Hello Jeane,

it depends on the size and flow of the springs and the connectivity with the
aquifer. The main difference between river and drain packages is that drains
always act discharging the aquifer, while river can also recharge it. The
drain cells become inactive (as a BC) if the aquifer water level goes down
below the drain elevation head. For river cells, the same situation causes
the reversion of the flow, from the aquifer to outside. The analysis of the
flow and water level variation in the springs can help you to make your
decision and to verify latter if the model is behaving as should.

Good luck!
Stela Cota


2008/6/17 Jeane Santos <jepenoff@...>:

> Hello.
>
> I'm working in a model to evaluate the impact of a mine in the water supply
> of springs and rivers around the mine. My question is: what is better - put
> the rivers and springs like river or like drains?
>
> Thanks
> Jeane