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At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources
USGS2009

Ground-Water Quality Data in the Santa Clara River Valley Study Unit, 2007: Results from the California GAMA Program

Ground-water quality in the approximately 460-square-mile Santa Clara River Valley study unit (SCRV) was investigated from April to June 2007 as part of the statewide Priority Basin project of the Ground-Water Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program. The GAMA Priority Basin project was developed in response to the Groundwater Quality Monitoring Act of 2001 and is being conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The study was designed to provide a spatially unbiased assessment of the quality of raw ground water used for public water supplies within SCRV, and to facilitate a statistically consistent basis for comparing water quality throughout California. Fifty-seven ground-water samples were collected from 53 wells in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. Forty-two wells were selected using a randomized grid-based method to provide statistical representation of the study area (grid wells). Eleven wells (understanding wells) were selected to further evaluate water chemistry in particular parts of the study area, and four depth-dependent ground-water samples were collected from one of the eleven understanding wells to help understand the relation between water chemistry and depth. The ground-water samples were analyzed for a large number of synthetic organic constituents (volatile organic compounds [VOC], pesticides and pesticide degradates, potential wastewater-indicator compounds, and pharmaceutical compounds), a constituent of special interest (perchlorate), naturally occurring inorganic constituents (nutrients, major and minor ions, and trace elements), radioactive constituents, and microbial constituents. Naturally occurring isotopes (tritium, carbon-13, carbon-14 [abundance], stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in water, stable isotopes of nitrogen and oxygen in nitrate, chlorine-37, and bromine-81), and dissolved noble gases also were measured to help identify the source and age of the sampled ground water. Quality-control samples (blanks or replicates, or samples for matrix spikes) were collected from approximately 26 percent of the wells, and the analyses of these samples were used to evaluate the quality of the data for the ground-water samples. Assessment of the quality-control results showed that the quality of the environmental data was good, with low bias and low variability, and as a result, less than 0.1 percent of the analytes detected in ground-water samples were censored. This study did not attempt to evaluate the quality of water delivered to consumers; after withdrawal from the ground, water typically is treated, disinfected, and (or) blended with other waters to maintain acceptable water quality. Regulatory thresholds apply to treated water that is delivered (or, supplied) to the consumer, not to raw ground water. However, to provide some context for the results, concentrations of constituents measured in the raw ground water were compared with regulatory and non-regulatory thresholds established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and thresholds established for aesthetic concerns (secondary maximum contaminant levels, SMCL-CA) by CDPH. Most constituents that were detected in ground-water samples were reported at concentrations below their established health-based thresholds. VOCs, pesticides and pesticide degradates, and potential wastewater-indicator compounds were detected in about 33 percent or less of the 42 SCRV grid wells. Concentrations of all detected organic constituents were below established health-based thresholds. Perchlorate was detected in approximately 12 percent of the SCRV grid wells; all concentrations reported were below the NL-CA threshold. Additional constituents, including major ions, trace elements, and nutrients were collected at 26 wells (16 grid wells and 10 understanding wells) of the 53 wells sampled f

Data Series↗
USGS1973

Reconnaissance of the water resources of Beaver County, Oklahoma

Ground water is the major source of water supply in Beaver County. Because of the rapidly increasing demand for the limited supply of water for irrigation, additional geologic and hydrologic data are needed for management of ground-water resources. This report presents general information on the availability of ground water, on the chemical quality of water, and on streamflow. The chemical quality of water generally is poorer than that of water elsewhere in the Oklahoma Panhandle, and the ability to obtain good quality water may become increasingly difficult as the water resources are developed. Further studies are needed to determine the annual change in water levels, the rate of water-level decline in heavily pumped areas, the volume of water stored in the ground-water reservoir, and the quantity of water that may be withdrawn safely in a given area.

