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Hydrologic data for the Copper Basin area, a potential mining area in Yavapai County, Arizona

Large low-grade ore bodies have been discovered in Copper Basin, and a large copper-mining operation is anticipated in the near future. Hydrologic data are being collected to provide the data base necessary to determine the effects of a potential mining operation on the water resources of the area. The area of potential depletion or contamination of water supplies is the 50-square-mile alluvial slope downgradient from Copper Basin. In the Copper Basin area the streams generally are dry, except for the perennial flow in a 3-mile-long reach of Kirkland Creek, where the base flow ranges from about 1 to 3 cubic feet per second. The water in the alluvium, which is more than 1,000 feet thick in places, generally is under unconfined conditions. The direction of ground-water movement is generally southwesterly toward Skull Valley Wash and Kirkland Creek. The depth to water in wells ranges from less than 10 to 675 feet below the land surface. Near the center of the area, test wells penetrate a clay confining bed at the base of the alluvium and an underlying sequence of volcanic rocks, which is more than 1,000 feet thick and contains water under confined conditions. Pump tests indicate that the confining bed forms a barrier between the water in the alluvium and the water in the volcanic rocks and that, initially, pumping from the volcanic rocks would not affect the water level in the alluvium. The areal extent of the volcanic sequence is not known.

Arizona↗

Regional geohydrology of the San Juan hydrologic basin of New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah

The San Juan Basin in the southeastern part of the Colorado Plateau, southwest of the San Juan Mountains, broadly includes the Acoma and Gallup Sags in its southern part and the small Chama Basin in its northeastern part. Regionally, the water-yielding strata (aquifers) dip inward toward the center of San Juan Basin or toward the axes of the adjoining structural sags. Aquifers exposed or at shallow depths along the margin of the basin are deeply buried in the center of the basin. The occurrence and movement of ground water is strongly influenced by the structural configuration of the basin; fractures along joints and faults, particularly the Puerco fault belt; distribution and lithology of the rock strata, and the relationship of the uplands recharge areas of the aquifers to the lowland areas where the most ground-water discharges. The aggregate thickness of sedimentary rocks is more than 10,000 feet in the deepest part of the basin. In order of decreasing abundance, these rocks consist of mudstone, claystone, siltstone, sandstone, silty sandstone, coal, limestone, conglomerate, and gypsum. The main aquifers consist of sandstone or sandstone containing lenses of conglomerate except for the San Andres Limestone. The principal aquifers, listed in descending stratigraphic order, are the Tertiary Cuba Mesa and Llaves Members of the San Jose Formation and the Ojo Alamo Sandstone; the Pictured Cliffs, Cliff House, Point Lookout, Gallup, and Dakota Sandstones; the Westwater Canyon and Salt Wash Sandstone Members of the Morrison Formation, the Cow Springs Sandstone, the Zuni Sandstone, and the Entrada Sandstone; and the San Andres Limestone, Glorieta Sandstone, and De Chelly Sandstone. These aquifer are separated by formations, that do not readily transmit water between the aquifers. Regional movement of ground water is mainly to the San Juan and Chaco s Rivers, the Puerco River, the Rio Puerco, and their main tributaries. Ground water from aquifers overlying the Dakota Sandstone discharge within the confines of the San Juan hydrologic basin. Part of the ground water in the Dakota Sandstone, Morrison Formation, and underlying formations moves across the interbasin divide into the Black Mesa, the Blanding Basin, or to the Rio Grande Trough.

Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah↗

Hydrologic and geologic data from the Upper East Coast Planning Area, southeast Florida

The Upper East Coast Planning Area, one of five designated planning areas in the South Florida Water Management District, consists of St. Lucie, Martin, and eastern Okeechobee Counties. Existing hydrologic and geologic data have been compiled as a base for additional investigations to determine the water-bearing characteristics of the shallow aquifer system in the area. These data include lithologic logs from 51 wells in excess of 90 feet in depth, periodic ground-water levels from 100 wells, and ground-water levels from 100 wells, and ground-water quality data from 93 wells. (Kosco-USGS)

Florida↗

Hydrologic data for a subsurface waste-injection site at Mulberry, Florida; 1972-77

Since October 1972, industrial liquid waste has been injected into a brine aquifer of limestone and dolomite in Mulberry, FL., at a depth of more than 4,000 feet below land surface. During 1977, the injection rate was about 8.8 million gallons per month. To determine what effect the injected waste has on the ground-water body, water levels have been measured and water samples collected from two monitor wells that tap different permeable zones above the injection zone, and from a satellite monitor well that taps the injection zone. The monitor wells are in the annulus of the injection well, and the satellite monitor well is 2,291 feet from the injection well. This report updates previous data reports and includes all hydrologic data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey during 1972-77. Included is a table of well-construction data, a graph showing the volume of waste injected each month, and hydrographs of the annulus monitor wells and the satellite monitor well. (Woodard-USGS)

Open-File Report↗

Hydrologic data for wells, springs, and streams in Boulder County, Colorado

Hydrologic data collected in 1975-77 as part of a comprehensive water-resources investigation of Boulder County, Colo., by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Boulder County Health Department and the Colorado Geological Survey are presented in this report. The data, in tabular and graphic form, consist of water-quality analyses of selected constituents and geohydrologic-site, water-treatment, and sewage-treatment data for 609 wells and 48 springs; water-quality analyses for 102 of the wells and 9 of the springs; water-quality analyses of streamflow from 34 sites; and specific conductance and water-temperature measurements of streamflow from 3 sites. State and local officials in Boulder County may find these data useful in planning for residential, commercial, and industrial development. (Kosco-USGS)

Open-File Report↗

Hydrologic reconnaissance of the Wasatch Plateau-Book Cliffs coal-fields area, Utah

Data obtained during a hydrologic reconnaissance in 1975-77 in the Wasatch Plateau-Book Cliffs coal area of Utah were correlated with existing long-term data. Maps were prepared showing average precipitation, average streamflow, stream temperature, ground- and surface-water quality, sediment yield, and geology. Recommendations were made for additional study and suggested approaches for continued monitoring in the coal areas. During the 1931-75 water years, the minimum discharges for the five major streams that head in the area ranged from about 12,000 to 26,000 acre-feet per year, and the maximum discharges ranged from about 59,000 to 315,000 acre-feet per year. Correlations indicate that 3 years of low-flow records at stream sites in the Wasatch Plateau would allow the development of relationships with long-term sites that can be used to estimate future low-flow records within a standard error of about 20 percent. Most water-quality degradation in streams occurs along the flanks of the Wasatch Plateau and Book Cliffs. In the uplands, dissolved-solids concentrations generally ranged from less than 100 to about 250 milligrams per liter, and in the lowlands the concentrations ranged from about 250 to more than 6,000 milligrams per liter. In the lowland areas, the Ferron Sandstone Member of the Mancos Shale appears to have the most potential for subsurface development of water of suitable chemical quality for human consumption. Three wells in the Ferron yielded water with dissolved-solids concentrations ranging from about 650 to 1,230 milligrams per liter.

Utah↗

Selected hydrologic data, Arkansas River basin, Pueblo and southeastern Fremont Counties, Colorado, 1975-80

Selected hydrologic data collected in 1975-80 as part of water-quality investigations by the U.S. Geological Survey in Pueblo and southeastern Fremont Counties, Colo., are presented in this report. The data, in tabular form, consist of streamflow-discharge measurements for 33 sites, channel-geometry measurements for 97 sites, traveltime data for 12 sites, and field and laboratory water-quality analyses for 194 sites. Federal, state, and local officials may find these data useful in making decisions relating to the management of water resources of the area.

