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USGS1995

National Research Program of the Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey, Fiscal Year 1993

INTRODUCTION This report, one in a series of annual reports, provides current information about the National Research Program (NRP) of the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Water Resources Division (WRD) during fiscal year 1993. Organized by NRP's six research disciplines, the volume contains a summary of the problem, objective, approach, and progress for each project that was active during fiscal year 1993. It also contains bibliographic information that, because of the long-term nature of the program, covers a 5-year period. The bibliographic information does not include abstracts or informal reports. Rather it contains those reports that are readily available in the form of journal articles, USGS publications, book chapters, or books.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1995

Quality of water and chemistry of bottom sediment in the Rillito Creek basin, Tucson, Arizona, 1992-93

Physical and chemical data were collected from four surface-water sites, six ground-water sites, and two bottom-sediment sites during 1992-93. Specific conductance, hardness, alkalinity, and dissolved- solids concentrations generally were higher in ground water than in surface water. The median concentrations of dissolved major ions, with the exception of potassium, were higher in ground water than in surface water. In surface water and ground water, calcium was the dominant cation, and bicarbonate was the dominant anion. Concentrations of dissolved nitrite and nitrite plus nitrate in surface water and ground water did not exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant levels of 1 and 10 milligrams per liter for drinking water, respectively. Ammonium plus organic nitrogen in bottom sediment was detected at the highest concentration of any nitrogen species. Median values for most of the dissolved trace elements in surface water and ground water were below the detection levels. Dissolved trace elements in surface water and ground water did not exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant levels for drinking water. Trace-element concentrations in bottom sediment were similar to trace-element concentrations reported for soils of the western conterminous United States. Several organochlorine pesticides and priority pollutants were detected in surface-water and bottom-sediment samples; however, they did not exceed water-quality standards. Pesticides or priority pollutants were not detected in ground-water samples.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2006

Michigan Water Year 2005

This volume of the annual hydrologic data report of Michigan is one of a series of annual reports that document hydrologic data gathered from the U.S. Geological Survey's surface- and ground-water data-collection networks in each state, Puerto Rico, and the Trust Territories. These records of streamflow, ground-water levels, and quality of water provide the hydrologic information needed by State, local, and Federal agencies, and the private sector for developing and managing our Nation's land and water resources.

Michigan↗
USGS1987

The principle of superposition and its application in ground-water hydraulics

The principle of superposition, a powerful mathematical technique for analyzing certain types of complex problems in many areas of science and technology, has important applications in ground-water hydraulics and modeling of ground-water systems. The principle of superposition states that problem solutions can be added together to obtain composite solutions. This principle applies to linear systems governed by linear differential equations. This report introduces the principle of superposition as it applies to ground-water hydrology and provides background information, discussion, illustrative problems with solutions, and problems to be solved by the reader.

Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations↗
USGS1975

Chemical and biological quality of water in part of the Everglades, southeastern Florida

A comprehensive monitoring network was established in a part of the Everglades to evaluate the quality of water being delivered to Everglades National Park. Physical, chemical, and biological parameters were determined in surface water, bottom sediment, and bulk precipitation (rainfall and dry fallout). The geology of the area, bottom sediment, bulk precipitation, natural, urban, and agricultural runoff, and the characteristics of the hydrologic system in the Everglades influence the type and concentration of each chemical constituent and how it affects the water quality. The quality of surface water in the agricultural area between Lake Okeechobee and the water conservation areas is markedly different from that of other surface water in southeastern Florida. In general, the water in this area is higher in concentrations of most chemical constituents. Man has engaged in cultural activities, both agricultural and urban, which have affected the water quality in the northern and eastern segments of the area of investigation. The quality of the water improves, however, as it flows to the south and east because there is minimal input from man's activities and many of the constituents are assimilated by plants, sorbed on organic material and clay in the bottom sediments, and entrapped within the sediments. Dilution by rainfall and concentration by evapotranspiration are also important factors that influence the quality of surface water in the area of investigation. The area of investigation in the Everglades is a sink for macronutrients, trace metals, and chlorinated-hydrocarbon insecticides. These constituents do not move through the system freely. They become tied up in various complexes and for that reason, the water being delivered to Everglades National Park is of better quality than the water entering the northern edge of the water conservation areas. The various physical and biological processes and chemical reactions combine to improve the water quality as the water flows southward. The data presented in this report may be used as a baseline for determination of future changes in water quality at the several places in the Everglades where recurrent sampling of rainfall, surface water, and bottom sediments was undertaken during the course of the investigation.

