ABSTRACT
This chapter presents steady-state groundwater problem solutions with a minimum level of mathematics but detailed physical implications of assumptions and practical applications. The steady-state flow toward or away from a well, fracture, or ditch has theoretical as well as practical significance and implications. Numerous analytical and graphical solutions for steady- and unsteady-state flows are available for determining the aquifer hydraulic parameters from available aquifer test data. The steady-state groundwater flow formulations show how basic variables regarding the well and the aquifer are combined together to determine the consequences of any decision variable. Analytical treatment of flow in an unconfined aquifer is more complex because of the saturation thickness reduction and accordingly the transmissivity decreases as the groundwater flow approaches the well. Over abstraction in a confined aquifer may result in unconfined conditions around the pumping well as a result of which significant subsidence occurs and may damage the well stability with irrecoverable consequences.