Colorado↗

Digital model simulation of the hydrologic flow system, with emphasis on ground water in Spokane Valley, Washington and Idaho

A digital-computer model of the hydrologic flow system, with emphasis on ground water, was developed for Spokane Valley, Washington and Idaho. The current rate of ground-water pumping in Spokane Valley has little effect on water levels in the Spokane aquifer, although short-term water-level declines occur locally. The model was used to show the effects of increased ground-water pumpage on aquifer heads and streamflow. A simulated pumping rate twice that of actual 1977 pumping rates of 227 cubic feet per second lowered water levels in the Spokane aquifer less than 3 feet during a 1-year simulation period. This doubling of the ground water pumpage caused a decrease in discharge of the Spokane River, as measured at Spokane, of about 150 cubic feet per second during the summer months and about 50 cubic feet per second during the rest of the year. Leakage from the aquifer to the Little Spokane River was decreased by less than 10 cubic feet per second.

Idaho, Washington↗

Hydrology of Jumper Creek Canal basin, Sumter County, Florida

In 1960, floods caused extensive damage to agribusiness in Jumper Creek Canal basin. In 1962, a plan was developed for a proposed project to reduce the threat of floods. In 1976, a study of the hydrology of the basin was proposed to help evaluate this plan and to serve as a basis for its modification; the study was conducted from October 1976 through September 1977. Jumper Creek Canal drains a basin of 83 square miles in which the average yearly rainfall is about 53 inches. Average runoff from the upper 40 square miles of the basin is estimated to be about 30 cubic feet per second or 10 inches per year. Evapotranspiration is estimated to be about 37 inches per year. Variation in runoff from Jumper Creek Canal is much less than that from most other basins in west-central Florida because of large storage capacity in the basin both on the surface and in the ground. Limestone in Jumper Creek Canal basin is covered by a veneer of sand and clays which ranges in thickness from 0 to 10 feet. The study indicates that most of the base flow in the canal enters the canal east of the site of the proposed water-control structure number 5 and that the discharge in the canal at State Highway 475 has been about the same relative to rainfall in the basin since 1963 whether the base flow was derived entirely from natural inseepage or partly from mine pumpage. The study shows that implementation of the proposed project will result in (1) a decrease in surface outflow, (2) an increase in subsurface outflow, (3) a rise in the potentiometric surface of the Floridan aquifer near the canal and (4) a tendency to increase evapotranspiration and the magnitude of floods in the basin.

Florida↗

Hydrologic monitoring program in Eldridge-Wilde and East Lake Road well-field areas, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, Florida, 1977 water year

The observation-well network in the vicinity of the two well fields is described in detail. Data obtained from the network from October 1976 through September 1977, as well as rainfall and pumpage records, are presented and discussed. Below-normal rainfall caused the water table and potentiometric surface of the Floridan aquifer in Eldridge-Wilde well field to recover 2 feet less in September 1977 than in the previous September. Water levels in East Lake Road will field were approximately the same in September of both years. The Southwest Florida Water Management District has established regulatory water-level and water-quality limits in several observation wells. Water levels did not drop below regulatory limits during the year. Water from two deep wells west of Eldridge-Wilde well field exceeded the regulatory limits for chloride concentrations. The position of the 250 milligram per liter chloride line is shown in cross section in the vicinity of Eldridge-Wilde well field in September 1977. Network modifications are proposed that would result in a more comprehensive knowledge of the hydrologic system.

Florida↗

Hydrologic setting of Williams Lake, Hubbard County, Minnesota

The hydrology and geology of Williams Lake watershed was studied to evaluate the accuracy of various methods used to determine precipitation and evaporation in lake water-balance studies and to define a lake and ground-water system according to approaches suggested by theoretical modeling studies. Regression analysis between estimated and measured precipitation at the lake showed that the accuracy of regionalization techniques is dependent on the closeness of the data network to the lake. For individual storms, the average-value method was found to be better than either the weighted average or isohyetal methods of determining precipitation, but it was least accurate in estimating 14-day average precipitation. The amount of evaporation calculated by the mass-transfer method ranged from 2 to 7 inches per month from July to October 1978, depending on the method used to determine the mass-transfer coefficient. Test drilling indicated that 30 to 150 feet of sand and gravel overlies till in the Williams Lake watershed. A sand lens about 50 feet thick occurs within the till. The configuration of the water table and vertical-head gradients measured from July to December 1978 indicate that ground water moves into the lake from the south and east and moves from the lake into the ground-water reservoir to the west. Preliminary numerical models indicate that the sand lens within the till is effectively isolated from the flow system interacting with the lake and that both inseepage and outseepage were about 1.4 inches from mid-July to mid-October 1978. When estimated as a residual in a water balance, ground water showed a net outseepage only of 1.47 inches.

