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At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources
USGS2022

Hydrogeology and groundwater quality in the San Agustin Basin, New Mexico, 1975–2019

This report describes the findings of a U.S. Geological Survey study, completed in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, focused on better understanding the present-day (1975–2019) hydrogeology and groundwater quality of the San Agustin Basin in west-central New Mexico to support sustainable groundwater resource management. The basin hosts a relatively undeveloped basin-fill and alluvium aquifer system and is topographically divided into east and west subbasins by the McClure Hills. Groundwater chemistry and groundwater elevation data were compiled, collected, and interpreted in the context of groundwater flow and quality. The analyses presented in this report consider groundwater chemistry data collected within the last decade (2010–19) and groundwater elevation data collected from 1975 through 2019 to provide insight into present-day conditions. Groundwater elevations show that groundwater typically moves from the highlands to the lowlands, with a prominent east to west regional trend. Groundwater elevations were lowest in the southwestern portion of the west subbasin, where estimated flow directions suggest underflow through the local highlands into the northern East Fork Gila River watershed, which is further supported by historical groundwater elevation data from the northern East Fork Gila River watershed. Gradual groundwater elevation gradients (about 2 feet per mile) near the east and west subbasin divide suggest that groundwater slowly flows from the east subbasin to the west subbasin. Quantitative analyses of groundwater chemistry data show that groundwater in both subbasins has similar chemical characteristics. A systematic east to west groundwater evolution in water chemistry was not observed despite evidenced subbasin connectivity. The absence of this pattern suggests that groundwater mixing is regionally prevalent, sediment reactivity is low and variable, and (or) recharge conditions are comparable in both subbasins. Groundwater chemistry was generally independent of aquifer type, suggesting that the aquifers are hydrologically well connected. Corrected carbon-14 groundwater age estimates in the basin ranged from 232 to 13,916 years before present with a median of 5,409 years. A wide range of groundwater ages is therefore present in the basin, with waters commonly being thousands of years old, thereby supporting generally slow regional groundwater movement. A component of relatively young groundwater, for which estimated ages could not be accurately computed, is also present in the basin, and it may commonly mix with older waters. The spatial distribution of categorical and quantitative groundwater ages indicates that most recharge likely occurs in the highlands through mountain-block recharge and as focused recharge within arroyos, although evidence of modern (1953 and after) groundwater was minimal at sampled sites. Median annual gradients (groundwater elevation change over time) indicate that most groundwater elevations in the lowlands changed little (−0.2 to 0.2 foot per year) from 1975 through 2019. Groundwater elevations in the highlands varied more annually, which is likely due to recharge from precipitation events. These more variable groundwater elevations in the highlands compared with the lowlands, along with groundwater ages, provide further evidence that most groundwater recharge takes place in the highlands, with minimal recharge in the lowlands. Median groundwater elevation change for all sites was −0.05 foot per year. Temporal consistency of lowland groundwater elevations suggests that regional groundwater dynamics have been more or less stable through time under current climate and development conditions, although median annual gradients indicate that groundwater elevations may have slightly declined on average between 1975 and 2019.

