Geology Reports⌕ Search

SEARCH · Geology Reports

Results for “Ground-water Report”

Search indexed USGS publications on groundwater, aquifers, geologic maps, mineral resources and earthquakes. Explore source records by subject and place.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 469 records · Page 26Linked to original sources

Documentation and verification of VST2D; a model for simulating transient, Variably Saturated, coupled water-heat-solute Transport in heterogeneous, anisotropic 2-Dimensional, ground-water systems with variable fluid density

This report describes a model for simulating transient, Variably Saturated, coupled water-heatsolute Transport in heterogeneous, anisotropic, 2-Dimensional, ground-water systems with variable fluid density (VST2D). VST2D was developed to help understand the effects of natural and anthropogenic factors on quantity and quality of variably saturated ground-water systems. The model solves simultaneously for one or more dependent variables (pressure, temperature, and concentration) at nodes in a horizontal or vertical mesh using a quasi-linearized general minimum residual method. This approach enhances computational speed beyond the speed of a sequential approach. Heterogeneous and anisotropic conditions are implemented locally using individual element property descriptions. This implementation allows local principal directions to differ among elements and from the global solution domain coordinates. Boundary conditions can include time-varying pressure head (or moisture content), heat, and/or concentration; fluxes distributed along domain boundaries and/or at internal node points; and/or convective moisture, heat, and solute fluxes along the domain boundaries; and/or unit hydraulic gradient along domain boundaries. Other model features include temperature and concentration dependent density (liquid and vapor) and viscosity, sorption and/or decay of a solute, and capability to determine moisture content beyond residual to zero. These features are described in the documentation together with development of the governing equations, application of the finite-element formulation (using the Galerkin approach), solution procedure, mass and energy balance considerations, input requirements, and output options. The VST2D model was verified, and results included solutions for problems of water transport under isohaline and isothermal conditions, heat transport under isobaric and isohaline conditions, solute transport under isobaric and isothermal conditions, and coupled water-heat-solute transport. The first three problems considered in model verification were compared to either analytical or numerical solutions, whereas the coupled problem was compared to measured laboratory results for which no known analytic solutions or numerical models are available. The test results indicate the model is accurate and applicable for a wide range of conditions, including when water (liquid and vapor), heat (sensible and latent), and solute are coupled in ground-water systems. The cumulative residual errors for the coupled problem tested was less than 10–8 cubic centimeter per cubic centimeter, 10-5 moles per kilogram, and 102 calories per cubic meter for liquid water content, solute concentration and heat content, respectively. This model should be useful to hydrologists, engineers, and researchers interested in studying coupled processes associated with variably saturated transport in ground-water systems.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

Documentation of model input and output values for simulation of pumping effects in Paradise Valley, a basin tributary to the Humboldt River, Humboldt County, Nevada

Documentation is provided of model input and sample output used in a previous report for analysis of ground-water flow and simulated pumping scenarios in Paradise Valley, Humboldt County, Nevada.Documentation includes files containing input values and listings of sample output. The files, in American International Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) or binary format, are compressed and put on a 3-1/2-inch diskette. The decompressed files require approximately 8.4 megabytes of disk space on an International Business Machine (IBM)- compatible microcomputer using the MicroSoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS) operating system version 5.0 or greater.

Open-File Report↗

Ground-water quality in Geauga County, Ohio — Review of previous studies, status in 1999, and comparison of 1986 and 1999 data

