Dr. Barth provides quantitative assessments of water-resource and environmental conditions at the local-, basin- and watershed-scale to address questions associated with water planning, water rights, water-quality assessment, and remediation. He specializes in model development and calibration, with a focus on quantifying exchanges between surface-water and groundwater systems and the application of sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation. He has developed and applied groundwater simulation models to assist private and public clients throughout the Western United States.
EDUCATION
- Post-Doctoral, USGS/National Academy of Sciences and Engineering, National Research Council Research Associate, 1999–2001
- PhD, Civil Engineering (Water Resources), University of Colorado, Boulder, 1999
- MS, Civil Engineering (Water Resources), University of Colorado, Boulder, 1992
- BA, Mathematics and Economics, University of Colorado, Boulder, 1987
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Water Resource Evaluations
- Conceptual and Numerical Model Development
- Quantifying Stream/Aquifer Interactions
- Sensitivity Analysis and Parameter Estimation
AWARDS AND HONORS
- Associateship Award, National Research Council: 1999–2001
- Editor’s Citation, American Geophysical Union: 2000
APPOINTMENTS
- 2013: Adjunct Faculty, University of Colorado, Boulder, Department of Civil Environmental and Architectural Engineering
- 2007–present: Member, Colorado Riparian Association Board
- 2010–2011: President, Colorado Riparian Association Board
- 2006–2008: Boulder Creek Watershed Initiative
- 2001–2006: Member, Water Resources Advisory Board, City of Boulder (Chair, 2005–2006)
- 2002–2006: Member, Greenways Advisory Committee, City of Boulder
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES
- National Ground Water Association (NGWA)
- International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IUGG)
- American Geophysical Union (AGU)
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
Water Resources Assessment, Salt Basin
Water Resources Assessment, Lower Rio Grande Basin
Water Resources Assessment, Pecos River Basin
Assessing Potential Impacts of the Tulla Transfer Application
Regional Groundwater Flow Model for the Lower Nooksack River
PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS (* peer-reviewed journals)
Barth, G., J. Rogers, and J. Chennault, 2024. Anticipating Management-Alternative Impacts on Groundwater and Stream Depletion: Groundwater Model Development and Application, Washington Hydrogeology Symposium, April 23rd 2024
Barth, G., 2024. Groundwater-Use Impacts and Methods/Tools for Communicating Predicted Future Conditions, 3/6/2024 Boase Seminar, University of Colorado, Boulder
Barth, G., 2024. Groundwater Overview and Current Issues: Hydrogeology Introduction and Western Groundwater Management Topics, 2/15/2024 Presentation to the League of Women Voters, Colorado Chapter.
Barth, G, 2024. New Mexico Groundwater Management Perspective on Methods and Challenges: A Consultant’s Perspective, California Water and Environmental Modeling Forum Annual Meeting, April 19th, 2024
Rogers, J., G. Barth, D. Hayes and M. Chowdhury, 2024. Map-Based Open-Source Stream Depletion Tools, Assessing impacts and exploring options with rapid stream depletion estimates, California Water and Environmental Modeling Forum Annual Meeting, April 19th, 2024
Chennault, J. and G. Barth, 2021. Whatcom Groundwater Model. Presented to the Pacific Northwest Groundwater Modelers, 1/10/2021.
Barth, G., 2020. Working from the Ground Up, Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference, October, 2020.
Barth, G., 2019. Understanding and Conveying Groundwater’s Role in a Changing World, GRA’s Second Annual Groundwater Congress, Sacramento, CA, September 17 – 19, 2019
Barth, G., 2018. Timing is Everything: Groundwater Latency Masks Its Impending Contribution to Vulnerability, Sustaining Colorado’s Watersheds. The Color of Water: Exploring the Spectrum, Westin Riverfront Resort, Avon, CO, October 9 – 11, 2018
Barth, G., 2018. Groundwater 101: Overview of the Essential Science, What Lies Beneath: Reasons to Care (and be Excited) About Groundwater Use and Management in the Southwest, University of Colorado School of Law. Thursday, June 7, 2018
Barth, G. and D. Hathaway, 2017. Informing Natural Resource Management Decisions Using Riparian-Zone Groundwater Simulations, 2017 AWRA Spring Conference on Connecting the Dots: The Emerging Science of Aquatic System Connectivity.