Florida↗
USGS1991

Estimated use of water in North Dakota in 1985 and trends during 1960-85

Estimates of water use in North Dakota have been compiled by the U.S. Geological Survey every 5 years since 1950. These estimates have been published in national summaries of water use (MacKichan, 1951, 1957; MacKichan and Kammerer, 1961; Murray, 1968; Murrary and Reeves, 1972, 1977; and Solley and others, 1983, 1987). In this report, estimates of offstream water use for 1985 and trends in water use in 5-year increments from 1960 through 1985 are presented for the following categories of use: Public supply Domestic and commercial Industrial and mining Thermoelectric power Agricultural (irrigation and nonirrigation)

North Dakota↗
USGS1960

Earthquake fluctuations in wells in New Jersey

New Jersey is fortunate to be situated in a region that is relatively stable, geologically. For this reason scientists believe, on the basis of the best scientific evidence available, that the chances of New Jersey experiencing a major earthquake are very small. The last major earthquake on the east coast occurred at Charleston, S. C., in 1886. Minor shocks have been felt in New Jersey, however, from time to time. Reports of dishes being rattled or even of plaster in buildings being cracked are not uncommon. These minor disturbances are generally restricted to relatively small areas.

New Jersey↗
USGS1998

Water-quality assessment of the Upper Mississippi River Basin, Minnesota and Wisconsin: Polychlorinated biphenyls in common carp and walleye fillets, 1975-95

Spatial and temporal distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) and walleye ( Stizostedion vitreum ) fillets from rivers in the Upper Mississippi River Basin upstream of the outlet of Lake Pepin are summarized. PCB concentrations in common carp and walleye fillets collected from rivers in the UMIS during 1975-95 by the Minnesota Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program (MFCMP) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) were analyzed. PCBs in fish tissue are of concern because PCBs are potentially toxic, teratogenic, and are linked to poor fetal development and endocrine disruption in fish and other animals including humans, that consume fish. This summary was part of an analysis of historical data for the Upper Mississippi River (UMIS) study unit of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. The UMIS study unit is a 47,000 square-mile basin that includes the drainage of the Mississippi River upstream of the outlet of Lake Pepin and encompasses the Twin Cities metropolitan area. PCB concentrations for individual samples at all sites ranged from 0.07 to 33.0 milligrams per kilograms (mg/kg) for common carp and from 0.07 to 9.8 mg/kg for walleye during 1975-95. During 1975-79 and 1980-87, 10 and 4 percent of walleye samples and 45 and 36 percent of common carp samples, respectively, exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration guideline of 2 mg/kg PCB in fish tissue. PCB concentrations in individual common carp and walleye samples were below 2 mg/kg after 1987. Median PCB concentrations at individual sites and within stream segments were generally greatest in common carp and walleye from Mississippi River segments in the TCMA during 1975-79 and 1980-87. There was a significant difference among lipid-normalized PCB (LNPCB) concentrations in common carp, considering all stream segments combined, during all three time periods (1975-79, 1980-87, and 1988-95). LNPCB concentrations in common carp and walleye at those stream segments upstream or outside the TCMA were generally lower than those in UMR segments within the TCMA. The spatial distribution of PCB and LNPCB concentrations in common carp and walleye correspond with historical point- and non point-source PCB inputs in the densely populated TCMA, and concentrations in fish were greater in areas that historically had elevated PCB concentrations in bed sediment. Median PCB concentrations in common carp and walleye at individual sites were greatest during 1975-79 and 1980-87, and least during 1988-95 at most sites. Most of the river segments exhibited over 80 percent decline in median PCB concentrations in common carp and walleye between the 1975-79 and 1988-95 time periods. The results from these temporal analyses were similar to those of other studies in the United States and in Minnesota and Wisconsin that reported a significant downward trend in PCB concentrations in fish. Although, PCB concentrations have decreased during 1975-95, low concentrations of PCBs still remain in the aquatic environment despite the fact that PCBs were banned nearly 20 years ago.

