Flow and Transport Model

Based on the geometric model, a detailed 3D Modflow/Modpath model was developed to aid in sourcewater protection at Hays.

VRML Model

an Internet-based presentation of the geometric and transport models allows

Interactive Exploration

to allow interactive exploration of the Hays aquifers and possible contaminant migration paths to water supply wells

Intuitive Understanding

allowing water managers and the general public to gain an intuitive understanding of this precious resource