*Hathaway, D.L., G. Barth, and K. Kirsch, 2016. Evaluating Flow Diversion Impacts to Groundwater-Dependent Riparian Vegetation with Flow Alteration and Groundwater Model Analysis. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA), v. 52, no. 6, pp. 1311-1326. December 2016. doi: 10.1111/1752-1688.12454
Barth, G., K. Kirsch, D. Hathaway, 2015. Anticipating the Long Haul: Exploring Threshold Boundaries with Basin-wide Stream Depletion Mapping, Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference 2015: In it for the Long Haul, October 6-8, 2015, Avon, Colorado
Hathaway, D., G. Barth, and K. Kirsch, 2015. Assessment of Potential Gila River Flow Alteration on Riparian Groundwater Conditions. Presentation at the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) Conference on Hydrology and Water Quality in the Southwest, Albuquerque, NM, February 23-24, 2016.
Barth, G.R., 2012. Field Workshop for the Eagle River Valley Groundwater Demonstration Monitoring. Presentation at the 2012 Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference, Avon, CO, October 9–11, 2012.
Barth, G., D. Hathaway, and S. Makepeace, 2012. Assessing Ecosystem Benefits of Irrigation System Efficiency: Lessons for Colorado from Montana. Presentation at the 2012 Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference, Avon, CO, October 9–11, 2012.
Barth, G., S. Larson, G. Lewis and K. Green, 2011. Estimating Simulated-Drawdown Uncertainty in the Seven Rivers Augmentation Well Field. Presentation at the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) 2011 Annual Water Resources Conference, Albuquerque, NM, November 7–10, 2011.
Hathaway, D., and G. Barth, 2011. High-Resolution Modeling of Groundwater Responses to Streamflow and Channel Conditions in New Mexico. Presentation at the AWRA 2011 Annual Water Resources Conference, Albuquerque, NM, November 7–10, 2011.
Barth, G.R., 2011. Interpreting Synoptic Flow and Water-Quality Data: Developing Groundwater-Seepage or Concentration Bounds as Parameter Estimation Constraints. Presentation at MODFLOW and More 2011: Integrated Hydrologic Modeling, Golden, CO.
Barth, G.R., 2011. Estimating Uncertainty of Predicted Seven Rivers Augmentation-Field Drawdown. Presentation at the 2011 National Ground Water Association (NGWA) Ground Water Summit, Baltimore, MD, May 1–5, 2011.
Barth, G.R., 2010. Chloride-Migration Prediction Uncertainty in the Vicinity of Poplar, Montana. Presentation at the 2010 NGWA Ground Water Summit, Denver, CO, April 11–15, 2010.
Llewellyn, D., G. Barth, D. Hathaway, and E. Jones, 2009. Application of Shallow, Riparian Groundwater Models to Evaluate Maintenance and Alignment Alternatives for the Rio Grande Channel, Central New Mexico (Abstract). Presentation at the 2009 National Ground Water Association (NGWA) Groundwater Summit, Denver, CO.
Barth, G., and C. Andrews, 2009. Practical Problems, Practical Solutions. Presentation at the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) 2009 Groundwater Summit, Tucson, AZ, April 19–23, 2009.
Barth, G.R., 2009. Transparency in Modeling: Mylar Overlays Might Be Out of Fashion, But We Still Need to Shed Light on the System. Presentation at the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) 2009 Groundwater Summit, Tucson, AZ, April 19–23, 2009.
Hathaway, D., P. Barroll, G. Barth, and K. MacClune, 2009. Identifying the Canary in the Lower Rio Grande Basin: Hydrologic Signals to Support Groundwater Management in a Transboundary Stream-Aquifer System. Presentation at the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) 2009 Groundwater Summit, Tucson, AZ, April 19–23, 2009.
Hathaway, D., G. Barth, and K. MacClune, 2008. High Resolution Groundwater Models of the San Joaquin River Riparian Zone for Evaluation of Surface Water/Groundwater Interactions under Alternate River Flow Regimes. Presentation at the California Central Valley Groundwater Modeling Workshop, California Water and Environment Modeling Forum, Berkeley, CA. July 10–11, 2008.
