Compilation of geohydrologic data collected as part of the areal appraisal of ground-water resources near Branson, Missouri

J. L. Imes

doi:10.3133/ofr89401

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Compilation of geohydrologic data collected as part of the areal appraisal of ground-water resources near Branson, Missouri

J. L. Imes

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Abstract

A rapidly developing retirement community and tourist industry in the Branson, Missouri area has created an increased demand for potable water, especially in the summer months. The rapid pace of residential and business expansion has created concerns regarding the future groundwater availability and quality. Water levels measured in the Ozark aquifer during the summer of 1988 and March 1989 show water levels increasing in 22 wells, decreasing in 2 wells, and remaining the same in 1 well. The water level increases ranged from 1 to 111 ft. These measurements and similar measurements during the summer of 1989 will be used to calibrate a three-dimensional model of groundwater flow in the Branson area and estimate the long-term effect of large groundwater withdrawals during the summer tourist season. A reconnaissance of water quality in 34 wells that are open to the Ozark aquifer shows specific conductance ranging from 347 to 841 microsiemens/cm at 25 C and no fecal coliform bacteria present in any well. Chloride and nitrate concentrations in all wells were well below the Missouri Department of Natural Resources recommended maximum concentrations of 250 mg/L and 10 mg/L, respectively. Analysis of 5 water samples for 33 volatile organic compounds failed to detect any concentrations in excess of the detection limits. (USGS)

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J. L. Imes. 1989. Compilation of geohydrologic data collected as part of the areal appraisal of ground-water resources near Branson, Missouri. https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr89401

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