Oklahoma↗
USGS2004

Selected natural attenuation monitoring data, Operable Unit 1, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Keyport, Washington, June 2003

Previous investigations have shown that natural attenuation and biodegradation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) are substantial in shallow ground water beneath the 9-acre former landfill at Operable Unit 1 (OU 1), Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), Division Keyport, Washington. This report presents the ground-water geochemical and selected CVOC data collected at OU 1 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) during June 17-20, 2003 in support of long-term monitoring for natural attenuation. Strongly reducing conditions favorable for reductive dechlorination of CVOCs were found in fewer upper-aquifer wells during June 2003 than were found during sampling periods in 2001 and 2002. Redox conditions in water from the intermediate aquifer just downgradient from the landfill remained somewhat favorable for reductive dechlorination. As was noted in previous monitoring reports, the changes in redox conditions observed at individual wells have not been consistent or substantial throughout either the upper or the intermediate aquifers. Compared to 2002 data, total CVOC concentrations in June 2003 were nearly unchanged in all northern plantation piezometers sampled, although the concentrations were historically low at two of those sites. Total CVOC concentrations decreased consistently in the southern plantation samples. Historically low total CVOC concentrations were observed in three of the piezometers sampled, and a two order-of-magnitude decrease in total CVOCs was observed at one of those sites. The observed decreases in CVOC concentrations appear to be in contrast with the 2003 redox data that suggested less favorable conditions for reductive dechlorination. The Navy and USGS plan to do more extensive data-collection and interpretation during 2004 to better understand and document possible changes in redox conditions and contaminant biodegradation.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1941

Contamination of Lake Wewoka and fresh-water sands by disposal of oil-well brines near Wewoka, Seminole County, Oklahoma

This report deals with ground-water conditions in an area about 5 miles wide from east to west and 8 miles long from north to south, in Tps. 8 and 9 N., Rs. 7 and 8 E., in Seminole County, Oklahoma, including the town of Wewoka and Lake Wewoka. The possible contamination of the lake waters from oil-well brines disposed through a well 3.75 miles north of the lake, and other effects of brine disposal, are considered. The investigation was made at the request of Frank Raab, member of the Oklahoma Planning and Resources Board, and Don McBride, Chief Engineer of the Division of Water Resources who has the responsibility of preventing contamination of water supplies in Oklahoma. Field work was done July 5 and 6, 1941, by Robert H. Dott, Director of the Oklahoma Geological Survey; C.G. Lalicker, Department of Geology, University of Oklahoma; and S.L. Schoff, Assistant Geologist in the Ground Water Division, Water Resources Branch, of the U.S. Geological Survey. Lalicker spent both days studying the rocks exposed in the vicinity and measuring their thickness. A copy of the composite section measured by him is attached. Dott and Schoff spent one day collecting the well information summarized in Table 1, and one day with Lalicker on the stratigraphy.

Oklahoma↗
USGS1972

Shallow ground water in the Zamin Dawar area, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

The Zamin Dawar area lies between Kajakai Reservoir and Musa Qala Rud (river) in southcentral Afghanistan, about 90 km (kilometers) northeast of Lashkar Gab. The area comprises two main stream drainage areas: that of Gulmesh Mandeh (ephemeral stream) to the east which includes mostly plains with low hills on the east and north slopes and a high limestone scarp on the west slope; and Baghni Rud to the west which drains a mountainous area to the north and spreads onto a large alluvial fan with distributaries leading both to Helmand Rud to the southeast and Musa Qala Rud to the west. Most of the cultivated lands in the Zamin Dawar area lie in the southern part of the Gulmesh plains and in the Baghni alluvial fan, as well as a ribbon of cultivation on the flood plain of Baghni Rud in the mountains. The southern end of the Zamin Dawar area with high terraces and sharply incised ephemeral stream valleys is uninhabited. Karezes provide the chief source of water in the plains. Some 80 were examined and inventoried during the course of the present investigation. Several springs and one large-yield well also contribute to the water supply on the plains. In Baghni valley, developed springs provide the main source of water supply. During the present investigation, conducted in 1971,. it was found that the karezes yield a total of about 20,000 ac-ft (acre-feet) (25 million cu m (cubic meters)) of water The springs on the plains yield about 3,000 ac-ft (4 million cu m) per year, and the wells yield about 300 ac-ft (375,000 cu m) per year. The inventoried springs in Baghni valley yield about 6,500 ac-ft (8 million cu m) per year, and probably supply about 70 percent of the total water used in the valley. Therefore,the total amount of water used in the Zamin Dawar area in 1971 was about 32,000 ac-ft (40 million cu m). This amount of water was used to irrigate about i0,000 jiribs (approximately 5,000 acres or 2,000 hectares) of cultivated land and served a population of about 40,000 people. Twenty years ago the water supply was more than double the 1971 flow from karezes and springs, and the population of the area was probably 60,000 to 70,000 people. During the past 10 years and particularly during the last 3 years, the water table has been declining as a direct result of a dry-weather cycle which has affected much of Afghanistan. Concurrently, the population of the area has declined. Rainfall, based on data from the Kajakai Camp weather station, has declined from a 27-year annual average of about 200 mm (millimeters) to about 160 mm per year, which is the annual average for the last 5 years and equivalent to a reduction of approximately 70,000 ac-ft (88 million cu m) of precipitation per year over the entire area. To compensate for the declining water levels many karezes have been deepened or lengthened at great financial cost to the people. This report evaluates present ground-water conditions in the area and suggests ways-and means by which more water can be obtained for local requirements.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1979