Minnesota, Wisconsin↗
USGS1983

Effect of urbanization on the water resources of Warminster Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Rapid suburban development occurred in Warminster Township and the surrounding area after World War II, resulting in a large population dependent on ground water. In 1980, approximately 2.7 billion gallons of ground water was pumped by public water suppliers and government facilities. Pumping wells can cause drawdown as far as 2,500 feet undip, downdip, or along strike even if the wells do not penetrate the same strata. Pumping wells have lowered base flow; a stream-gain-and-loss study showed that water lost from Little Neshaminy Creek was about 60 percent of the water pumped from wells near the stream. Net ground-water infiltration to sewers was about 830 million gallons in 1979, a wet year, and about 250 million gallons in 1980, a dry year. Estimated water budgets for 1979 and 1980 indicate evapotranspiration can range from 20 to 26 inches per year (1.0 to 1.2 million gallons per day per square mile) and recharge can range from 8 to 18 inches per year (0.4 to 0.9 million gallons per day per square mile). In a year with average precipitation (45 inches or 2.1 million gallons per day per square mile), evapotranspiration is about 24 inches (1.1 million gallons per day per square mile). Ground-water development in the area influenced by pumping is at its practical limit for years of average recharge, but as much as 1.1 million gallons per day of additional water may be obtained by drilling and pumping wells in areas of Warminster Township not affected by pumping. The concentration of most dissolved constituents increased in water from seven wells, sampled at the onset of urbanization in 1953 and 1956 and again in 1979. Ground-water contamination by volatile organic compounds, especially trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, has made water from some wells unsuitable for public supply. The concentration of lead in 26 samples of ground water ranged from 0 to 55 micrograms per liter, with a median of 17 micrograms per liter; this is above the reported national median and the median in nearby Chester County. High concentrations of sulfate and dissolved solids in ground water are probably caused by restricted gournd-water circulation and may be reduced by long-term pumping, which flushes the aquifer. Effluent from sewage treatment plants has degraded the quality of low streamflow.

Pennsylvania↗
USGS1995

User's guide to PHREEQC, a computer program for speciation, reaction-path, advective-transport, and inverse geochemical calculations

PHREEQC is a computer program written in the C programming language that is designed to perform a wide variety of aqueous geochemical calculations. PHREEQC is based on an ion-association aqueous model and has capabilities for (1) speciation and saturation-index calculations, (2) reaction-path and advective-transport calculations involving specified irreversible reactions, mixing of solutions, mineral and gas equilibria surface-complex-ation reactions, and ion-exchange reactions, and (3) inverse modeling, which finds sets of mineral and gas mole transfers that account for composition differences between waters, within specified compositional uncertainties. PHREEQC is derived from the Fortran program PHREEQE, but it has been completely rewritten in C with the addition many new capabilities. New features include the capabilities to use redox couples to distribute redox elements among their valence states in speciation calculations; to model ion-exchange and surface-complex-ation reactions; to model reactions with a fixed-pressure, multicomponent gas phase (that is, a gas bubble); to calculate the mass of water in the aqueous phase during reaction and transport calculations; to keep track of the moles of minerals present in the solid phases and determine automatically the thermodynamically stable phase assemblage; to simulate advective transport in combination with PHREEQC's reaction-modeling capability; and to make inverse modeling calculations that allow for uncertainties in the analytical data. The user interface is improved through the use of a simplified approach to redox reactions, which includes explicit mole-balance equations for hydrogen and oxygen; the use of a revised input that is modular and completely free format; and the use of mineral names and standard chemical symbolism rather than index numbers. The use of (2) eliminates nearly all limitations on army sizes, including numbers of elements, aqueous species, solutions, phases, and lengths of character strings. A new equation solver that optimizes a set of equalities subject to both equality and inequality constraints is used to determine the thermodynamically stable set of phases in equilibrium with a solution. A more complete Newton-Raphson formulation, master-species switching, and scaling of the algebraic equations reduce the number of failures of the numerical method in PHREEQC relative to PHREEQE. This report presents the equations that are the basis for chemical equilibrium and inverse-modeling calculations in PHREEQC, describes the input for the program, and presents twelve examples that demonstrate most of the program's capabilities.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1996

Ground-water pumpage in the Willamette lowland regional aquifer system, Oregon and Washington, 1990

Ground-water pumpage for 1990 was estimated for an area of about 5,700 square miles in northwestern Oregon and southwestern Washington as part of the Puget-Willamette Lowland Regional Aquifer System Analysis study. The estimated total ground-water pumpage in 1990 was about 340,000 acre-feet. Ground water in the study area is pumped mainly from Quaternary sediment; lesser amounts are withdrawn from Tertiary volcanic materials. Large parts of the area are used for agriculture, and about two and one-half times as much ground water was pumped for irrigation as for either public- supply or industrial needs. Estimates of ground- water pumpage for irrigation in the central part of the Willamette Valley were generated by using image-processing techniques and Landsat Thematic Mapper data. Field data and published reports were used to estimate pumpage for irrigation in other parts of the study area. Information on public- supply and industrial pumpage was collected from Federal, State, and private organizations and individuals.

