Comprehensive study on groundwater emergency sources: A case study of Tangshan plain area

To calibrate the exploration, assessment, study content and procedures of groundwater emergency sources, the authors took the plain area of Tangshan as a case study in this paper. Comprehensive analysis and numerical modelling were applied to summarize the locating principle of groundwater emergency sources, according to the characteristics of water supply and environmental constrain. The research contents and steps of the groundwater emergency sources were discussed, and the concept of groundwater allowable withdrawal were put forward. The research results include the identification of hydrogeological conditions and location of groundwater emergency sources, establishment of groundwater model, and assessment of emergency withdrawal and restorability of groundwater resource, with the consideration of environment constrain and sustainable development and utilization. The research about groundwater emergency sources in the plain region of Tangshan City indicates this groundwater source is far from the current water source, with good hydrogeological and recharge condition, and preferable water quality. The emergency withdrawal is about 9×10⁴ m³/d, and the restorability is good after pumping stops. These results exhibit guidance for exploration and assessment of groundwater emergency sources.