Hydrogeologic data collected during the project served to build a groundwater flow and transport model (implemented in FEFLOW [30], calibrated to reflect the observed changes and allow future estimates of transferences of water between the aquifer and the lagoons, and of the amount of water flowing in the streams. The transport model also helped determine the nutrient loads from streams to lagoons, being therefore a tool for preventive planning and risk assessment.

Results from the modelling were correlated with ecological data in order to obtain hydraulic-ecological functions relating water recharge, groundwater levels, stream system flow and ecological variables. 

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The team applied the methods that showed best according to the characteristics of the ecological data collected during the project, and that resulted in functions, or algorithmic-obtained solutions, still easily comprehensible to non-specialists, therefore facilitating dissemination to the general public, to regulating agencies, and easier to generalize and apply in other locations with similar environmental conditions. 

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The model allowed the evaluation of the impact of different climatic scenarios and groundwater exploration regimes (allocation of water volumes to competing water uses like agriculture, human consumption and ecological flows).

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For each scenario an optimal exploration allocation may be determined by the local water regulator according to both social and ecological constraints, with the objective of obtaining the maximal benefit from the use of the water, or to minimize impacts in periods of water shortage. 

 

See more information in the final report