Most residents in Geauga County, Ohio, rely on ground water as their primary source of drinking water. With population growing at a steady rate, the possibility that human activity will affect ground-water quality becomes considerable. This report presents the results of a study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Geauga County Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners, to provide a brief synopsis of work previously done within the county, to assess the present (1999) ground-water quality, and to determine any changes in groundwater quality between 1986 and 1999. Previous studies of ground-water quality in the county have consistently reported that manganese and iron concentrations in ground water in Geauga County often exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL). Road salt and, less commonly, oil-field brines and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been found in ground water at isolated locations. Nitrate has not been detected above the USEPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 10 milligrams per liter as N; however, nitrate has been found in some locations at levels that may indicate the effects of fertilizer application or effluent from septic systems. Between June 7 and July 1, 1999, USGS personnel collected a total of 31 water-quality samples from wells completed in glacial deposits, the Pottsville Formation, the Cuyahoga Group, and the Berea Sandstone. All samples were analyzed for VOCs, sulfide, dissolved organic carbon, major ions, trace elements, alkalinity, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli bacteria. Fourteen of the samples also were analyzed for tritium. Water-quality data were used to determine (1) suitability of water for drinking, (2) age of ground water, (3) stratigraphic variation in water quality, (4) controls on water quality, and (5) temporal variation in water quality. Water from 16 of the 31 samples exceeded the Geauga County General Health District’s standard of 0 colonies of total coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters of water. Esthetically based SMCLs were exceeded in the indicated number of wells for pH (8), sulfate (1), dissolved solids (3), iron (19), and manganese (18). Hydrogen sulfide was detected at or above the detection limit of 0.01 milligram per liter in 17 of the 31 water samples. A range of water types was found among and within the four principal stratigraphic units. The waters can be categorized in three groups based on predominant anion type: bicarbonatetype waters, chloride-type waters, and sulfatetype waters. Chloride-to-bromide ratio analyses indicate that water from 8 of the 31 wells is in some way affected by human activity. Five other samples were in a chloride-to-bromide ratio range that could indicate possible effects of human activity. Ground-water-quality data from the current study were compared to data collected in 1986. Statistical analyses of data from the 16 wells that were sampled in both years did not indicate any significant changes that could be attributed to human activity.

Ohio↗

Ground water in the Raft River Basin, Idaho, with special reference to irrigation use, 1956-60

In the Raft River basin in south-central Idaho, ground-water withdrawals for irrigation have more than doubled since 1955, when data were compiled for a comprehensive report on the area. The present report summerizes data on the ground-water use and changes in the water regimen during the intervening 5 years. Water levels have declined 10 to 20 feet in the areas of heaviest pumping and 3 to 5 feet throughout the remainder of the area. These water-level declines are related to increased ground-water pumpage and below-normal precipitation in the basin. The total pumpage during the 1960 irrigation season is estimated to be about 127,000 acre-feet, of which about half was consumed by crops or evaporated. The remainder returned to the aquifer. Irrigation development is acting to reduce the amount of underflow out of the basin. The water table can be lowered considerably more before underflow from the basin would be reduced substantially.

Idaho↗

Digital simulation of ground-water flow in the Warwick Aquifer, Fort Totten Indian Reservation, North Dakota

The demand for water from the Warwick aquifer, which underlies the Fort Totten Indian Reservation in northeastern North Dakota, has been increasing during recent years. Therefore, the Spirit Lake Sioux Nation is interested in resolving questions about the quantity and quality of water in the aquifer and in developing a water-management plan for future water use. A study was conducted to evaluate the surface-water and ground-water resources of the Fort Totten Indian Reservation and, in particular, the ground-water resources in the area of the Warwick aquifer. A major component of the study, addressed by this report, was to define the ground-water flow system of the aquifer. The Warwick aquifer consists of outwash deposits of the Warwick outwash plain that are as much as 30 feet thick and buried-valley deposits beneath the outwash plain that are as much as 200 feet thick. The aquifer is bounded on the north and west by end-moraine deposits and Devils Lake, on the south by the Sheyenne River Valley, and on the east by outwash deposits and ravines. The aquifer is underlain by Pierre Shale or by glacial till, clay, or silt. Ground-water gradients generally are small and rarely are more than 3 or 4 feet per mile. From 1982 to 1993, withdrawals from the Devils Lake well field averaged 1.5 cubic feet per second, and withdrawals from irrigation wells averaged 1.29 cubic feet per second. The combined discharge from springs may be about 3 cubic feet per second. During the early 1990s, the Warwick aquifer probably was in a steady-state condition with regard to storage change in the aquifer. A finite-difference, three-dimensional, ground-water flow model provided a reasonable simulation of ground-water flow in the Warwick aquifer. The aquifer was divided vertically into two layers and horizontally into a grid of 83 by 109 cells, each measuring 656 feet (200 meters) per side. The steady-state simulation was conducted using 1992 pumpage rates and October 1992 water levels. The mean absolute difference between simulated and derived water-level altitudes during final calibration of the model was 1.52 feet. The two transient simulations were conducted for 20 time intervals of 1 year each using both the small and large storage estimates, doubled 1992 pumpage from the Devils Lake well field, 1992 irrigation pumpage, and initial water-level altitudes simulated by the October 1992 steady-state simulation. In the simulation using the small storage estimate and doubled pumpage, model cells in the area of the well field went dry after 13 years. Assumptions made in the design of the model generally are supported by the digital simulation. Except in the area of Warwick Springs and smaller springs, lateral and basal boundaries of the aquifer are impermeable. The flow system is dominated by recharge and evapotranspiration. Recharge rates obtained during the calibration process were lower in topographically high areas than in topographically low areas. Hydraulic conductivity in the area of the Devils Lake well field was larger than that in the rest of the aquifer.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

