An existing, three-dimensional, transient groundwater-flow model of the Upper Charles River Basin, eastern Massachusetts, was modified to evaluate alternative groundwater-withdrawal scenarios on water levels in Kingsbury Pond. The pond is hydraulically connected to the groundwater-flow system, and water levels in the pond fluctuate in response to recharge to the aquifer from precipitation and wastewater return flows through septic systems, to withdrawals from the aquifer at nearby wells, and to precipitation directly on the pond surface. Concerns about the effects of groundwater withdrawals on water levels in the pond prompted an investigation by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to better understand the hydrology of Kingsbury Pond and its response to withdrawals. The goal of the study was to determine if withdrawals from wells in Franklin, Massachusetts, can be modified to simultaneously reduce the effect on water levels in the pond and yet meet the water-supply demands of the Town of Franklin. The model, which uses MODFLOW-2000, simulates flow within the surficial deposits and groundwater interactions with surface water in the basin. The model was modified for the study near Kingsbury Pond to improve representation of the hydrologic system near the pond. A groundwater-management model that links the groundwater-flow model with a mathematical-optimization method (referred to as the response-matrix method) was developed to evaluate the effects of three alternative groundwater-withdrawal scenarios for the Franklin public-water system on water levels in Kingsbury Pond. This USGS data release contains all of the input and output files for the simulations described in the associated model documentation report (https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235083).

An existing, three-dimensional, transient groundwater-flow model of the Upper Charles River Basin, eastern Massachusetts, was modified to evaluate alternative groundwater-withdrawal scenarios on water levels in Kingsbury Pond. The pond is hydraulically connected to the groundwater-flow system, and water levels in the pond fluctuate in response to recharge to the aquifer from precipitation and wastewater return flows through septic systems, to withdrawals from the aquifer at nearby wells, and to precipitation directly on the pond surface. Concerns about the effects of groundwater withdrawals on water levels in the pond prompted an investigation by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to better understand the hydrology of Kingsbury Pond and its response to withdrawals. The goal of the study was to determine if withdrawals from wells in Franklin, Massachusetts, can be modified to simultaneously reduce the effect on water levels in the pond and yet meet the water-supply demands of the Town of Franklin. The model, which uses MODFLOW-2000, simulates flow within the surficial deposits and groundwater interactions with surface water in the basin. The model was modified for the study near Kingsbury Pond to improve representation of the hydrologic system near the pond. A groundwater-management model that links the groundwater-flow model with a mathematical-optimization method (referred to as the response-matrix method) was developed to evaluate the effects of three alternative groundwater-withdrawal scenarios for the Franklin public-water system on water levels in Kingsbury Pond. This USGS data release contains all of the input and output files for the simulations described in the associated model documentation report (https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235083).

A previously developed groundwater-flow model of the Great Egg Harbor and Mullica River Basins, N.J. (https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20125187) by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) was used to analyze the effects on groundwater levels and stream base flow from possible changes in groundwater withdrawals and effluent infiltration in Winslow Township, Camden County, New Jersey. The Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority (CCMUA) infiltrated treated sewage effluent at their infiltration/percolation lagoons in Winslow Township, New Jersey, from 1985 to 2014. Increasing effluent volumes strained the capacity of the sewage-treatment plant and infiltration/percolation facility which closed in 2014. The treatment plant began pumping effluent from Winslow Township to the main CCMUA treatment facility which discharges treated effluent to the Delaware River. Eliminating infiltration of treated effluent in Winslow Township reduced groundwater recharge in the Great Egg Harbor River Basin and ultimately reducing groundwater discharge (base flow) to the Great Egg Harbor River. A study was conducted to determine the effects of eliminating the infiltration of treated effluent and reducing groundwater withdrawals from wells completed in the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system on groundwater levels and base flow in the Great Egg Harbor River. The model simulates a baseline scenario with 2003-2007 withdrawals and five scenarios with different effluent infiltration conditions and 2008-2010 withdrawals using MODFLOW-2000 (version 1.18.01). This USGS data release contains all of the input and output files for the baseline scenario and five scenarios described in the associated report (https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235002).