Oregon, Washington↗
USGS1994

Relation of stream quality to streamflow, and estimated loads of selected water-quality constituents in the James and Rappahannock rivers near the fall line of Virginia, July 1988 through June 1990

This report presents the results of a study by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality-- Division of Intergovernmental Coordination to monitor and estimate loads of selected nutrients and suspended solids discharged to Chesapeake Bay from two major tributaries in Virginia. From July 1988 through June 1990, monitoring consisted of collecting depth-integrated, cross-sectional samples from the James and Rappahannock Rivers during storm- flow conditions and at scheduled intervals. Water- quality constituents that were monitored included total suspended solids (residue, total at 105 degrees Celsius), dissolved nitrite plus nitrate, dissolved ammonia, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (ammonia plus organic), total nitrogen, total phosphorus, dissolved orthopohosphorus, total organic carbon, and dissolved silica. Daily mean load estimates of each constituent were computed by month, using a seven-parameter log-linear-regression model that uses variables of time, discharge, and seasonality. Water-quality data and constituent- load estimates are included in the report in tabular and graphic form. The data and load estimates provided in this report will be used to calibrate the computer modeling efforts of the Chesapeake Bay region, evaluate the water quality of the Bay and the major effects on the water quality, and assess the results of best-management practices in Virginia.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2000

Probability of detecting atrazine/desethyl-atrazine and elevated concentrations of nitrate plus nitrate as nitrogen in ground water in the Idaho part of the western Snake River Plain

As ground water continues to provide an ever-growing proportion of Idaho?s drinking water, concerns about the quality of that resource are increasing. Pesticides (most commonly, atrazine/desethyl-atrazine, hereafter referred to as atrazine) and nitrite plus nitrate as nitrogen (hereafter referred to as nitrate) have been detected in many aquifers in the State. To provide a sound hydrogeologic basis for atrazine and nitrate management in southern Idaho—the largest region of land and water use in the State—the U.S. Geological Survey produced maps showing the probability of detecting these contaminants in ground water in the upper Snake River Basin (published in a 1998 report) and the western Snake River Plain (published in this report). The atrazine probability map for the western Snake River Plain was constructed by overlaying ground-water quality data with hydrogeologic and anthropogenic data in a geographic information system (GIS). A data set was produced in which each well had corresponding information on land use, geology, precipitation, soil characteristics, regional depth to ground water, well depth, water level, and atrazine use. These data were analyzed by logistic regression using a statistical software package. Several preliminary multivariate models were developed and those that best predicted the detection of atrazine were selected. The multivariate models then were entered into a GIS and the probability maps were produced. Land use, precipitation, soil hydrologic group, and well depth were significantly correlated with atrazine detections in the western Snake River Plain. These variables also were important in the 1998 probability study of the upper Snake River Basin. The effectiveness of the probability models for atrazine might be improved if more detailed data were available for atrazine application. A preliminary atrazine probability map for the entire Snake River Plain in Idaho, based on a data set representing that region, also was produced. In areas where this map overlaps the 1998 map of the upper Snake River Basin, the two maps show broadly similar probabilities of detecting atrazine. Logistic regression also was used to develop a preliminary statistical model that predicts the probability of detecting elevated nitrate in the western Snake River Plain. A nitrate probability map was produced from this model. Results showed that elevated nitrate concentrations were correlated with land use, soil organic content, well depth, and water level. Detailed information on nitrate input, specifically fertilizer application, might have improved the effectiveness of this model.