Selected hydrologic data for Spokane Valley, Spokane, Washington 1977-78

This report presents the ground-water data collected from March 1977 to May 1978 in the Spokane Valley, Spokane, Washington, for the purpose of developing a computer simulation of flow and mass transport in the Spokane aquifer. Data collected include an inventory of wells and springs, water-level data, and chemical analyses of water from selected wells and springs. (Kosco-USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS1981

Preliminary evaluation of ground-water contamination by coal-tar derivatives, St. Louis Park area, Minnesota

Operation of a coal-tar distillation and wood preserving plant for 1918-72 in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, resulted in ground-water contamination. This report presents the results of the first year (1979) of an ongoing study. By 1932, water in the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer, the region 's major source of ground water, was contaminated 3,500 feet from the plant. The hydraulic characteristics of the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer , its long contamination history, and fluctuating pumpage combine to creat a complex distribution of coal-tar derivatives observed in the aquifer. The Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer underlies the area at depths of 250 to 500 feet and is overlain by two bedrock aquifers (Platteville and St. Peter), two confining beds (Glenwood and basal part of St. Peter), and 70 to 100 feet of glacial drift. Multiaquifer wells in the area have permitted contaminated water from near-surface aquifers to flow downward into the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer. Flow rates of 20 to 150 gallons per minute from the shallower aquifers into the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer were observed in five wells. In the drift, a hydrocarbon fluid phase is moving vertically downward relative to the aqueous phase. Dissolved constituents in the drift and Platteville aquifer, the uppermost bedrock unit over most of the area, have moved at least 4,000 feet. Low-molecular-weight compounds are moving preferentially through the drift and Platteville aquifer system. (USGS)

Minnesota↗
USGS1994

Hydrogeologic and water-quality data used to characterize the Management Systems Evaluation Area near Princeton, Minnesota, 1991

The Minnesota Management Systems Evaluation Area project is part of a multi-scale, inter-agency initiative to evaluate the effects of agricultural management systems on water quality in the midwest corn belt. The research area is located in the Anoka Sand Plain about 5 kilometers southwest of Princeton, Minnesota. The ground-water-quality monitoring network within and immediately surrounding the research area consists of 29 observation wells and 22 multiport wells. Thirteen observation wells are also located outside the research area. The primary objectives of research by the U.S. Geological Survey at the Princeton Management Systems Evaluation Area are to: (1) determine the relation of the spatial and temporal distribution of agricultural chemicals in ground water to recharge, topography, and subsurface heterogeneities; and (2) determine the effects of the modified and prevailing farming systems on ground-water quality. This report presents geologic logs and water-quality data used to characterize the Princeton Management Systems Evaluation Area.

Minnesota↗
USGS1995

Land use and nutrient concentrations and yields in selected streams in the Albemarle-Pamlico drainage basin, North Carolina and Virginia

Because nutrients can cause water-quaiity degradation, a major focus of NAWQA is to investigate effects of nutrients on surface- and ground-water quality. This report summarizes surface-water quality study design and land uses in the NAWQA Albemarle-Pamlico Drainage Basin study unit, one of 60 study units nationwide, and shows how nutrient concentrations are related to land uses at selected basins in the study unit. The study area encompasses about 28,000 square miles (mi2) in central and eastern North Carolina and southern Virginia. The major river basins in the Albemarle-Pamlico Drainage Basin are the Chowan, Roanoke, Tar, and Neuse. The barrier islands, estuaries, and the AlbemarIe, Pamlico, and associated sounds are not included in the study-unit area. The Albemarle-Pamlico Drainage Basin covers four physiographic provinces:Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain. About 50 percent of the land in the study areais forested, 30 percent is cropland, 15 percent is wetland, and 5 percent is developed. The population--of the study unit is about 3 million people.