Barth, G.R., P. Barroll, D. Hathaway, T. Maddock IIII, N. Shafike, J.P. King, J. Shomaker, P. King, and B. Liu, 2008. Building a New Groundwater Flow Model for the Rincon and Mesilla Bolsons. Presentation at MODFLOW and More 2008: Ground Water and Public Policy, International Ground Water Modeling Center, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, May 18–21, 2008, pp. 252-256.
Barth, G.R. and H. Rajaram, 2008. Parameter Estimation Precursor: Simple Tools for a Better Tracer-Test and Observations. Presentation at MODFLOW and More 2008
*Barth, G.R. and H. Rajaram, 2008. Parameter Estimation Precursor: Simple Tools for a Better Tracer-Test and Observations. Ground Water and Public Policy, International Ground Water Modeling Center, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, May 18–21, 2008, pp. 445-449.
Barth, G.R., and C. Schott. 2007. Assessing Mountain Pine Beetle Infestation: Anticipated Hydrologic Impacts and Suggestions for Minimizing Watershed Impacts. Presentation at Sustaining Colorado Watersheds, Breckenridge, CO, October 2–4, 2007.
Barth, G., K. MacClune, D. Hathaway, and F.B. Grigsby, 2007. Making the Most of a Simple Model: Using Extensive Data Sets and Parameter Estimation to Get Basin-Scale Insight on Outcrop Recharge. Presentation at the 2007 NGWA Groundwater Summit, Albuquerque, NM, April 30–May 2, 2007.
Hathaway, D., K. MacClune, N. Shafike, G. Barth, and M. Novotny, 2006. Application of High Resolution Groundwater Models of the Near-River Zone to Problems in River Restoration and Water Management: Lessons Learned. in Proceedings of the American Water Resources Association’s 2006 Annual Water Resource Conference, Baltimore, MD, November 2006. AWRA TPS-06-3, CD-ROM.
Barth, G.R., 2006. Adjusting Canal Conductance to Represent Drought Effects in a Regional Groundwater Simulation. Presentation at MODFLOW and More 2006, Managing Ground-Water Systems, International Ground Water Modeling Center, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, May 22–24, 2006. v. 2, pp. 552-556.
Barth, G.R., 2006. An Innovative Use of Observations to Alleviate Weighted-Residual Asymmetry. Presentation at MODFLOW and More 2006, Managing Ground-Water Systems, International Ground Water Modeling Center, Colorado School of Mines Golden, Colorado, CO, May 22–24, 2006. v. 1, pp. 305-309.
Barth, G.R., K. MacClune, N. Shafike, and D.L. Hathaway, 2006. Beyond Simulated Versus Observed: Gaining Insight to Shallow Ground Water/Surface-Water Exchange Using Visualization and Sensitivity Analysis. Presentation at MODFLOW and More 2006, Managing Ground-Water Systems, International Ground Water Modeling Center, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, May 22-24, 2006. v. 1, pp. 84–88.
Hathaway, D.L., N. Shafike. K. MacClune, and G. Barth, 2005. High-Resolution Groundwater Models for the Assessment of Riparian Restoration Options and River Conveyance Efficiency. Presentation at the 2005 New Mexico Water Research Symposium, New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute, August 16, 2005.
Barth, G.R., and M.C. Hill, 2005. Parameter and Observation Importance in Modeling Virus Transport in Saturated Porous Media — Investigations in a Homogenous System. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, v. 80, pp. 107–129. doi: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2005.06.012
*Barth, G.R., and M.C. Hill, 2005. Numerical Methods for Improving Sensitivity Analysis and Parameter Estimation of Virus Transport Simulated Using Sorptive-Reactive Processes. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, v. 76, pp. 251–277. February 1, 2005. doi: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2004.10.001
*Barth, G.R., T. Illangasekare, and H. Rajaram, 2003. The Effect of Entrapped Nonaqueous Phase Liquids on Tracer Transport in Heterogenous Porous Media: Laboratory Experiments at the Intermediate Scale. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, v. 67, no. 1, pp. 247–268. doi: 10.1016/S0169-7722(03)00066-4
Barth, G.R. 2003. Incorporating Surface-Water/Groundwater Interaction in a Texas Central Gulf Coast Water-Demand-Forecasting Flow Model. Presentation at MODFLOW and More 2003, Understanding Through Modeling, International Groundwater Modeling Center (IGMC), September 16–19, 2003, Golden, CO. in Proceedings of MODFLOW and More 2003, E. Poeter, C. Zheng, M.Hill, J.Doherty, and S. Seo, eds., v. 1, Sec. 3, pp. 139–143.