A previously developed groundwater-flow model of the Great Egg Harbor and Mullica River Basins, N.J. (https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20125187) by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) was used to analyze the effects on groundwater levels and stream base flow from possible changes in groundwater withdrawals and effluent infiltration in Winslow Township, Camden County, New Jersey. The Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority (CCMUA) infiltrated treated sewage effluent at their infiltration/percolation lagoons in Winslow Township, New Jersey, from 1985 to 2014. Increasing effluent volumes strained the capacity of the sewage-treatment plant and infiltration/percolation facility which closed in 2014. The treatment plant began pumping effluent from Winslow Township to the main CCMUA treatment facility which discharges treated effluent to the Delaware River. Eliminating infiltration of treated effluent in Winslow Township reduced groundwater recharge in the Great Egg Harbor River Basin and ultimately reducing groundwater discharge (base flow) to the Great Egg Harbor River. A study was conducted to determine the effects of eliminating the infiltration of treated effluent and reducing groundwater withdrawals from wells completed in the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system on groundwater levels and base flow in the Great Egg Harbor River. The model simulates a baseline scenario with 2003-2007 withdrawals and five scenarios with different effluent infiltration conditions and 2008-2010 withdrawals using MODFLOW-2000 (version 1.18.01). This USGS data release contains all of the input and output files for the baseline scenario and five scenarios described in the associated report (https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235002).

A three-dimensional groundwater-flow model (MODFLOW-2000 ) of the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system, Rio Grande water-bearing zone, and Atlantic City 800-foot sand in the Great Egg Harbor and Mullica River Basins, N.J. was developed to simulate the effects of withdrawals on streamflow and groundwater supply. Increasing groundwater withdrawals from the unconfined Kirkwood Cohansey aquifer system is a major concern because of the potential for streamflow depletion and the resulting ecological effects on aquatic habitats, wetlands, and vernal ponds. In the confined Atlantic City 800-foot sand aquifer water levels have been steadily declining and most of the groundwater withdrawn from the Atlantic City 800-foot sand ultimately comes from the Kirkwood -Cohansey aquifer system. The groundwater flow model was used to simulate scenarios under three possible conditions: average 1998 to 2006 withdrawals (Average scenario), full-allocation withdrawals (Full Allocation scenario), and projected 2050-demand withdrawals (2050 Demand scenario). Three adjusted scenarios, variations of the Average, Full Allocation, and 2050 Demand scenarios, were simulated where withdrawals were modified in stages with the intent to successively eliminate or minimize the base-flow deficits. Monthly base-flow depletion criteria were determined using the NJDEP Low-Flow Margin method to estimate available water on an annual basis and if water-supply deficits exist. The model simulates monthly stress periods from 1998 through 2006. An existing regional model of the New Jersey Coastal Plain was revised to provide boundary conditions for the Great Egg Harbor and Mullica River Basin model (GEM). This USGS data release contains all of the input and output files for the simulations described in the associated model documentation report (http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2012/5187/).

A three-dimensional groundwater-flow model (MODFLOW-2000 ) of the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system, Rio Grande water-bearing zone, and Atlantic City 800-foot sand in the Great Egg Harbor and Mullica River Basins, N.J. was developed to simulate the effects of withdrawals on streamflow and groundwater supply. Increasing groundwater withdrawals from the unconfined Kirkwood Cohansey aquifer system is a major concern because of the potential for streamflow depletion and the resulting ecological effects on aquatic habitats, wetlands, and vernal ponds. In the confined Atlantic City 800-foot sand aquifer water levels have been steadily declining and most of the groundwater withdrawn from the Atlantic City 800-foot sand ultimately comes from the Kirkwood -Cohansey aquifer system. The groundwater flow model was used to simulate scenarios under three possible conditions: average 1998 to 2006 withdrawals (Average scenario), full-allocation withdrawals (Full Allocation scenario), and projected 2050-demand withdrawals (2050 Demand scenario). Three adjusted scenarios, variations of the Average, Full Allocation, and 2050 Demand scenarios, were simulated where withdrawals were modified in stages with the intent to successively eliminate or minimize the base-flow deficits. Monthly base-flow depletion criteria were determined using the NJDEP Low-Flow Margin method to estimate available water on an annual basis and if water-supply deficits exist. The model simulates monthly stress periods from 1998 through 2006. An existing regional model of the New Jersey Coastal Plain was revised to provide boundary conditions for the Great Egg Harbor and Mullica River Basin model (GEM). This USGS data release contains all of the input and output files for the simulations described in the associated model documentation report (http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2012/5187/).