Minnesota↗

Summary of hydrologic testing in Tertiary limestone aquifer, Tenneco offshore exploratory well-Atlantic OCS, lease block 427 (Jacksonville NH-17-5)

A summary of hydrologic testing in an offshore oil-test well drilled for Tenneco, Inc. 55 miles east of Fernandina Beach, Florida, is presented. The interval tested (1,050 to 1,070 feet below sea level) is in a calcarenite that is equivalent to the Ocala Limestone (late Eocene) of onshore Florida and South Georgia. At this site the Ocala forms the highly productive Tertiary limestone aquifer system of the southeastern United States. Pressure-head measurements indicate an equivalent freshwater head of 24 to 29 feet above sea level. These pressure-head measurements and an earlier one made in the nearby JOIDES J-1 hole are the only hydraulic head determinations to date in the offshore extensions of any of the aquifers underlying the Atlantic coastal plain. A drill-stem test recovered water samples containing about 7,000 milligrams per liter chloride. However, seawater used in the drilling process apparently contaminated the samples and the formation water is considered slightly fresher. The head and salinity data from the Tenneco well suggest that the sampled interval lies in the transition zone between fresh and seawater in the limestone aquifer. These data, when viewed with similar data from JOIDES J-1, show the transition zone to slope very slightly landward. Heads at both wells are compatible with the onshore flow system as it existed prior to development.

Florida↗

Hydrologic data from upper Grange Hall Creek basin, Northglenn, Adams County, Colorado

Hydrologic data collected during 1977-79 as part of a water-resources investigation of storm runoff in Upper Grange Hall Creek basin, Adams County, Colo., are presented in this report. Data presented in tabular form consist of: (1) Estimated daily precipitation at one site (April through October, 1978 and 1979); (2) mean daily streamflow at two sites (December 1977 through September 1979); (3) instantaneous streamflow at two sites along Grange Hall Creek and corresponding cumulative rainfall at one to three sites for 17 storms (April 1, 1978, to August 26, 1979); (4) concentrations of selected major ions, fecal-coliform bacteria, suspended sediment, nutrients, and trace elements at five sites during dry-weather flow, at three sites during rainfall runoff, and at five sites during snowmelt runoff; and (5) concentrations of pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls at two sites during dry-weather flow and rainfall runoff. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗

Hydrology of the Chicod Creek basin, North Carolina, prior to channel improvements

Extensive modification and excavation of stream channels in the 6-square mile Chicod Creek basin began in mid-1979 to reduce flooding and improve stream runoff conditions. The effects of channel improvements on this Coastal Pain basin 's hydrology will be determined from data collected prior to, during, and for several years following channel alternations. This report summarizes the findings of data collected prior to these improvements. During the 3-year study period, flow data collected from four stream gaging stations in the basin show that streams are dry approximately 10 percent of the time. Chemical analyses of water samples from the streams and from eight shallow groundwater observation wells indicate that water discharge from the surficial aquifer is the primary source of streamflow during rainless periods. Concentrations of Kjeldahl nitrogen, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus were often 5 to 10 times greater at Chicod Creek sites than those at nearby baseline sites. It is probable that runoff from farming and livestock operations contributes significantly to these elevated concentrations in Chicod Creek. The only pesticides detected in stream water were low levels of DDT and dieldrin, which occurred during storm runoff. A much wider range of pesticides, however, are found associated with streambed materials. The ratio of fecal coliform counts to those of fecal streptococcus indicate that the streams receive fecal wastes from livestock and poultry operations.