Barth, G.R., M.C. Hill, T.H. Illangasekare, and H. Rajaram, 2002. Is it More Important to Characterize Heterogeneity or Differences in Hydraulic Conductivity Measurements? Bridging the Gap between Measurement and Modeling. Presentation at the Groundwater 2002 International Association of Hydraulic Engineering and Research (IAHR) Conference, Berkeley, CA, March 2002. in Proceedings of Groundwater 2002 IAHR (International Association of Hydraulic Engineering and Research).
Barth, G.R., T.H. Illangasekare, M.C. Hill, and H. Rajaram, 2002. Creating and Explicitly Characterizing Heterogeneity and NAPL Macro-Scale Entrapment at the Intermediate Scale, Bridging the Gap between Measurement and Modeling. Presentation at Groundwater 2002 IAHR Conference, Berkeley, CA, March, 2002. in Proceedings of Groundwater 2002 IAHR (International Association of Hydraulic Engineering and Research).
*Barth, G.R., M.C. Hill, T.H. Illangasekare, M.C. Hill, and H. Rajaram, 2001. Predictive Modeling of Flow and Transport in a Two-Dimensional Intermediate-Scale, Heterogeneous Porous Media: Water Resources Research, v. 37, no. 10, pp. 2503–2512. doi: 10.1029/2001WR000242
*Barth, G.R., T. Illangasekare, M.C. Hill, and H. Rajaram, 2001. A New Tracer-Density Criterion for Heterogeneous Porous Media: Water Resources Research,v. 37, no. 1, pp. 21–31. January 2001. doi: 10.1029/2000WR900287
Barth, G.R., M. Hill, T. Illangasekare, and H. Rajaram, 2000. Predictive Modeling of Flow in a Two-Dimensional Intermediate-Scale, Heterogeneous Porous Media. in Proceedings of the ModelCARE’99 Conference. F. Stauffer, W. Kinzelbach, K. Kovar, and E. Hoehn, eds. International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) Publication 265. doi: /10.1029/2001WR000242
Barth, G.R., and M.C. Hill, 2000. Importance of Parameters Controlling Virus Transport in Groundwater. Presentation at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, December 14–19, 2000.
Litaor, M.I., G. Barth, E. Zika, G. Litus, J. Moffitt, and H. Daniels, 1998. The Behavior of Radionuclides in the Soils of Rocky Flats, Colorado. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, v. 38, no. 1, pp. 17–46. doi: 10.1016/S0265-931X(97)00019-2
Barth, G.R., T.H. Illangasekare, and M. Hill, 1998. Discrepancies in Hydraulic Conductivity Obtained from Laboratory Evaluation and Regression Modeling of Intermediate Scale Flow and Transport Experiments. Presentation at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Hydrology Days, Ft. Collins, CO, March 1998.
Barth, G.R., T.H. Illangasekare, M.C. Hill, and H. Rajaram, 1998. Characterization of NAPL Contaminated Sites Using Tracer Techniques: Intermediate-Scale Experimental Validation. Presentation at the Great Plains/Rocky Mountain Hazardous Substance Research Center, Kansas State University, Conference on Hazardous Waste Research, Bridging Gaps in Technology and Culture, Snow Bird, UT, May 19–21, 1998.
Barth, G.R., T.H. Illangasekare, M.C. Hill, and H. Rajaram, 1998. An Evaluation of Intermediate-Scale Tracer Tests in Heterogeneous Porous Media: Sensitivity to NAPL Entrapment. Presentation at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, December 6–10, 1998.
Barth, G.R., T.H. Illangasekare, M.C. Hill, and H. Rajaram, 1997. Predictive and Regression Modeling of Heterogeneous, Intermediate Scale, Flow and Transport Experiments. Presentation at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, December 8–12, 1997.