Three withdrawal scenarios spanning from 2014 through 2040 were simulated using a previously published three-dimensional groundwater flow model of the New Jersey Coastal Plain (NJCP) (Gordon and Carleton, 2023). This model, run in MODFLOW-2005 (version 1.12.00), was recently updated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) ensuring the models continued relevance for water-resource management and development. The three withdrawal scenarios were simulated in support of an update to the New Jersey Statewide Water Supply Plan by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The scenarios simulate nominal-water loss, optimal-water loss, and full-allocation conditions. The nominal water-loss scenario assumes that all public community water supply (PCWS) systems will achieve the current (as of 2018) median values from the systems reporting data on water loss in their distribution systems. The optimal water-loss scenario assumes that all systems will achieve water loss rates roughly equivalent to the systems with the least amount of water loss. Withdrawal rates for both scenarios were based on analysis done at Rutgers University (Van Abs, 2018). In the full-allocation scenario the withdrawal amounts were site specific from an NJDEP Bureau of Water Allocation allocation tool calculation based on data from May 20, 2021 and represents withdrawal amounts at the full-allocation level of each well. This USGS data release contains all the input and output files for the simulated scenarios described above in the associated model documentation report (https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245028). References: -Gordon, A.D., and Carleton, G.B., 2023, Updates to the regional groundwater-flow model of the New Jersey Coastal Plain, 1980-2013: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2023-5066, 116 p., accesses on March 14, 2024, at https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235066. -Van Abs, D.J., Jiayi, D., and Pierson, E., 2018, Water needs through 2040 for New Jersey public community water supply systems: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Water Supply and Geoscience, prepared by Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, accesses May 9, 2024, at https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/water-supply-plan/van-abs-et-al-2018.01.19-water-needs-through-2040-for-nj-pcws_final-.pdf.

Three withdrawal scenarios spanning from 2014 through 2040 were simulated using a previously published three-dimensional groundwater flow model of the New Jersey Coastal Plain (NJCP) (Gordon and Carleton, 2023). This model, run in MODFLOW-2005 (version 1.12.00), was recently updated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) ensuring the models continued relevance for water-resource management and development. The three withdrawal scenarios were simulated in support of an update to the New Jersey Statewide Water Supply Plan by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The scenarios simulate nominal-water loss, optimal-water loss, and full-allocation conditions. The nominal water-loss scenario assumes that all public community water supply (PCWS) systems will achieve the current (as of 2018) median values from the systems reporting data on water loss in their distribution systems. The optimal water-loss scenario assumes that all systems will achieve water loss rates roughly equivalent to the systems with the least amount of water loss. Withdrawal rates for both scenarios were based on analysis done at Rutgers University (Van Abs, 2018). In the full-allocation scenario the withdrawal amounts were site specific from an NJDEP Bureau of Water Allocation allocation tool calculation based on data from May 20, 2021 and represents withdrawal amounts at the full-allocation level of each well. This USGS data release contains all the input and output files for the simulated scenarios described above in the associated model documentation report (https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245028). References: -Gordon, A.D., and Carleton, G.B., 2023, Updates to the regional groundwater-flow model of the New Jersey Coastal Plain, 1980-2013: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2023-5066, 116 p., accesses on March 14, 2024, at https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235066. -Van Abs, D.J., Jiayi, D., and Pierson, E., 2018, Water needs through 2040 for New Jersey public community water supply systems: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Water Supply and Geoscience, prepared by Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, accesses May 9, 2024, at https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/water-supply-plan/van-abs-et-al-2018.01.19-water-needs-through-2040-for-nj-pcws_final-.pdf.