North Carolina, Virginia↗
USGS1996

Selected hydrogeologic data from the Cedar Rapids Area, Benton and Linn counties, Iowa, October 1992 through March 1996

The city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, obtains its water supply from shallow wells screened in the alluvial aquifer along the Cedar River. A cooperative study between the city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the U.S. Geological Survey was started in March 1992 to assess the water quality and water quantity of the ground-water resource. This report summarizes selected hydrogeologic data collected from October 1992 through March 1996. Information collected includes water quality (major ions, nutrients, and pesticides), ground-water levels, multiprobe-instrument data (water levels, specific conductance, pH, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen monitored at 15-, 30-, or 60-minute intervals), well information (location, casing type, screen interval, and depth), and geophysical seismic-refraction and seismic-reflection data (estimated depth to bedrock and alluvial thickness along the Cedar River). Geologic, hydrologic, and water-quality data were collected from domestic, municipal, observation, and industrial wells and the Cedar River. Well-construction data for more than 300 wells in the Cedar Rapids area in Benton and Linn Counties, Iowa, were compiled primarily from records on file with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Geologic Survey Bureau (Iowa City).

Iowa↗
USGS1979

Hydrologic and human aspects of the 1976-77 drought

The drought of 1976-77 was the most severe in at least 50 years in many parts of the United States. Record low amounts of rainfall, snowfall, and runoff, and increased withdrawals of ground water were prevalent. The use of carry-over storage in reservoirs during 1976 maintained streamflow at near normal levels, but some reservoirs went dry or dropped below the outlet works in 1977. Carry-over storage in the fall of 1977 was very low. Ground-water levels were at or near record low levels in many aquifers, hundreds of wells went dry, and thousands of wells were drilled. Yet no wide-spread deterioration of ground-water quality was reported. Water-quality problems arose in some streams and lakes, but most were localized and of short duration. Water rationing became a way of life in numerous areas , and water was hauled in many rural areas and to a few towns. Water use was affected by legal agreements or decisions, some of which were modified for the duration of the drought, and by the inability of water managers to efficiently manage surface and ground waters as one resource under existing law. There are still many drought related problems to solve and many challenges to be met before the next drought occurs. The advancement of techniques in many fields of endeavor in recent years plus ongoing, planned, and proposed research on drought and the risks involved are promising thrusts that should make it easier to cope with the next drought. (Kosco-USGS)

Professional Paper↗
USGS2007

Water-Level Changes in the High Plains Aquifer, Predevelopment to 2005 and 2003 to 2005

The High Plains aquifer underlies 111.4 million acres (174,000 square miles) in parts of eight States-Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. Water-level declines began in parts of the High Plains aquifer soon after the beginning of extensive ground-water irrigation. This report presents water-level changes in the High Plains aquifer from the time prior to substantial ground-water irrigation development (about 1950) to 2005 and from 2003 to 2005. Water-level changes from predevelopment to 2005 ranged between a rise of 84 feet and a decline of 277 feet. Area-weighted, average water-level change in the aquifer was a decline of 12.8 feet from predevelopment to 2005, a decline of 0.8 foot from 2003 to 2004, and a decline of 0.2 foot from 2004 to 2005. Total water in storage in the aquifer in 2005 was about 2,925 million acre-feet, which was a decline of about 253 million acre-feet (or 9 percent) since predevelopment.