Idaho↗
USGS1988

Estimating flood hydrographs and volumes for Alabama streams

The hydraulic design of highway drainage structures involves an evaluation of the effect of the proposed highway structures on lives, property, and stream stability. Flood hydrographs and associated flood volumes are useful tools in evaluating these effects. For design purposes, the Alabama Highway Department needs information on flood hydrographs and volumes associated with flood peaks of specific recurrence intervals (design floods) at proposed or existing bridge crossings. This report will provide the engineer with a method to estimate flood hydrographs, volumes, and lagtimes for rural and urban streams in Alabama with drainage areas less than 500 sq mi. Existing computer programs and methods to estimate flood hydrographs and volumes for ungaged streams have been developed in Georgia. These computer programs and methods were applied to streams in Alabama. The report gives detailed instructions on how to estimate flood hydrographs for ungaged rural or urban streams in Alabama with drainage areas less than 500 sq mi, without significant in-channel storage or regulations. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1994

Data requirements for simulation of hydrogeologic effects of liquid waste injection, Harrison and Jackson Counties, Mississippi

Available literature and data were reviewed to quantify data requirements for computer simulation of hydrogeologic effects of liquid waste injection in southeastern Mississippi. Emphasis of each review was placed on quantifying physical properties of current Class I injection zones in Harrison and Jackson Counties. Class I injection zones are zones that are used for injection of hazardous or non-hazardous liquid waste below a formation containing the lowermost underground source of drinking water located within one-quarter of a mile of the injection well. Several mathematical models have been developed to simulate injection effects. The Basic Plume Method was selected because it is commonly used in permit applications, and the Intercomp model was selected because it is generally accepted and used in injection-related research. The input data requirements of the two models were combined into a single data requirement list inclusive of physical properties of injection zones only; injected waste and well properties are not included because such information is site-specific by industry, which is beyond the scope of this report. Results of the reviews of available literature and data indicated that Class I permit applications and standard-reference chemistry and physics texts were the primary sources of information to quantify physical properties of injection zones in Harrison and Jackson Counties. With the exception of a few reports and supplementary data for one injection zone in Jackson County, very little additional information pertaining to physical properties of the injection zones was available in sources other than permit applications and standard-reference texts.

Mississippi↗
USGS1995

Quality of wet deposition in the Grand Calumet River watershed, northwestern Indiana, June 30, 1992-August 31, 1993

Northwestern Indiana is one of the most heavily industrialized and largest steel-producing areas in the United States. High temperature processes, such as fossil-fuel combustion and steel production, release contaminants to the atmosphere that may result in wet deposition being a major contributor to major ion and trace-metal loadings in north- western Indiana and Lake Michigan. A wet-deposition collection site was established at the Gary (Indiana) Regional Airport in June 1992 to monitor the chemical quality of wet deposition. Weekly samples were collected at this site from June 30, 1992, through August 31, 1993, and were analyzed for pH, specific conductance, and selected major ions and trace metals. Forty-eight samples collected during the study were of sufficient volumes for some of the determinations to be performed. Median constituent concentrations were determined for samples collected during warm weather and cold weather (November 1 through March 31). Median concentrations were substituted for missing values from samples with insufficient volumes for analysis of all the constituents of interest. Constituent concentrations were converted to weekly loadings. Two values were calculated to provide a range for the weekly loading for samples with measured concentrations of constituents less than the method reporting limit. The minimum weekly loading was computed by substituting zero for the constituent concentration; the maximum weekly loading was computed by substituting the method reporting limit for the concentration. If all of the sample concentrations measured were greater than the method reporting limit, an annual loading value was computed. The annual loadings could be used to assist in estimating the contribution of wet deposition to the total annual constituent loadings in the Grand Calumet River in northwestern Indiana.

Indiana↗
USGS1999

Geomorphic effects of overflow dams on the lower Neosho River, Kansas

The purpose of this report is to characterize the geomorphic (channel-changing) effects of overflow dams on the lower Neosho River channel in southeastern Kansas. Specifically, the report describes the types, upstream and downstream extents, and stability of the geomorphic effects in relation to site-specific, human-caused and natural conditions that may affect the channel’s response to the overflow dams.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2001

Summary of water-quality data, October 1987 through September 1997, for Fountain and Monument Creeks, El Paso and Pueblo Counties, Colorado

Fountain and Monument Creeks, which drain parts of El Paso and Pueblo Counties in Colorado, have been sampled systematically by the U.S. Geological Survey for many years to obtain records of water-quality properties and constituents; the data are stored in the National Water Inventory System. Statistical summaries of these data indicate that they have spatial and temporal trends. Comparison of water-quality data to in-stream regulatory standards, some of which were calculated in this report, indicate that some exceedances are widespread in the system and that some occur locally. Nonparametric tests to quantitatively detect monotonic trends in water-quality data indicate that many water-quality properties and constituents do not have significant monotonic trends; detected trends were mostly downward.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