Aim of the study:
This study aimed to evaluate skimming well technology for sustainable abstraction of groundwater in the Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan. It focused on how well design and operating conditions affect saltwater upconing and pumped water salinity to identify optimal configurations for the sustainable extraction of freshwater.

Material and methods:
Using the MODFLOW-MT3D model, simulations tested single- and multi-strainer wells under varying discharge rates (5.7–8.5 l/s), penetration depths (30–60%), and pumping durations (up to 6 hours/day). The model assessed freshwater–saltwater interface movement and resulting groundwater salinity over a four-year period.

Results and conclusions:
Higher discharge rate (8.5 l/s) caused greater saltwater upconing (~19 m). Multi-strainer wells reduced upconing and produced lower salinity (<950 mg/l) compared to single-strainer wells. The study recommends 4-strainer wells, with a 30–40% penetration depth, and up to 6 hours of daily operation for sustainable abstraction of freshwater.