Shallow ground-water conditions, Tom Green County, Texas

Most of the water needs of Tom Green County, Texas, are supplied by ground water; however, the city of San Angelo is supplied by surface water. Groundwater withdrawals during 1980 (latest year for which data are available) in Tom Green County totaled about 15,300 acre-feet, all derived from shallow aquifers. Shallow aquifers in this report refer to the ground-water system generally less than 400 feet deep that contains water with less than a 10,000 milligrams per liter concentration of dissolved solids; aquifers comprising this system include: The Leona, Comanche Peak, Trinity, Blaine, San Angelo, Choza, Bullwagon, Vale, Standpipe, and Arroyo aquifers. The current (1983) water levels in shallow aquifers in Tom Green County are relatively unchanged from those levels listed in previous reports. In most wells, the change in water level is less than 10 feet, and only a few isolated wells or areas have changes of more than 20 feet. Based on long-term hydrographs of selected wells and precipitation, water levels are directly related to precipitation and associated pumpage for irrigation. Current (1983) water levels probably are higher than normal due to the above-normal precipitation during 1980-81. Ground water in Tom Green County commonly is very hard (greater than 180 milligrams per liter as calcium carbonate), and chemical types vary in the aquifers and in different parts of the county. The concentrations of dissolved solids range from 200 to 3,000 milligrams per liter, the dissolved-chloride concentrations range from about 40 to 1,000 milligrams per liter, and the dissolved-sulfate concentrations normally range from about 25 to 600 milligrams per liter. The dissolved-nitrate concentrations in samples from eight wells ranged from 2 to 37 milligrams per liter. Five of these samples exceeded the maximum contaminant level of 10 milligrams per liter set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Of the eight water samples analyzed for minor elements, two exceeded the maximum contaminant level for selenium, and one exceeded the maximum contaminant level for manganese. Samples from three wells were analyzed for selected pesticides; no pesticides were detected. Two groups of ground-water samples were tested for bacteria in April and August 1983. The first group consisted of samples from 25 wells; no samples contained fecal-coliform bacteria, but 15 samples contained fecal-streptococci bacteria. The second group consisted of samples from 29 wells and 1 spring; twelve of these samples contained fecal-coliform bacteria and all 30 contained fecal-streptococci bacteria. Water samples from seven wells were common to both groups, and the samples tested in August contained more bacteria. Counts of fecal-coliform bacteria ranged from 0 to 26 colonies per 100 milliliters with most less than 5 colonies per 100 milliliters. Counts of fecal-streptococci bacteria ranged from 0 to 400 colonies per 100 milliliters with most less than 20 colonies per 100 milliliters. The presence of fecal-coliform and fecalstreptococci bacteria in water is only an indicator that pollution from septic systems may be present and is not a positive check for fecal pollution. Generally, the aquifers are not contaminated by septic-system effluent, however, some individual wells or localized areas could be contaminated by nearby septic systems. Using dissolved-solids concentrations as an indicator, historical and current (1983) water-quality records were compared to determine if any changes in water quality had occurred. The quality of water from Cretaceous rocks underlying the Edwards Pleateau has not changed significantly; this water is the least mineralized ground water in the county. The quality of water from the Arroyo and Bullwagon aquifers in the eastern most part of the county also has not changed significantly; dissolved-solids concentrations range from 1,500 to 2,000 milligrams per liter. In the remainder of the county, dissolved-solids concentrations have increased from 10 to 500 milligrams per liter in ground water along the river valleys and in the Li pan Flat area and increases of 500 to 1,100 milligrams per liter have occurred in ground water southeast of San Angelo, west of Twin Buttes Reservoir, and about 10 miles east of San Angelo. Locally, dissolved-solids concentrations have increased by as much as 4,530 milligrams per liter in water from individual wells. Pollution from oil-field activities may affect the quality of water in some isolated wells and in some areas in the county. No historical records are available for determining any changes in pesticides, minor elements, or bacteria.

