MT3D-USGS
MT3D-USGS: A free, open-source 3D transport simulator for MODFLOW-based workflows. Ranked #8 of 11 in Groundwater Modeling Software by our editors (7.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for 3D multispecies transport with MODFLOW workflows.
At a glance
- Editor score7.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best for3D multispecies transport with MODFLOW workflows
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Flow modeling methodFinite-difference
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Simulates 3D advection, dispersion, reactions and multispecies transport
- Supports MODFLOW-2005 and MODFLOW-USG workflows
- Free, open-source deployment on Windows and Linux
Where it doesn't
- Focuses on transport rather than complete groundwater-flow modeling
- Self-hosted downloadable software requires local deployment
- Support is provided through documentation channels
Our verdict on MT3D-USGS
MT3D-USGS is a U.S. Geological Survey program for three-dimensional groundwater solute-transport simulation. It models advection, dispersion, chemical reactions and multispecies transport using a finite-difference numerical solution. The software is intended for government agencies, consultants, researchers and educators, and fits organizations of different sizes that need transport analysis connected to MODFLOW groundwater-flow models. It is downloadable, self-hosted software for Windows and Linux rather than a hosted commercial service.
The published product details show a free plan and open-source distribution, so there is no paid tier structure to compare. Its central ecosystem fit is MODFLOW: MT3D-USGS integrates with MODFLOW-2005 and MODFLOW-USG model workflows. Stream and lake transport interaction packages extend the model to groundwater-surface-water transport scenarios. Teams selecting it should therefore have an existing MODFLOW workflow or a clear need to pair flow modeling with detailed solute-transport simulation.
Its strongest capability is the breadth of transport processes covered in one simulator: three-dimensional advection and dispersion, chemical reactions, multispecies transport, and interaction packages for streams and lakes. That scope suits scientific and engineering studies where contaminant or solute movement is the main focus. The trade-off is equally clear: MT3D-USGS is a transport model, not a complete flow-modeling product, and deployment is self-hosted. Organizations seeking an integrated flow-and-transport environment should evaluate alternatives, while MODFLOW users needing a free, open-source transport component are well matched to this program.
Questions about MT3D-USGS
What does MT3D-USGS run on? Windows and Linux. It runs self-hosted.
What does MT3D-USGS integrate with? 2 integrations: MODFLOW-2005 and MODFLOW-USG.
Who is MT3D-USGS built for? Small businesses, mid-market companies and enterprises (our editorial estimate).
Your product? Our editors can test MT3D-USGS in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
MT3D-USGS pricing
MT3D-USGS fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Flow modeling method | Finite-difference |
| Transport modeling | Yes |
| Surface-water coupling | Yes |
| Model dimensions | 3d |
| GIS data exchange | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | Windows, Linux |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: MODFLOW-2005, MODFLOW-USG |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | usgs.gov |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
MT3D-USGS integrations
MT3D-USGS lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- MODFLOW-2005
- MODFLOW-USG
Alternatives to MT3D-USGS
- MODFLOW 6A free, open-source model for 3D groundwater flow, transport, and coupled simulations.9.3
- FREEWATA free, GIS-centered modeling environment spanning groundwater simulation, analysis and planning.8.7
- ModelMuseFree Windows GUI for preparing groundwater model inputs, not a simulator itself.8.4
See all MT3D-USGS alternatives →
MT3D-USGS vs the competition
- MT3D-USGS vs MODFLOW 6
- MT3D-USGS vs FREEWAT
- MT3D-USGS vs ModelMuse
- MT3D-USGS vs SUTRA
- MT3D-USGS vs PFLOTRAN
- MT3D-USGS vs MODFLOW-USG
Compare MT3D-USGS with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
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