Scientific Investigations Report↗
USGS2009

Ground-water-withdrawal component of the Michigan water-withdrawal screening tool

A water-withdrawal assessment process and Internet-based screening tool have been developed to evaluate proposed new or increased high-capacity water withdrawals in Michigan. Michigan legislation defines high capacity withdrawals as those capable of removing an average of 100,000 gallons per day for a consecutive 30-day period. This report describes the ground-water component of the screening tool, provides background information used to develop the screening tool, and documents how this component of the screening tool is implemented. The screening tool is based on application of an analytical model to estimate streamflow depletion by a proposed pumping well. The screening tool is designed to evaluate intermittent pumping, to account for the dynamics of stream-aquifer interaction, and to apportion streamflow depletion among neighboring streams. The tool is to be used for an initial screening of a proposed new or increased high-capacity withdrawal in order to identify withdrawals that may cause adverse resource impacts. The screening tool is not intended to be a site-specific design tool. Results of an example application of the screening tool in Kalamazoo County, Mich., are compared to streamflow depletion estimated by use of a regional ground-water-flow model to demonstrate its performance.

Michigan↗
USGS1979

Water resources data for Alabama, water year 1978

Water resources data for the 1978 water year for Alabama consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality of ground-water wells. This report contains records for water discharge at 95 gaging stations; stage only at 16 gaging stations; stage and contents of 12 lakes and reservoirs; water quality at 64 gaging stations, 24 partial-record stations, and 2 wells; and water levels at 59 observation wells. Also included are data for 23 crest-stage and 11 flood hydrograph partial-record stations. Location of these sites are shown on figures 4-7. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not involved in the systematic data-collection program, and are published as miscellaneous measurements and analyses. Discharge records for a few pertinent stations in bordering states are also included in this report. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Alabama.

Alabama↗
USGS1980

Water resources data for Alabama, water year 1979; Volume 2. Tombigbee, Mobile, Dog, Pascagoula, and Tennessee River Basins

Water resources data for the 1979 water year consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality of ground-water wells. This report contains records for water discharge at 51 gaging stations; stage only at 7 gaging stations; stage and contents of 4 lakes and reservoirs; water quality at 34 gaging stations, 103 partial-record stations; and water levels at 44 observation wells. Also included are data for 9 low flow, 5 crest-stage and 3 flood hydrograph partial-record stations. Location of these sites are shown on figures 4-7. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not involved in the systematic data-collection program, and are published as miscellaneous measurements and analyses. Discharge records for a few pertinent stations in bordering states are also included in this report. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Alabama.

Alabama↗
USGS1984

Water resources data, Alabama water year 1983

Water resources data for the 1983 water year consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality of ground-water wells. This report contains records for water discharge at 84 gaging stations; stage only at 23 gaging stations; stage and contents of 12 lakes and reservoirs; water quality at 80 gaging stations, 55 partial-record stations; water levels at 53 observation wells and water quality at 48 wells. Also included are data for 5 crest stage and 6 flood hydrograph partial-record stations. Location of these sites are shown on figures 4-7. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not involved in the systematic data-collection program, and are published as miscellaneous measurements and analyses. Discharge records for a few pertinent stations in bordering states are also included in this report. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Alabama.

Alabama↗
USGS1980

Water resources data for Connecticut, water year 1979

Water resources data for the 1979 water year for Connecticut consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; contents and water quality of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality of ground-water wells. This report contains records of water discharge at 56' gaging stations; stage only at 1 gaging station; tidal volume at 1 gaging station; stage only records at 2 tidal-gaging stations; contents at 36 lakes and reservoirs; water quality at 50 gaging stations, 5 lakes and reservoirs, 2 harbors; 34 wells, and 1 spring; and water levels at 66 observation wells. Also included are data for 41 creststage partial-record stations. Locations of these sites are shown on figures 2, 3, and 4. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not involved in the systematic data-collection program, and are published as miscellaneous measurements and analysis. A few pertinent stations (not included above) in bordering States are also enclosed in this report. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Connecticut.

Connecticut↗
USGS1980

Water resources data for Georgia, water year 1979

Water resources data for the 1979 water year for Georgia consists of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; and ground-water levels. This report contains discharge records for 100 gaging stations; stage for 10 gaging stations; stage and contents for 17 lakes and reservoirs; water quality for 25 continuous stations, 151 periodic stations and miscellaneous sites; peak stage and discharge only for 98 crest-stage partial-record stations and 12 miscellaneous sites; measurements of discharge at 110 low-flow partial-record stations and 21 miscellaneous sites; and water levels of 28 observation wells. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Georgia.

Georgia↗