Texas↗

Water-resource trends and comparisons between partial-development and October 2006 hydrologic conditions, Wood River Valley, south-central Idaho

This report analyzes trends in ground-water and surface-water data, documents 2006 hydrologic conditions, and compares 2006 and historic ground-water data of the Wood River Valley of south-central Idaho. The Wood River Valley extends from Galena Summit southward to the Timmerman Hills. It is comprised of a single unconfined aquifer and an underlying confined aquifer present south of Baseline Road in the southern part of the study area. Streams are well-connected to the shallow unconfined aquifer. Because the entire population of the area depends on ground water for domestic supply, either from domestic or municipal-supply wells, rapid population growth since the 1970s has raised concerns about the continued availability of ground and surface water to support existing uses and streamflow. To help address these concerns, this report evaluates ground- and surface-water conditions in the area before and during the population growth that started in the 1970s. Mean annual water levels in three wells (two completed in the unconfined aquifer and one in the confined aquifer) with more than 50 years of semi-annual measurements showed statistically significant declining trends. Mean annual and monthly streamflow trends were analyzed for three gaging stations in the Wood River Valley. The Big Wood River at Hailey gaging station (13139500) showed a statistically significant trend of a 25-percent increase in mean monthly base flow for March over the 90-year period of record, possibly because of earlier snowpack runoff. Both the 7-day and 30-day low-flow analyses for the Big Wood River near Bellevue gaging station (13141000) show a mean decrease of approximately 15 cubic feet per second since the 1940s, and mean monthly discharge showed statistically significant decreasing trends for December, January, and February. The Silver Creek at Sportsman Access near Picabo gaging station (13150430) also showed statistically significant decreasing trends in annual and mean monthly discharge for July through February and April from 1975 to 2005. Comparisons of partial-development (ground-water conditions from 1952 to 1986) and 2006 ground-water resources in the Wood River Valley using a geographic information system indicate that most ground-water levels for the unconfined aquifer in the study area are either stable or declining. Declines are predominant in the southern part of the study area south of Hailey, and some areas exceed what is expected of natural fluctuations in ground-water levels. Some ground-water levels rose in the northern part of the study area; however, these increases are approximated due to a lack of water-level data in the area. Ground-water level declines in the confined aquifer exceed the range of expected natural fluctuations in large areas of the confined aquifer in the southern part of the study area in the Bellevue fan. However, the results in this area are approximated due to limited available water-level data.

Idaho↗

Regional ground-water flow and geochemistry in the midwestern Basins and Arches aquifer system in parts of Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois

This report synthesizes information on the regional ground-water flow and geochemistry in the Midwestern Basins and Arches aquifer system in parts of Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. Aquifers that compose this water-table aquifer system include glacial aquifers and an underlying, areally extensive carbonate-rock aquifer. Water within the aquifers is most commonly a Ca-Mg-HCO 3 type or a Ca-Mg-SO 4 type. In general, the distribution of hydrochemical facies within the aquifer system is controlled by the mineralogy of the aquifer material, rather than by a chemical evolution of water along general directions of regional ground-water flow. Some ground-water flow systems within the aquifer system provide base flow to streams in response to ground-water recharge events. Other (often deeper) ground-water flow systems respond minimally to variations in ground-water recharge from precipitation and provide a fairly constant supply of water to streams. Streamflow hydrographs and base-flow duration curves were used to estimate such components of base flow in selected streams for long-term steady-state conditions in the aquifer system. Mean sustained ground-water discharge (discharge from fairly stable ground-water flow systems) ranges from 3 to 50 percent of mean ground-water discharge (discharge from all ground-water flow systems) to the selected stream reaches. These percentages indicate that 50 to 97 percent of base flow in the streams within the study area can be attributed to transient ground-water flow systems, which typically have a major component of local-scale flow. Because ground-water flow across the external boundaries of the aquifer system is minimal, such percentages indicate that most ground-water flow in the aquifer system is associated with seasonally transient local flow systems. Results of a ground-water flow model that was calibrated by use of regression methods and that simulates regional flow systems within the aquifer system (approximately 10 percent of total ground-water flow in the aquifer system) indicate that most water (99 percent) in simulated regional flow systems is from recharge at the water table. Most water (78 percent) discharges from simulated regional flow systems to the principal streams. Less than 3 percent of water in simulated regional flow systems discharges to the Ohio River, Lake Erie, or downdip areas in the Illinois (structural) Basin. Simulations also indicate that most of the Midwestern Basins and Arches aquifer system is characterized by alternating regional recharge and discharge areas at intervals of less than every 10 miles along the dominant regional trends of the potentiometric surfaces in the aquifers. Such alternating regional recharge and discharge areas result in the absence of long flow paths from the very highest regional potentiometric levels to the very lowest regional potentiometric levels. The presence of tritiated ground water (less than 50 years old) across most of the aquifer system also indicates that the aquifer system receives recharge across most of the study area. The northeastern part of the aquifer system near Lake Erie differs from the rest of the system with respect to regional ground-water flow and chemistry. Specifically, part of the northeastern part of the aquifer system can be characterized as a broad area (tens of miles) of weak regional discharge (less than 0.5 inch per year). Results of the regional ground-water flow model indicate that regional flow systems have a limited ability to carry ground water away from this area; thus precipitation is prevented from recharging the regional flow systems in this part of the aquifer system. Some ground water recharged during Pleistocene glaciation was found in this area.

Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio↗

Application of nonlinear-regression methods to a ground-water flow model of the Albuquerque Basin, New Mexico

This report documents the application of nonlinear-regression methods to a numerical model of ground-water flow in the Albuquerque Basin, New Mexico. In the Albuquerque Basin, ground water is the primary source for most water uses. Ground-water withdrawal has steadily increased since the 1940's, resulting in large declines in water levels in the Albuquerque area. A ground-water flow model was developed in 1994 and revised and updated in 1995 for the purpose of managing basin ground- water resources. In the work presented here, nonlinear-regression methods were applied to a modified version of the previous flow model. Goals of this work were to use regression methods to calibrate the model with each of six different configurations of the basin subsurface and to assess and compare optimal parameter estimates, model fit, and model error among the resulting calibrations. The Albuquerque Basin is one in a series of north trending structural basins within the Rio Grande Rift, a region of Cenozoic crustal extension. Mountains, uplifts, and fault zones bound the basin, and rock units within the basin include pre-Santa Fe Group deposits, Tertiary Santa Fe Group basin fill, and post-Santa Fe Group volcanics and sediments. The Santa Fe Group is greater than 14,000 feet (ft) thick in the central part of the basin. During deposition of the Santa Fe Group, crustal extension resulted in development of north trending normal faults with vertical displacements of as much as 30,000 ft. Ground-water flow in the Albuquerque Basin occurs primarily in the Santa Fe Group and post-Santa Fe Group deposits. Water flows between the ground-water system and surface-water bodies in the inner valley of the basin, where the Rio Grande, a network of interconnected canals and drains, and Cochiti Reservoir are located. Recharge to the ground-water flow system occurs as infiltration of precipitation along mountain fronts and infiltration of stream water along tributaries to the Rio Grande; subsurface flow from adjacent regions; irrigation and septic field seepage; and leakage through the Rio Grande, canal, and Cochiti Reservoir beds. Ground water is discharged from the basin by withdrawal; evapotranspiration; subsurface flow; and flow to the Rio Grande, canals, and drains. The transient, three-dimensional numerical model of ground-water flow to which nonlinear-regression methods were applied simulates flow in the Albuquerque Basin from 1900 to March 1995. Six different basin subsurface configurations are considered in the model. These configurations are designed to test the effects of (1) varying the simulated basin thickness, (2) including a hypothesized hydrogeologic unit with large hydraulic conductivity in the western part of the basin (the west basin high-K zone), and (3) substantially lowering the simulated hydraulic conductivity of a fault in the western part of the basin (the low-K fault zone). The model with each of the subsurface configurations was calibrated using a nonlinear least- squares regression technique. The calibration data set includes 802 hydraulic-head measurements that provide broad spatial and temporal coverage of basin conditions, and one measurement of net flow from the Rio Grande and drains to the ground-water system in the Albuquerque area. Data are weighted on the basis of estimates of the standard deviations of measurement errors. The 10 to 12 parameters to which the calibration data as a whole are generally most sensitive were estimated by nonlinear regression, whereas the remaining model parameter values were specified. Results of model calibration indicate that the optimal parameter estimates as a whole are most reasonable in calibrations of the model with with configurations 3 (which contains 1,600-ft-thick basin deposits and the west basin high-K zone), 4 (which contains 5,000-ft-thick basin de

