The Permo-Triassic sandstone aquifer of Shropshire forms a regionally significant water resource which is exploited for both public water supply and for river regulation (the Shropshire Groundwater Scheme). However, water resources in parts of the area are under pressure. The Environment Agency therefore commissioned ESI to work with them to develop a regional groundwater model of the aquifer. The aim was to provide the Agency with a detailed technical tool to assist with the management of water resources in the area.
Initially ESI provided one of its most experienced hydrogeologists on secondment to work closely with relevant Environment Agency staff to carry out a scoping study. This showed that different approaches were appropriate to different parts of the aquifer, varying from simple water balance studies and investigative modelling to regional groundwater modelling.
ESI was commissioned to work with the Environment Agency to develop a groundwater model of East Shropshire. The model was successfully calibrated against the extensive hydrometric dataset for the catchment. It was then used to run scenarios to predict the effects of different water resource management strategies on groundwater levels and stream flows.
In particular, the model was used to assess the likely net yield of the phased development of the Shropshire Groundwater Scheme and to assess the sustainability of this conjunctive use scheme under drought conditions.
In 2008 ESI was commissioned to update and extend the model to tackle new water management issues that had arisen.
Please contact ESI (01743 276100 / email) for more information on 'Shropshire Permo-Triassic Sandstone: Regional Groundwater Model'.
6103C Shropshire Permo-Triassic Sandstone: Regional Groundwater Model 
