Geology topics

W. E. Lum

Publications and source records attributed to W. E. Lum.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS1999

Conceptual Model and Numerical Simulation of the Ground-Water-Flow System in the Unconsolidated Sediments of Thurston County, Washington

The demand for water in Thurston County has increased steadily in recent years because of a rapid growth in population. Surface-water resources in the county have been fully appropriated for many years and Thurston County now relies entirely on ground water for new supplies of water. Thurston County is underlain by up to 2,000 feet of unconsolidated glacial and non-glacial Quaternary sediments which overlie consolidated rocks of Tertiary age. Six geohydrologic units have been identified within the unconsolidated sediments. Between 1988 and 1990, median water levels rose 0.6 to 1.9 feet in all geohydrologic units except bedrock, in which they declined 1.4 feet. Greater wet-season precipitation in 1990 (43 inches) than in 1988 (26 inches) was the probable cause of the higher 1990 water levels. Ground-water flow in the unconsolidated sediments underlying Thurston County was simulated with a computerized numerical model (MODFLOW). The model was constructed to simulate 1988 ground-water conditions as steady state. Simulated inflow to the model area from precipitation and secondary recharge was 620,000 acre-feet per year (93 percent), leakage from streams and lakes was 38,000 acre-ft/yr (6 percent), and ground water entering the model along the Chehalis River valley was 5,800 acre-ft/yr (1 percent). Simulated outflow from the model was primarily leakage to streams, springs, lakes, and seepage faces (500,000 acre-ft/yr or 75 percent of the total outflow). Submarine seepage to Puget Sound was simulated to be 88,000 acre-ft/yr (13 percent). Simulated ground-water discharge along the Chehalis River valley was simulated to be 12,000 acreft/yr (2 percent). Simulated withdrawals by wells for all purposes was 62,000 acre-ft/yr (9 percent). The numerical model was used to simulate the possible effects of increasing ground-water withdrawals by 23,000 acre-ft/yr above the 1988 rate of withdrawal. The model indicated that the increased withdrawals would come from reduced discharge to springs, seepage faces, and offshore (total of 51 percent of increased pumping) and decreased flow to rivers (46 percent). About 3 percent would come from increased leakage from rivers. Water levels would decline more than 1 foot over most of the model area, more than 10 feet over some areas, and would be at a maximum of about 35 feet. Contributing areas for water discharging at McAllister and Abbott Springs and to pumping centers near Tumwater and Lacey were estimated using a particle-tracking post-processing computer code (MODPATH) and a MODFLOW model calibrated to steady-state (1988) conditions. Water discharging at McAllister and Abbot Springs was determined to come from water entering the ground-water system at the water table in an area of about 20 square miles (mi2) to the west and south of the springs. This water is estimated to come from recharge (both precipitation and secondary) and from leakage from Lake St. Clair and several other surface-water bodies. Southeast of Lacey, about 3,800 acre-ft of ground water were pumped from five municipal wells during 1988. The source of the pumped water was determined to be an area that covers about 1.1 mi2. The water was estimated to come from recharge (both precipitation and secondary) and leakage from surface-water bodies. Along the lower Deschutes River nearly 3,900 acre-ft/yr of ground water were pumped during 1988 from 15 wells for municipal and industrial use. The calculated source of this water was an area that covers about 1.3 mi2. Within the calculated contributing area the pumped ground water comes from recharge (both precipitation and secondary) and leakage from the Deschutes River and several other surface-water bodies.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1990

Geohydrology and numerical model analysis of ground-water flow in the Pullman-Moscow area, Washington and Idaho

The geohydrology of the Pullman, Washington-Moscow, Idaho area was investigated by mapping geohydrologic units, determining the distribution of hydraulic head in each unit, and determining some of the components of the water budget. This information was used to construct a three- dimensional groundwater-flow model that incorporates three layers--a surficial loess layer, a Wanapum Basalt layer, and a Grande Ronde Basalt layer. The model was used to assess the effects of changes in the rate of withdrawal of groundwater on the water levels in the geohydrologic units and on streamflow in the area. Recharge to the groundwater system was calculated independent of the model. It was determined that current farming practices use soil moisture more effectively than did natural vegetation, and these practices have reduced groundwater recharge by nearly 10%. The three-dimensional model was calibrated using the time- averaged method for the period 1974-85, and was evaluated by simulating historical pumpage rate changes (1890-1985) and comparing calculated with observed water-level changes. Model results indicate that groundwater levels would stop declining if pumpage were stabilized at a constant level. Levels will continue to decline into the foreseeable future, however, as long as groundwater pumpage continues to increase. The source of the additional simulated pumpage is streamflow depletion near pumping locations.

Idaho, Washington↗

USGS1989

Selected ground-water information for the Pasco basin and adjacent areas, Washington, 1986-1989

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the United States Department of Energy, conducted a study of the Pasco basin and adjacent areas, Washington, in support of the Basalt Waste Isolation Project at the Hanford site, Washington. The purpose of the study was to develop a data set that would help define the groundwater-flow system of the Pasco Basin. This report contains the basic data, without interpretation, that were collected from the start of the project in February 1986 through January 1989. Information presented is from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, State of Washington Department of Ecology , US Army Corps of Engineers, Kennewick Irrigation District, and the Survey, and consists of well location and construction data, records of water levels in the wells, and aquifer designations for each well. The aquifer designation represents the geohydrologic unit to which the well is reported to be open. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗

USGS1986

A preliminary evaluation of the geohydrology and water quality of the Greenacres Landfill area, Spokane County, Washington

The Greenacres Landfill, located about 11 mi east of the city of Spokane, Washington, was used for the disposal of waste from 1951 to 1972. Materials in the landfill include household and industrial waste materials, and various hazardous wastes. In 1983 the landfill was designated by the U.S. EPA as a ' Superfund ' site. The purposes of this investigation were to gather, describe, and interpret all the existing data concerning the hydrology and groundwater quality of the area surrounding the landfill, and to identify any additional data needed to describe the hydrology of the area. The quantity of water flow through the landfill as a result of precipitation on the landfill and in the drainage basin above the landfill probably ranges from 21,000 to 85,000 gal/day. This water movement may be creating a leachate and transporting some of the wastes out of the landfill. The plume would encompass an area where groundwater provides most of the water used for municipal, industrial, irrigation, and domestic purposes. Water quality analyses of water from numerous wells in the area which are open to the Spokane aquifer are available, but well 25/45-16K1 is the only well where groundwater contamination was consistently apparent. This well is only 500 ft from the landfill. Contamination of water in this well was indicated by high concentrations of dissolved mineral constituents and several organic compounds, including trans-dichloroethene (115 to 392 micrograms/L). Available data are insufficient to completely interpret the groundwater flow system near this well and the source of the contamination cannot be determined conclusively. While the existing data are adequate to provide background information, more data are needed to: (1) determine the source of contamination in well 25/45-16K1; (2) determine groundwater flow in the Spokane aquifer near well 25/45-16K1; and (3) determine the extent of contamination in the Spokane aquifer. The degree of the influence of the landfill on the Spokane aquifer cannot be determined with existing data. (Author 's abstract)

Open-File Report↗

USGS1986

Reconnaissance of the water resources of the Hoh Indian Reservation and the Hoh River basin, Washington

Ground- and surface-water resources of the Hoh Indian Reservation and the Hoh River basin were studied from 1977 to 1980 under a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Geological Survey and the Hoh Indian Tribe. It was determined that moderate quantities of groundwater can be obtained from near-surface, river-deposited sands and gravels on the northeastern part of the reservation. Groundwater recharge (induced by pumping from a nearby oxbow lake) could supply numerous wells indefinitely with yields of 25 to 50 gallons/min. Geologic units in other areas of the reservation appear to have a low hydraulic conductivity and would yield little, if any, water to wells. At seven sites where housing construction is planned, soils were tested for infiltration rates and it was determined that soils are adequate for waste disposal in septic tanks and associated drain fields at those locations. Chalaat Creek, which flows across the reservation, provides water for salmon-rearing ponds. Except for moderately high bacteria concentrations (fecal coliform bacteria concentrations were as high as 33 colonies/100 mL), results of water quality analyses indicate no unusual or harmful concentrations of any chemical constituent or physical properties of the water that would restrict its use for most purposes. Chemical and bacteriological analyses of the Hoh River and its major tributaries downstream from the Olympic Park boundary revealed no unusual or harmful levels of constituents, with some minor exceptions. Small increases in concentrations of sodium, chloride, nitrite plus nitrate, and turbidity were measured in water samples collected from the Hoh River in a downstream direction. These increases are probably the result of natural weathering of rocks and soils in the basin. Fluvial-sediment transport of the Hoh River was 82,000 tons from March 1978 to February 1979 and 1,510,000 tons from March 1979 to February 1980. Mean annual transport was estimated to be 630 ,000 tons. About 60% of the sediment transported by the Hoh River originates from within the boundaries of the Olympic National Park, which includes about 70% of the area of the Hoh River drainage basin. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1984

Fluoride, Nitrate, and Dissolved-Solids Concentrations in Ground Waters of Washington

This study provides basic data on ground-water quality throughout the State. It is intended for uses in planning and management by agencies and individuals who have responsibility for or interest in, public health and welfare. It also provides a basis for directing future studies of ground-water quality toward areas where ground-water quality problems may already exist. The information presented is a compilation of existing data from numerous sources including: the Washington Departments of Ecology and Social and Health Services, the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as many other local, county, state and federal agencies and private corporations. Only data on fluoride, nitrate, and dissolved-solids concentrations in ground water are presented, as these constituents are among those commonly used to determine the suitability of water for drinking or other purposes. They also reflect both natural and man-imposed effects on water quality and are the most readily available water-quality data for the State of Washington. The percentage of wells with fluoride, nitrate, or dissolved-solids concentrations exceeding U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Primary and Secondary Drinking Water Regulations were about 1, about 3, and about 3, respectively. Most high concentrations occurred in widely separated wells. Two exceptions were: high concentrations of nitrate and dissolved solids in wells on the Hanford Department of Energy Facility and high concentrations of nitrate in the lower Yakima River basin. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗

USGS1984

Fluoride, Nitrate, and Dissolved-Solids Concentrations in Ground Waters of Washington

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1984

Availability of water from the alluvial aquifer in part of the Green River Valley, King County, Washington

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe plans (1982) to build a fish hatchery in part of a 1.56-square-mile area in the Green River valley, Washington, and use groundwater to operate it. Groundwater data were collected in the area and used in a U.S. Geological Survey two-dimensional groundwater-flow model calibrated to simulate the groundwater-flow system in the study area. Measured water levels in the alluvial aquifer were simulated to within 1 foot at 7 of 12 observation wells, and within 2 feet at all 12 wells. When pumping from the aquifer was simulated with the model, it was found that all water pumped from wells was derived from induced leakage from the Green River into the alluvium and reduced leakage through the alluvium to the Green River. Pumping from the alluvium may also reduce the flow of a tributary to the Green River.

Washington↗

USGS1980

Water resources of the Port Gamble Indian Reservation, Washington

This report provides information on the water resources of the Port Gamble Indian Reservation, Washington, including ground- and surface-water quality and quantity data and interpretations of the data. This information was gathered to provide a base for management and protection of the water resources of the reservation. Ground water in the study area generally occurs in two aquifers. A shallow aquifer in weathered till (or fine sand and gravel) generally yields only enough water to wells to supply one or two households, and a lower artesian-aquifer system of sand and gravel layers near or below sea level produces higher yields--more than 65 gallons per minute to at least one well. Future supplies of ground water probably can be withdrawn from the lower artesian-aquifer system almost anywhere beneath the reservation. The estimated natural discharge of ground water from the lower artesian-aquifer system to Hood Canal and Port Gamble (bay) is about 42,000 cubic feet per day, or an average of about 220 gallons per minute. Of this amount, it is estimated that about 90 gallons per minute can be economically withdrawn, probably without greatly increasing chances of seawater intrusion. One well in the area taps a still deeper artesian aquifer that is otherwise unexplored. This aquifer, 75 to 80 feet or more below sea level, could possibly supply additional ground water for future use. Ground-water quality is good, but the water is moderately hard and has moderately high iron concentrations. Chloride analyses indicate that in 1977 there was no seawater intrusion into the lower aquifer tapped by wells in the community of Little Boston.

Washington↗

USGS1979

Water resources of the Port Madison Indian Reservation, Washington

The study summarized in this report was made to provide Suquamish Tribal leaders with information on the reservation's surface- and ground-water resources. The Tribal leaders need this information to help them manage and protect their water resources against overdevelopment. The quantity of ground water that is estimated to be available for withdrawal on a long-term basis is about 600 million gallons per year in the western part of the reservation and 400 million gallons per year in the eastern part of the reservation. It should be possible, economically and practically, to capture at least 40 percent of this ground water with properly constructed and located wells before it is discharged into the sea. This is enough water to supply at least 5,000 and 3,500 people with domestic water in these respective areas—about four times the present population. Of nine stream sites that were studied on and near the reservation, the lowest average streamflows for a 7-day period estimated to occur an average of once in 2 years were 1.3 cubic feet per second or less. Streams at three of the sites have been observed dry at least once. The short period of data collection during this study limits the accuracy of statistical estimates of low flows. Both surface and ground water were found to be of good quality with no unusual or harmful constituents; there was no evidence of major pollution in 1977. In the future, seawater intrusion into the ground-water system and pollution of the surface water by improperly treated sewage waste water could become problems.

Washington↗

USGS1977

Municipal, industrial, and irrigation water use in Washington, 1975

An assessment of water use in 1975 in the 39 counties and 62 Water Resource Inventory Areas of Washington, indicated that 2.49 trillion gallons of water was used for municipal, industrial, and irrigation purposes. That amount represents a 10-percent increase over a similar water-use assessment in 1965, but a slight decrease from that of 1970. Total municipal water use, which includes municipally supplied industrial water, was 283 billion gallons. Industry used 442 billion gallons, of which 121 billion gallons was from municipal systems and 321 billion gallons was from self-supplied systems. Of the 604 billion gallons of water used for municipal and industrial supplies, 145 billion gallons was ground water, 444 billion gallons was fresh surface water, and 14.8 billion gallons was saline surface water. A compilation of statewide industrial use as categorized by SIC (Standard Industrial Classification, as used nationwide) shows that the four classifications with greatest water use--SIC 26 (Paper and Allied Products), SIC 24 (Lumber and Wood Products), SIC 28 (Chemicals and Allied Products), and SIC 20 (Food and Kindred Products)--accounted for about 65 percent of the total water used in industrial processes. In 1975, 5.79 million acre-feet of irrigation water (1,890 billion gallons) was applied to 1.52 million acres. This water was 95 percent surface water and 5 percent ground water. About 97 percent of the irrigation water was applied in eastern Washington, to about 94 percent of the irrigated acreage in the State.

Washington↗