Our research shows the effect of time-resolution in groundwater stresses (monthly vs. annual vs. steady state representation of pumping and recharge) on nitrate transport modeling results. Simulation of pumping and recharge stresses as well as NPS nitrate loading using average annual, average multi-annual, or even steady-state stress/loading conditions may yield representative results.
Nitrate in drinking water may cause serious health problems for consumers. Agricultural activities are known to be the main source of groundwater nitrate contaminating rural domestic and urban public water supply wells in farming regions.
Managed aquifer recharge and changes in crop type or nutrient management on agricultural lands are promising approaches to address groundwater quality degradation by nitrate.