Analytical Solutions of Intermittent Transient Groundwater Pumping Cost

Abstract

In this paper, we have studied ways to minimize the cost of stepwise or intermittent pumping from a system of wells under transient groundwater flow conditions. We take into account infinite confined aquifers and semi-infinite aquifers where the method of images applies Moreover, we examine optimal separation of wells in groups, in the case of alternate pumping. We have proved analytically via the method of Lagrange multipliers that, at any time, the pumping cost is minimized when the hydraulic head level drawdowns at the locations of the pumping wells are equal to each other.