Hydrogeological Conditions and Water Supply Problems of the Orenburg Urban Agglomeration in Russia

This book presents the hydrogeological conditions of the Orenburg urban agglomeration in Russia and reveals its problems of domestic water supply. The book contains the history of the study of the agglomeration territory, features of the geological structure, research methods, the theory of the formation of groundwater during the replenishment of its reserves, and recommendations for protecting water from depletion and pollution. The deficit of drinking quality groundwater for water supply of the population in the urban agglomeration is growing annually. Over the past 50 years, in connection with the discovery and development of the Orenburg oil and gas field, there has been a significant deterioration in the quality of alluvial waters, which serve as the main source of water supply for the population. The complexity of the hydrogeological situation aggravates the unevenness of river flow and the variability of the groundwater regime. The book shows the possibility of stabilizing the situation when replenishing water intake reserves. The book further proposes to create small dams in the form of a cascade on the Ural River. To ensure water quality, a useful barrier-type model has been developed to protect water from pollution in the process of replenishing the field's reserves. The proposed development will improve water quality and increase the flow rate of water intake wells. Based on the modeling of groundwater dynamics with the construction of hydrogeological maps and sections, as well as the introduction of barrier technologies at existing water intakes, the issues of increasing the productivity of water intake and improving the quality of its water are addressed. Conclusions and recommendations are based on research results and can be implemented in the practice of water management provision of the agglomeration population and the process of implementing educational programs of higher education.