Insight into sea water intrusion due to pumping: a case study of Ernakulam coast, India.

Extensive groundwater extraction and rise in sea level in coastal aquifers leads to saline water intrusion and contamination of groundwater. It requires practical measures to protect the available resources from pollution, saltwater intrusion, and other contaminants. This study analyses the Ernakulam coast of Kerala State, India, which is repeatedly reported for saline intrusion into the wells of this coastal aquifer. The optimal pumpages to arrest the deterioration of the aquifer has been derived using a linked simulation-optimization approach and response matrix approach. Simulation model was developed using SEAWAT. The results showed an increasing trend of rapid movement of interface in the Chellanam area in Ernakulam coast. Using optimization techniques, optimum rates for the wells were found out. The SEAWAT simulation model ensemble with optimization model permits the determination of optimum pumping from Ernakulam coastal aquifer, which is a viable management option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]