New Mexico↗
USGS1970

Hydrology of the Upper Malad River basin, southeastern Idaho

The report area comprises 485 square miles in the Basin and Range physiographic province. It includes most of eastern' Oneida County and parts of Franklin, Bannock, and Power Counties of southeastern Idaho. Relief is about 5,000 feet; the floor of the Malad Valley is at an average altitude of about 4,400 feet. Agriculture is, by far, ,the principal economic .activity. In 1960 the population of the upper Malad River basin was about 3,600, of which about 60 percent resided in Malad City, the county seat of Oneida County. The climate is semiarid throughout the Malad Valley and its principal tributary valleys; ,above 6,500 feet the climate is subhumid. Annual precipitation ranges from about 13 inches in the lower Malad Valley to more than 30 inches on the highest peaks of the Bannock and Malad ranges. Owing to ,the normally clear atmospheric conditions, large daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations are common. Topography, distance from the Pacific Ocean, .and the general atmospheric circulation are the principal factors governing the climate of the Malad River basin. The westerlies transport moisture from the P.acific Ocean toward southeastern Idaho. The north-south tren4ing mountains flanking the basin are oriented orthogonally to the moisture flux so that they are very effective in removing precipitable water from the air. A minimum uplift of 6,000 feet is required to transport moisture from the Pacific source region; accordingly, most air masses are desiccated long before they reach the Malad basin. Heaviest precipitation is generally associated with steep pressure gradients in the midtroposphere that are so oriented as to cause a deep landward penetration of moisture from the Pacific Ocean. Annual water yields in the project area range from about 0.8 inch in the, lower Malad Valley to more than 19 inches on the high peaks north and east of Malad City. The mean annual water yield for the entire basin is 4 inches, or about 115,000 acre-feet. Evaporation is greatest in July when about 7 inches is lost from lakes, reservoirs, and waterlogged areas; losses from free-water surfaces may be as much .as 38 inches annually. An extensive ground-water reservoir consisting of sand and gravel interbedded with relatively impermeable beds of silt .and clay underlies much of the Malad Valley. Wells near the center of the valley exceeding 700 feet in depth do not reach bedrock. The Woodruff fault, which transects the constricted lower Malad Valley, is one of the main factors creating artesian conditions south of the latitude of Malad City. Recharge is obtained principally from mountain runoff which flows onto highly permeable alluvial fans surrounding the valley and from streams that flow across the valley floor. On the basis of a water balance analysis, under flow from the project area was estimated to be 28,000 acre-feet annually, surface-water outflow was 51,000 acre-feet, and transbasin imports were about 4,000 acre-feet. The principal tributaries of the Malad River are perennial along their upper and middle reaches and have well-sustained low flows. During the growing season, all surface water entering the Malad Valley is used for irrigation. Spine irrigation is practiced in the principal tributary valleys; however, a shortage of suitable reservoir sites has hampered surface-water development in these areas. The highly porous deposits underlying the Malad Valley tend to attenuate flood peaks. An unusual combination of meteorologic events early in 1962 effectively counteracted the high absorptive capacity of the valley and predisposed the basin to high flood risk. Subsequent rapid snowmelt combined with frozen ground produced the extraordinary flood of February 12, 1962. Calcium and bicarbonate commonly are the most abundant ions in the surface waters of the upper Malad River basin. In August 1967, the dissolved-solids content of streamflow ranged from 200 to 350 milligrams per liter in the middle and upper parts of the basin; however, much greater values were measured in the Malad River between Woddruff and Cherry Creek Lane. With the exception of that reach, the surface water of the project area is suitable for irrigating all but the most sensitive crops. The total water yield is not sufficient to meet all the water needs of the basin. A comprehensive water-management plan is required to ensure optimal use of the water resource.

Idaho↗
USGS2020

Council monitoring and assessment program (CMAP): Common monitoring program attributes and methodologies for the Gulf of Mexico Region

Executive Summary Under the Resources and Ecosystem Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act), the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (RESTORE Council or Council) is required to report on the progress of funded projects and programs. Systematic monitoring of restoration at the project-specific and programmatic-levels (i.e., watershed and Gulf of Mexico) enables consistent reporting and gives the public confidence that the restoration investments selected by the RESTORE Council will be evaluated and adaptively managed accordingly. Monitoring information that has been collected at different spatial and temporal scales can be used as the foundation to illustrate progress towards comprehensive ecosystem restoration goals and objectives that promote holistic Gulf of Mexico recovery (see ‘RESTORE Council Background’ at the beginning of this report for additional Council information). Federal, state and local agencies, universities, private industry, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have conducted and are conducting extensive monitoring activities around the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, each RESTORE Council-funded project will, at a minimum, perform project-specific monitoring. This collection of monitoring activities was inventoried and compiled into a framework of tools and resources by the Council-funded RESTORE Council Monitoring and Assessment Program (CMAP). CMAP was designed and funded to inventory and integrate existing water quality and habitat monitoring and mapping efforts to support discovery and accessibility of existing monitoring data and ensure the collected information is made available to support management decisions. Results of CMAP Inventory queries can be used to identify opportunities for efficiencies and support crossprogram review of performance across Gulf of Mexico ecosystem recovery efforts. The fundamental approach being used to inform the build out of the CMAP Gulf of Mexico water quality monitoring, habitat monitoring, and mapping framework includes: 1. Adopt, or construct as needed, a comprehensive inventory of existing habitat and water quality observation, monitoring, and mapping programs in the Gulf of Mexico (hereafter referred to as the “Inventory”; NOAA and USGS, 2019a); 2. Evaluate the suitability/applicability of each program and its existing and prospective data for use in restoration activities; 3. Develop a process to use the Inventory to conduct gap assessments; 4. Develop a catalog of baseline assessments conducted in the Gulf of Mexico (NOAA and USGS, 2019b); and 5. Develop a searchable monitoring information portal/database to enable access to collected information and products.