North Carolina↗

Potential hydrologic effects of developing coal and other geo-energy resources of Oregon; a review

Southwestern Oregon has several hundred million tons of good-quality minable coal. Because of the dip of the coal beds, the only economical method of mining would be by underground methods. In addition, minor occurrences of low-quality coal have been noted at more than 20 sites in both western and northeastern Oregon. About 2 million acres are now under lease for petroleum and gas exploration across the State. Natural gas was discovered in northwestern Oregon in 1979, and current production is about 17 million cubic feet per day from five wells. Thirteen Known Geothermal Resource Areas in several parts of the State cover 432,000 acres, and more than 420,000 acres are under lease for geothermal exploration. No hydrologic impacts have been noted from exploration and production of coal or other geoenergy resources in Oregon. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗

Ground-water hydrology of the Mormon Island Crane Meadows wildlife area near Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska

The Platte River in south-central Nebraska flows generally eastward in a broad, flat valley. The river banks and many areas adjacent to the river support thick stands of cottonwood and willow trees. Brush, grass, pasture land, and cultivated fields occupy most of the remaining area. This is the habitat for many types of wildlife that live in the area or stop over in the area during annual migrations. Both sandhill cranes and whooping cranes are part of the annual migration. There is concern that water-management changes, such as surface-water diversions or ground-water withdrawals for irrigation, may alter the hydrologic environment of the wetland areas and be harmful to the wildlife habitat. In order to determine what affect changes in water management might have on ground-water levels in the wetland areas, detailed data were collected from Crane Meadows Wildlife Area, which is on an island in the Platte River near Grand Island, Nebr. Ground-water levels beneath the island respond to changes in river stage, to recharge from snowmelt and precipitation, and to evapotranspiration by riparian vegetation and from areas where the water table is close to the land surface. The data show that ground-water levels respond rapidly to changes in river stage-usually within 24 hours for distances up to 2,500 feet from the edge of the river. Thus changes in river stage due to changes in surface-water diversions will not have a long-term effect on ground-water levels. Changes in ground-water withdrawals will have the double effect of changing ground-water levels due to changes in drawdown and due to changes in river stage caused by the effects of pumping on river flow. These effects will develop slowly and be long lasting.

Nebraska↗

Simulated hydrologic effects of possible ground-water and surface-water management alternatives in and near the Platte River, south-central Nebraska

Digital computer models were developed and used to simulate the hydrologic effects of hypothetical water-management alternatives on the wetland habitat area near Grand Island, Nebr. Areally distributed recharge to and discharge from the aquifer system adjacent to the Platte River between Overton and Grand Island were computed for four hypothetical water-management alternatives. Using stream-aquifer response functions, the stream depletions resulting from the different alternatives ranged from 53,000 acre-feet per year for increased surface-water irrigation to 177,000 acre-feet per year for increased ground-water pumpage. Current conditions would result in stream depletions of 125,000 acre-feet per year. Using the relationship between discharge and river stage, frequency curves of the stage in the river near the wildlife habitat area were computed using a 50-year sequence of historical streamflow at Overton, minus the stream depletions resulting from various management practices. For the management alternatives previously discussed, differences in the stage-frequency curves were minimal. For comparative purposes, three additional water-management alternatives whose application would change the incoming streamflow at Overton were simulated. Although in these alternatives the amounts of water that were diverted or imported were similar to the amounts in the previous alternatives, their effects on the stage-frequency curves were much more dramatic. (USGS)

Nebraska↗

Comparison of automated satellite systems with conventional systems for hydrologic data collection in west-central Florida

This report provides results of reliability and cost-effective studies of the goes satellite data-collection system used to operate a small hydrologic data network in west-central Florida. The GOES system, in its present state of development, was found to be about as reliable as conventional methods of data collection. Benefits of using the GOES system include some cost and manpower reduction, improved data accuracy, near real-time data availability, and direct computer storage and analysis of data. The GOES system could allow annual manpower reductions of 19 to 23 percent with reduction in cost for some and increase in cost for other single-parameter sites, such as streamflow, rainfall, and ground-water monitoring stations. Manpower reductions of 46 percent or more appear possible for multiple-parameter sites. Implementation of expected improvements in instrumentation and data handling procedures should further reduce costs. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