MODELING SEAWATER INTRUSION IN A COASTAL AQUIFER SYSTEM FOR EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT

Baldwin County is situated along the Gulf of Mexico containing pristine beaches that attract many visitors to Alabama each year. Development of the region as a resort destination along with increasing numbers of visitors each year have placed growing demands on the water supply available in the region. As more wells are placed in the coastline vicinity and put into production seawater intrusion becomes more likely. We have developed a variable-density groundwater model for part of Baldwin County to characterize the extent of the seawater intrusion. The model predicts reasonably well the current location of the freshwater/saltwater interface based on 1996 pumping data. The model is used to evaluate the coastal aquifer system and to determine if current pumping strategies could jeopardize future water supply. The study will provide a scientific basis for effective management of groundwater resources in the coastal regions experiencing rapid economic growth.