Understanding the interaction between ground water and surface water is essential to water managers and scientists. Development of a sound conceptual model is key to the evaluation of the system. The conceptual model incorporates the important physical, biogeochemical, and biological (fauna and flora) parameters and integrates those parameters with consideration of the dynamic environment. Groundwater as a source of contamination may be an important consideration when evaluating and implementing remedial activities at a contaminated sediment site. Our team has experience in using both direct physical measurement as well as tracer and indicator methods such as temperature to evaluate the potential amount of groundwater that is discharging to a water body.