Barth, G.R., T.H. Illangasekare, M.C. Hill, and H. Rajaram, 1997. Tracer Techniques to Determine Effective Field-Site-Scale Parameters for Remediation Design. Presentation at the 12th Annual Conference on Hazardous Waste Research, Kansas City, MO, May 19–22, 1997.
Barth, G.R., T. Illangasekare, H. Rajaram, and H. Ruan, 1996. Model Calibration and Verification for Entrapped NAPL Using Tracer Tests in a Large, Two-Dimensional Tank with Heterogeneous Packing. in Proceedings of ModelCARE 96, Calibration and Reliability in Groundwater Modeling. K. Kovar, and P. van der Heijde, eds. IAHS Publication 237, pp. 169–178.
Litaor, M.I., G.R. Barth, and E.M. Zika, 1996. Fate and Transport of Plutonium-239+240 and Americium-241 in the Soil of Rocky Flats, Colorado. Journal of Environmental Quality, v. 25, no. 4, pp. 671–683. doi: 10.2134/jeq1996.00472425002500040006x
Barth, G.R., T.H. Illangasekare, and H. Rajaram, 1996. Use of Tracer Techniques to Characterize Nonaqueous Phase Liquid Entrapment in Heterogeneous Aquifers (Abstract). American Geophysical Union (AGU) 1996 Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, December 15–19, 1996. in Eos, v. 77, no. 46, Supplement, November 1996. F243.
Barth, G.R., T.H. Illangasekare, and H. Rajaram, 1996. Use of Tracers for the Characterization of Scale Dependent Subsurface Properties: Initial Evaluation. Presentation at the HSRC and WERC Joint Conference on the Environment, Albuquerque, NM, May 21-23, 1996. in Proceedings of the HSRC and WERC Joint Conference on the Environment.
Nachabe, M.H., T. Illangasekare, M. Litaor, and G. Barth, 1995. Assessment of Free-Flowing Soil Solution Using Zero Tension Samplers. Presentation at Models for Assessing and Monitoring Groundwater Quality, Boulder, CO, July 2–14, 1995. in Models for Assessing and Monitoring Groundwater Quality. B. Wagner, T. Illangasekare, and K. Jensen, eds., IAHS-AISH Publication 227, pp. 67–74. January 1, 1995.
Barth, G.R., and J. Moffitt, 1995. A Graphical User Interface for Data Management of an Environmental Monitoring Site. Presentation at the U.S. Department of Energy Environmental Remediation Conference, Denver, CO.
Litaor, M.I., M. Thompson, G. Barth, and P. Molzer, 1994. Plutonium-239 + 240 and Americium-241 in Soils East of Rocky Flats, Colorado. Journal of Environmental Quality, v. 23, pp. 1231–1239. doi: 10.2134/jeq1994.00472425002300060016x
Barth, G.R., M.I. Litaor, and P. Molzer, 1993. An Automated Monitoring System for the Study of Actinides in the Soil Environment at Rocky Flats Plant. Presentation at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Technology Information Exchange, Denver, CO.
Barth, G.R., D. Sieh, and K. Strzepek, 1992. Colorado Water Law Rule―Routing Algorithm for a Decision Support System. Presentation at the 1992 Front Range Meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU).
DEPOSITION & TESTIMONY EXPERIENCE
DEPOSITIONS
2020 – U.S. Supreme Court Original 141, Texas vs. New Mexico and Colorado. Deposed on details of expert report providing Lower Rio Grande groundwater flow model simulation results and report rebutting Texas and U.S. expert reports.
2013 – New Mexico Water Hearings Unit. In the Case of 33 Applications. Deposed on the details of support provided to the NMISC regarding water transfer assessments associated with efforts to comply with interstate compacts.
TESTIMONY
2023 – New Mexico Water Hearings Unit. Tulla Resources Application. Provided expert testimony demonstrating issues with the applicant’s estimation of potential impacts and provided suggestions on methods to improve estimates and reduce the potential for adverse impacts to the Rio Grande Project Water Supply.
2013 – New Mexico Water Hearings Unit. In the Case of 33 Applications. Provided expert testimony for the state, assessing water transfers associated with efforts to comply with interstate compacts.