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi,↗
USGS2017

Brackish groundwater and its potential to augment freshwater supplies

Secure, reliable, and sustainable water resources are fundamental to the Nation’s food production, energy independence, and ecological and human health and well-being. Indications are that at any given time, water resources are under stress in selected parts of the country. The large-scale development of groundwater resources has caused declines in the amount of groundwater in storage and declines in discharges to surface water bodies (Reilly and others, 2008). Water supply in some regions, particularly in arid and semiarid regions, is not adequate to meet demand, and severe drought intensifies the stresses affecting water resources (National Drought Mitigation Center, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, 2015). If these drought conditions continue, water shortages could adversely affect the human condition and threaten environmental flows necessary to maintain ecosystem health. In support of the national census of water resources, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) completed the national brackish groundwater assessment to provide updated information about brackish groundwater as a potential resource to augment or replace freshwater supplies (Stanton and others, 2017). Study objectives were to consolidate available data into a comprehensive database of brackish groundwater resources in the United States and to produce a summary report highlighting the distribution, physical and chemical characteristics, and use of brackish groundwater resources. This assessment was authorized by section 9507 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (42 U.S.C. 10367), passed by Congress in March 2009. Before this assessment, the last national brackish groundwater compilation was completed in the mid-1960s (Feth, 1965). Since that time, substantially more hydrologic and geochemical data have been collected and now can be used to improve the understanding of the Nation’s brackish groundwater resources.

Fact Sheet↗
USGS2011

Coastal circulation and water-column properties off Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Molokai, Hawaii, 2008-2010

More than 2.2 million measurements of oceanographic forcing and the resulting water-column properties were made off U.S. National Park Service's Kalaupapa National Historical Park on the north shore of Molokai, Hawaii, between 2008 and 2010 to understand the role of oceanographic processes on the health and sustainability of the area's marine resources. The tides off the Kalaupapa Peninsula are mixed semidiurnal. The wave climate is dominated by two end-members: large northwest Pacific winter swell that directly impacts the study site, and smaller, shorter-period northeast trade-wind waves that have to refract around the peninsula, resulting in a more northerly direction before propagating over the study site. The currents primarily are alongshore and are faster at the surface than close to the seabed; large wave events, however, tend to drive flow in a more cross-shore orientation. The tidal currents flood to the north and ebb to the south. The waters off the peninsula appear to be a mix of cooler, more saline, deeper oceanic waters and shallow, warmer, lower-salinity nearshore waters, with intermittent injections of freshwater, generally during the winters. Overall, the turbidity levels were low, except during large wave events. The low overall turbidity levels and rapid return to pre-event background levels following the cessation of forcing suggest that there is little fine-grained material. Large wave events likely inhibit the settlement of fine-grained sediment at the site. A number of phenomena were observed that indicate the complexity of coastal circulation and water-column properties in the area and may help scientists and resource managers to better understand the implications of the processes on marine ecosystem health.

Hawai'i↗
USGS2013

Developing an outcome-based biodiversity metric in support of the field to market project: Final report