New Mexico↗

Bibliography of ground-water references for all 254 counties in Texas, 1886-2001

Preface This bibliography comprises more than 10,000 citations of ground-water references involving all 254 counties in Texas. The reference citations date from 1886 and extend into 2001. Publications and reports from more than 30 agencies, universities, water districts, geological societies, cities, consultants, and private publication outlets are included in the bibliography. The bibliographic listing is, first, alphabetical by county and, second, chronological by date of the report, from oldest to most recent. The passing years have seen a proliferation in both published and unpublished reports, and such proliferation continues to expand at an accelerating pace. All 254 counties have had groundwater studies, either cursory or detailed. Investigation and development of the ground-water resources of the State of Texas resulted in reports that appear in a variety of formats, including Federal, State, and local agency reports; scholarly, professional, and trade journals; conference proceedings; guidebooks; maps; and theses and dissertations. The end result for the person seeking ground-water information about specific Texas counties is the increasing difficulty in locating pertinent data among the many and diverse ground-water reports in which the information is recorded. This bibliography, covering a span of 115 years, should have considerable utility in guiding those individuals seeking ground-water information.

Texas↗

Late Pleistocene paleohydrology near the boundary of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts, southeastern Arizona, USA

Ground-water discharge (GWD) deposits form in arid environments as water tables rise and approach or breach the ground surface during periods of enhanced effective precipitation. Where preserved, these deposits contain information on the timing and elevation of past ground-water fluctuations. Here we report on the investigation of a series of GWD deposits that are exposed in discontinuous outcrops along a ???150-km stretch of the San Pedro Valley in southeastern Arizona, near the boundary of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts. Chronologic, isotopic, geochemical, faunal assemblage (ostracodes and gastropods), and sedimentological evidence collectively suggest that the elevation of the regional water table in the valley rose in response to a change in climate ???50 ka ago and remained relatively high for the next ???35 ka before falling during the B??lling-Aller??d warm period, rebounding briefly during the Younger Dryas cold event, and falling again at the onset of the Holocene. The timing of these hydrologic changes coincides closely with variations in ??18O values of calcite from a nearby speleothem to the west and changes in lake levels at pluvial Lake Cochise to the east. Thus, in southeastern Arizona, the assumption that changes in climate are reflected in all aspects of the hydrologic cycle of a region simultaneously is validated. The timing of these changes also broadly coincides with variations in the GISP2 ??18O record, which supports the hypothesis that atmospheric teleconnections existed between the North Atlantic and the deserts of the American Southwest during the late Pleistocene.

Arizona↗

Geologic, hydrologic, and water-quality data from multiple-well monitoring sites in the Central and West Coast basins, Los Angeles County, California, 1995-2000

In 1995, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRDSC) , began a study to examine ground-water resources in the Central and West Coast Basins in Los Angeles County, California. The study characterizes the geohydrology and geochemistry of the regional ground-water flow system and provides extensive data for evaluating ground-water management issues. This report is a compilation of geologic, hydrologic, and water-quality data collected from 24 recently constructed multiple-well monitoring sites for the period 1995–2000. Descriptions of the collected drill cuttings were compiled into lithologic logs, which are summarized along with geophysical logs—including gamma-ray, spontaneous potential, resistivity, electromagnetic induction, and temperature tool logs—for each monitoring site. At selected sites, cores were analyzed for magnetic orientation, physical and thermal properties, and mineralogy. Field and laboratory estimates of hydraulic conductivity are presented for most multiple-well monitoring sites. Periodic water-level measurements are also reported. Water-quality information for major ions, nutrients, trace elements, deuterium and oxygen-18, and tritium is presented for the multiple-well monitoring locations, and for selected existing production and observation wells. In addition, boron-11, carbon-13, carbon-14, sulfur-34, and strontium-87/86 data are presented for selected wells.

Open-File Report↗

Water levels in observation wells in Santa Barbara County, California; in 1954

The investigation of the ground-water resources of Santa Barbara County was continued (luring 1954 in cooperation with the Santa Barbara County Wallet Agency. Monthly water-level measurements were made in 182 wells in 6 of which automatic water-level recorders were operated. Earlier measurements covering the period 1941 through 1952 have been published in U. S. Geological Survey water-supply papers; those for 1953 are in press and have already been released locally in duplicated form. Water-Supply Paper 1068 contains tabulated descriptions for 2,246 wells in existence in 1942 in the various ground-water basins of the county. The same publication contains also many water-level measurements made prior to 1942 by the city of Santa Barbara, Santa Maria Valley Water Conservation District, San Joaquin Power Division of the Pacific GAB and Electric Co., Union Sugar Co., Union Oil Co., and other organizations and individuals. Comprehensive reports on the geology and ground-water resources of the Santa Time River basin (Upson and Thomasson, 1951), the south-coast basins (Upson, 1951), the Santa Maria Valley area (Worts, 1951), and the Cuyama Valley (Upson and Worts, 1951) have been published as Water-Supply Papers 1107, 1108 100U. and 1110-B respectively. In October 1952 "Reports on stream runoff and ground-water storage capacity, Santa Ynez River, Santa Barbara Count, Calif.," prepared respectively by Messrs. H. C. Troxell of the Surface Water Branch and H. D. Wilson, Jr., of the Ground hater Branch, U. S. Geological Survey, were released (Troxell and Wilson, 1952). In 1954 water-level measurements were made by the city of Santa Maria and the Santa Maria Valley Water Conservation District, in addition to those made by the Geological Survey, and are included in this report.

California↗

Water levels in observation wells in Santa Barbara County, California, in 1961

Investigation of the ground-water resources of Santa Barbara County was continued during 1961 by the U. S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Santa Barbara County Water Agency. Monthly water-level measurements were made in 190 wells, in 9 of which automatic water-level recorders were operated. Earlier measurements, covering the period 1941 through 1955, have been published in U. S. Geological Survey Water-Supply Papers (1943-1957); those for 1956 through 1960 have been released locally in duplicated form (Muir and Merritt, 1957; Evenson, 1958; Miller, 1959; Muir, Merritt, and Miller, 1960; and Merritt, 1961). LaRocque, Jr., and others (1950) contains tabulated descriptions of 2,246 wells in existence in 1942 in the several ground-water basins of the county. The same publication also contains many water-level measurements made prior to 1942 by the city of Santa Barbara, Santa Maria Valley Water Conservation District, San Joaquin Power Division of the Pacific Gas and Electric Co., Union Sugar Co., Union Oil Co., and other organizations and individuals. Comprehensive reports on the geology and ground-water resources of the Santa Ynez River basin (Upson and Thomasson, 1951, and Wilson, 1959), the south-coast basins (Upson, 1951), the Santa Maria Valley area (Worts, 1951), and the Cuyama Valley (Upson and Worts, 1951) have been published as Water-Supply Papers 1107, 1467, 1108, 1000, and 1110-B, respectively. A similar report on the San Antonio Creek Valley is in preparation. A report on stream runoff and ground-water storage capacity of the Santa Ynez River valley (Troxell and Wilson, 1952) was released to the open file on October 1952. In addition to the water-level measurements made by the Geological Survey in 1961, measurements made by the Santa Maria Valley Water Conservation District are included in this report. Not included in this report are miscellaneous measurements made by the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation in wells along the middle reach of the Santa Ynez River between Cachuma Dam and Rucker Crossing.

California↗

A plan to study the aquifer system of the Central Valley of California

Unconsolidated Quaternary alluvial deposits comprise a large complex aquifer system in the Central Valley of California. Millions of acre-feet of water is pumped from the system annually to support a large and expanding agribusiness industry. Since the 1950's, water levels have been steadily declining in many areas of the valley and concern has been expressed about the ability of the entire ground-water system to support agribusiness at current levels, not to mention its ability to function at projected expansion levels. At current levels of ground-water use, an estimated 1.5 to 2 million acre-feet is withdrawn from storage each year; that is, 1.5 to 2 million acre-feet of water is pumped annually in excess of annual replenishment. The U.S. Geological Survey has initiated a 4-year study to develop geologic, hydrologic, and hydraulic information and to establish a valleywide ground-water data base that will be used to build computer models of the ground-water flow system. Subsequently, these models may be used to evaluate the system response to various ground-water management alternatives. This report describes current problems, objectives of the study, and outlines the general work to be accomplished in the study area. A bibliography of about 600 references is included. (Kosco-USGS)

California↗

Ground-water withdrawals from the coastal plain of New Jersey, 1956-80

Withdrawals and site data for wells with a pump capacity of 100 ,000 gallons per day or greater in the Coastal Plain of New Jersey are stored in computer files for 1956-80. The data are aggregated by computer into tables, graphs and maps to show the distribution of ground-water withdrawals. Withdrawals are reported by type of use and aquifer for each county in the Coastal Plain. Public-supply wells withdraw the largest quantity of ground water in the Coastal Plain, followed by industrial and agricultural wells. In 1980 public-supply withdrawals were about 280 million gallons per day; the maximum monthly rate was about 355 million gallons per day in July, and the lowest was about 215 million gallons per day in February. Average industrial withdrawals were about 65 million gallons per day. Ground-water withdrawals used for agriculture vary significantly during the year. In 1980, about 75 percent of the agricultural withdrawals occurred from June through September. Several aquifers are used as sources of water supply in the Coastal Plain. Five regional aquifers are the major sources of water for public-supply, industrial, or agricultural use. In decreasing order of withdrawals in 1980, in million gallons per day, they are: The Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer system, 243; Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system, 70; Atlantic City 800-foot sand, 21; Englishtown aquifer, 12; and the Wenonah-Mount Laurel aquifer system, 5.

New Jersey↗

Selected hydrologic data from wells in the East Shore area of the Great Salt Lake, Utah, 1985

This report contains hydrologic data for wells collected in the East Shore area of the Great Salt Lake, Utah. It includes water-quality data, discharge measurements, water levels, and drillers* logs. The East Shore area (plate 1) includes about 430 square miles, bounded by the Wasatch Range on the east and the Great Salt Lake on the west. The first section line north of the town of Willard is the northern boundary, whereas the Davis-Salt Lake County line is the southern boundary. Most of the data in this report were collected from 1983 to 1985 by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights. Some of the data were previously published by Smith (1961) or Bolke and Waddell (1972). The purpose of this report is to provide ground-water data for use by officials managing water resources and the general public and to supplement an interpretive report for the area that will be published later. From tables 1- 5 of this report, determinations can be made for the depth to water-bearing units, water levels in wells, well yields, or chemical quality of ground water at the sites shown on plate 1.

Utah↗