Geologic framework of the Columbia Plateau Aquifer System, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho
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Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
Geology topics
K. J. Whiteman
Publications and source records attributed to K. J. Whiteman.
Ground-water levels, spring 1985, and ground-water level changes, spring 1983 to spring 1985, in three basalt units underlying the Columbia Plateau, Washington and Oregon
Groundwater level contour maps for three basalt units of the Columbia Plateau regional aquifer system were constructed by using water levels measured in 1,105 wells during 1985. These measurements then were compared with similar measurements from spring 1983 to assess the changes in groundwater levels over the 2-year period for each of the basalt units. Configuration of the groundwater contours and water level changes reflect (1) recharge and discharge; (2) hydraulic conductivity; (3) use of imported surface water for irrigation; and (4) pumpage of groundwater. The movement of groundwater within each basalt unit is controlled mainly by the major rivers, streams, and coulees, whereas variations in flow directions between units are related to the occurrence, extent, and hydraulic conductivity of the basalt units and sedimentary interbeds and to differences in the amounts of recharge to each unit.
Oregon, Washington↗
Surficial geology, structure, and thickness of selected geohydrologic units in the Columbia Plateau, Washington
A 2-1/2 year study of the Columbia Plateau in Washington was begun in March 1982 to define spatial and temporal variations in dissolved sodium in the Columbia River Basalt Group aquifers and to relate these variations to the groundwater system and its geologic framework. This report describes the geologic framework , including the vertical and areal extent of the major basalt units, interbeds, and overlying materials. Thickness and structure of the Grande Ronde, Wanapum, and Saddle Mountains Basalts, thickness of the interbeds between the Grande Ronde and Wanapum, and Wanapum and Saddle Mountains Basalts, and thickness of the overburden were mapped at a scale of 1:500,000. Information was compiled from 2,500 well records using chemical analyses of core or drill chips, geophysical logs, and driller 's logs, in decreasing order of reliability. Surficial geology and surficial expression of structural features were simplified from published maps to provide maps with this information at the 1:500,000 scale. This report is intended to serve as a base for evaluating the distribution of dissolved sodium in basalt aquifers and as a base for future water resource studies. (USGS)
Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
Groundwater-surfacewater relationships in the Bonaparte Creek basin, Okanogan County, Washington, 1979-1980
Ground water-surface-water relationships were studied in five morphological segments in the Bonaparte Creek basin, Washington during 1979 and 1980. In one segment, kettle lakes were found to be closely associated with the ground-water system. In the other four segments, a close relationship was found between streamflow and ground water. It was concluded that additional ground-water development would adversely affect lake levels and streamflow, thereby reducing surface-water resources already closed to further appropriation. The ground-water divide between the Bonaparte and Sanpoil basins was 6 miles southeast of where it was estimated to be. (USGS)
Open-File Report↗
Occurrence, quality, and use of ground water in Orcas, San Juan, Lopez, and Shaw Islands, San Juan County, Washington
Ground water, which supplies most of San Juan County 's water needs, occurs in both bedrock and glacial drift. Water in the bedrock occurs in fractures in the otherwise dense, poorly permeable rock. Deposits of sand and gravel in the glacial drift provide the best yields to wells drilled into unconsolidated materials. Specific capacities of bedrock wells are typically low, and those of glacial-drift wells considerably higher. Ground water is high in dissolved solids and hardness; 29 of 56 wells sampled had water classified as very hard. Sixteen percent of the 171 ground-water sites tested for indicator bacteria had positive counts of one or more of these bacteria: total coliform , fecal coliform, fecal streptococcus. Nine percent of the 279 wells sampled for chloride in September 1981, appear to be affected by seawater intrusion. All of these wells are located within a mile of the coast; 60 percent of these wells are on Lopez Island. In 1980 an estimated total of 220 million gallons of ground water was withdrawn for all uses. Ninety percent of all ground-water use is for domestic and public supply purposes. Heavy pumpage on northern and southern Lopez Island correlates with areas having high chloride concentrations. (USGS)
Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
Preliminary survey of ground-water resources for Island County, Washington
Increased ground-water withdrawals associated with the population increase in Island County have caused concern about ground-water availability and potential seawater intrusion. The most widespread and widely used aquifer lies near sea level. Locally, available data also indicate that one or more water-bearing zones lie above the sea-level aquifer. Pumpage in 1979 totaled about 1.67 billion gallons; about 90% was pumped from the sea-level aquifer. Most large producing wells in the county have pumping water levels near or below sea level, so that if pumping continued for a long enough time, seawater intrusion would result. Sampling of chloride concentrations in July 1978, April 1980, and August 1980 indicated problem areas mainly in northeastern and southern Camano Island and in central Whidbey Island. (USGS)
Open-File Report↗