A third revision of the New Jersey Coastal Plain (NJCP) groundwater flow model, using MODFLOW-2005 (version 1.12.00), was completed to maintain the model’s usefulness for water-resource managment and development. The regional groundwater-flow model was initially developed for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Regional Aquifer System Analysis (RASA) program. Periodic revision of the model is required as the result of changing hydrologic stresses, different and more complex water management needs, and increased knowledge of hydrologic conditions. The RASA model was initially constructed in the 1980’s as a quasi-3D model with 10 aquifers. The 9 intervening confining units were simulated using vertical leakage parameters at the aquifer contacts. The model was revised in the late 1990’s by (1) rediscretizing the model parameters with smaller grid spacing, (2) rediscretizing the stream cells for a better representation of streams, (3) using a spatially variable recharge rate based on studies conducted by the New Jersey Water Science Center since the model was initially developed, and (4) updating groundwater withdrawal data to 1998. For this study, the USGS, in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, again revised the model, updating the hydrogeologic framework, hydraulic parameters, and groundwater withdrawals. The revised 21-layer, fully three-dimensional, NJCP groundwater-flow model extends into Delaware and parts of Maryland and simulates 11 aquifers and 10 intervening confining units. The revisions include spatially and temporally variable recharge estimated using a Soil-Water-Balance (version 1.0.1) model; updated hydrologic parameters using UCODE_2014 (version 1.004) including the confining units in New Jersey and the hydrogeologic units in Maryland and Delaware; updated boundary flows from the North Atlantic Coastal Plain groundwater-flow model; groundwater withdrawals from 1980-2013 for the New Jersey Coastal Plain and from 1980-2010 for the modeled areas in Delaware and Maryland; and additional model layers to refine the simulated flow in Atlantic and Cape May Counties, New Jersey. The revisions to the model allows for (1) refined boundary flows for local models, (2) improved simulated interaction between water levels in southern New Jersey and withdrawals in Delaware, (3) simulation of the unconfined Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system and confined Rio Grande water-bearing zone, and (4) the ability to do particle tracking to determine regional sources of flow and times of travel. The groundwater flow model provides water managers with a tool to better understand the groundwater system of the New Jersey Coastal Plain, evaluate groundwater budget components, and make informed water-resource management decisions. This USGS data release contains all the input and output files for the simulations described in the associated model documentation report (https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235066).

A third revision of the New Jersey Coastal Plain (NJCP) groundwater flow model, using MODFLOW-2005 (version 1.12.00), was completed to maintain the model’s usefulness for water-resource managment and development. The regional groundwater-flow model was initially developed for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Regional Aquifer System Analysis (RASA) program. Periodic revision of the model is required as the result of changing hydrologic stresses, different and more complex water management needs, and increased knowledge of hydrologic conditions. The RASA model was initially constructed in the 1980’s as a quasi-3D model with 10 aquifers. The 9 intervening confining units were simulated using vertical leakage parameters at the aquifer contacts. The model was revised in the late 1990’s by (1) rediscretizing the model parameters with smaller grid spacing, (2) rediscretizing the stream cells for a better representation of streams, (3) using a spatially variable recharge rate based on studies conducted by the New Jersey Water Science Center since the model was initially developed, and (4) updating groundwater withdrawal data to 1998. For this study, the USGS, in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, again revised the model, updating the hydrogeologic framework, hydraulic parameters, and groundwater withdrawals. The revised 21-layer, fully three-dimensional, NJCP groundwater-flow model extends into Delaware and parts of Maryland and simulates 11 aquifers and 10 intervening confining units. The revisions include spatially and temporally variable recharge estimated using a Soil-Water-Balance (version 1.0.1) model; updated hydrologic parameters using UCODE_2014 (version 1.004) including the confining units in New Jersey and the hydrogeologic units in Maryland and Delaware; updated boundary flows from the North Atlantic Coastal Plain groundwater-flow model; groundwater withdrawals from 1980-2013 for the New Jersey Coastal Plain and from 1980-2010 for the modeled areas in Delaware and Maryland; and additional model layers to refine the simulated flow in Atlantic and Cape May Counties, New Jersey. The revisions to the model allows for (1) refined boundary flows for local models, (2) improved simulated interaction between water levels in southern New Jersey and withdrawals in Delaware, (3) simulation of the unconfined Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system and confined Rio Grande water-bearing zone, and (4) the ability to do particle tracking to determine regional sources of flow and times of travel. The groundwater flow model provides water managers with a tool to better understand the groundwater system of the New Jersey Coastal Plain, evaluate groundwater budget components, and make informed water-resource management decisions. This USGS data release contains all the input and output files for the simulations described in the associated model documentation report (https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235066).