Our objective was to create a metric that would calculate the relative impact of common commercial agricultural practices on terrestrial vertebrate richness. We sought to define impacts in fields (including field borders) of the southeastern region’s commercial production of corn, wheat, soy, and cotton. The metric is intended to serve as an educational tool, allowing producers to see how operational decisions made at the field level impact overall vertebrate species richness and to explore decision impacts to targeted species groups (e.g. game, pest, or beneficial species). Agricultural landscapes are often mistakenly thought to be unsuitable habitat for most species. However, as demonstrated by results reported here, even large-scale, conventional agricultural producers are potentially important partners in biodiversity conservation. Many vertebrate species do inhabit agricultural landscapes, benefitting from the provision of water, food, or shelter within cultivated fields and their immediate borders (e.g., Holland et al. 2012). In the Southeastern US, of the 613 terrestrial vertebrate species modeled by the Southeast Gap Analysis Program (SEGAP) (http://www.basic.ncsu.edu/segap/index.html), 263 utilize row crop and associated agricultural land cover classes as potential habitat (Box 1). While some species may be sensitive to certain operational practices (e.g., tillage, pest management, or field border management practices), others are generally tolerant, and some may benefit either directly or indirectly. For example, field margins and ditches often serve as semi-natural habitats providing foraging resources and shelter for vertebrates and are shown to positively influence species richness and abundance (Billeter et al. 2007; Herzon & Helenius 2008; Marshall & Moonen 2002; Shore et al. 2005; Weibull et al. 2003; Wuczyńskia et al. 2011). Biodiversity responses are, therefore, complex, as an individual species’ responses to agricultural production practices depends on that animal’s resource specialization, mobility, and life history strategies (Jeanneret et al. 2003a, b; Jennings & Pocock 2009). The knowledge necessary to define the biodiversity contribution of agricultural lands is specialized, dispersed, and nuanced, and thus not readily accessible. Given access to clearly defined biodiversity tradeoffs between alternative agricultural practices, landowners, land managers and farm operators could collectively enhance the conservation and economic value of agricultural landscapes. Therefore, Field to Market: The Keystone Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture and The Nature Conservancy jointly funded a pilot project to develop a biodiversity metric to integrate into Field to Market’s existing sustainability calculator, The Fieldprint Calculator (http://www. fieldtomarket.org/). Field to Market: The Keystone Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture is an alliance among producers, agribusinesses, food companies, and conservation organizations seeking to create sustainable outcomes for agriculture. The Fieldprint Calculator supports the Keystone Alliance’s vision to achieve safe, accessible, and nutritious food, fiber and fuel in thriving ecosystems to meet the needs of 9 billion people in 2050. In support of this same vision, our project provides proof-of-concept for an outcome-based biodiversity metric for Field to Market to quantify biodiversity impacts of commercial row crop production on terrestrial vertebrate richness. Little research exists examining the impacts of alternative commercial agricultural practices on overall terrestrial biodiversity (McLaughlin & Mineau 1995). Instead, most studies compare organic versus conventional practices (e.g. Freemark & Kirk 2001; Wickramasinghe et al. 2004), and most studies focus on flora, avian, or invertebrate communities (Jeanneret et al. 2003a; Maes et al. 2008; Pollard & Relton 1970). Therefore, we used an expert-knowledge-based approach to develop a metric that predicts expected impacts to shelter and forage resources, individual species, and overall biodiversity (species richness). This approach is modeled after an ecosystems services concept (WRI 2005), except that we examine services (i.e., resources) provided to vertebrate wildlife rather than service provided to the human population. SEGAP predicts species that are potentially present in an area given landscape-scale habitat availability, configuration, and context (e.g., patch size, proximity to resources, connectivity, potential for disturbance). Based on the prediction of species that may be potentially present, the impacts of management decisions within fields and around their borders can be analyzed based on the impact of those practices to the availability of species’ resources. The final metric provides an index of a producer’s relative impact, but perhaps even more importantly, the underlying database allows producers to explore details such as which species are most impacted or how alternative decisions would impact their score.

Technical Bulletin↗
USGS2005

A synthesis of ecological and fish-community changes in Lake Ontario, 1970-2000

We assessed stressors associated with ecological and fishcommunity changes in Lake Ontario since 1970, when the first symposium on Salmonid Communities in Oligotrophic Lakes (SCOL I) was held (J. Fish. Res. Board Can. 29: 613-616). Phosphorus controls implemented in the early 1970s were undeniably successful; lower food-web studies showed declines in algal abundance and epilimnetic zooplankton production and a shift in pelagic primary productivity toward smaller organisms. Stressors on the fish community prior to 1970 such as exploitation, sea lamprey ( Petromyzon marinus ) predation, and effects of nuisance populations of alewife ( Alosa pseudoharengus ) were largely ameliorated by the 1990s. The alewife became a pivotal species supporting a multi-million-dollar salmonid sport fishery, but alewife-induced thiamine deficiency continued to hamper restoration and sustainability of native lake trout ( Salvelinus namaycush ). Expanding salmonine populations dependent on alewife raised concerns about predator demand and prey supply, leading to reductions in salmonine stocking in the early 1990s. Relaxation of the predation impact by alewives and their shift to deeper water allowed recovery of native fishes such as threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and emerald shiner ( Notropis atherinoides ). The return of the Lake Ontario ecosystem to historical conditions has been impeded by unplanned introductions. