Numerical Groundwater Flow Modelling in Australia: Applications, Case Studies & Practical Pathways
Presented by: Tingting Liu
Produced by: IAH NSW
Date: Monday 17 February 2026
Time: 17:30 for an 18:00 start
Where: WSP Office – Level 27
Online: To be provided closer to the date
Abstract
Australia’s varied hydrogeological settings demand groundwater models that are defensible, fit-for-purpose and aligned with the Australian Groundwater Modelling Guidelines. This talk outlines a practical workflow for developing appropriate models using different MODFLOW codes and software, supported by PEST calibration and uncertainty analysis. Case studies from mining, landfill, infrastructure and remediation show how numerical models support inflow estimation, closure recovery, leachate level simulation, saline intrusion assessment and permeable reactive barrier design. The presentation highlights transparent communication of assumptions and uncertainty, demonstrating how well‑designed models guide impact assessment, engineering decisions and long‑term water management across Australian conditions.
Bio
Tingting is a hydrogeologist and numerical modeller with 15 years’ experience across mining, infrastructure/tunnels, landfill and contaminated land in Australia and New Zealand. She specialises in conceptual model design; MODFLOW‑USG/NWT and MODFLOW‑SURFACT for complex/density‑dependent cases; FEFLOW; PEST‑assisted calibration; and MODPATH/mod‑PATH3DU particle tracking. Her work focuses on impact assessment, tunnel and shaft inflows, mine closure recovery, leachate head control and hydraulic containment optimisation. Tingting holds a Master of Engineering in Groundwater Management (UTS, 2007) and serves on the IAH NSW committee.
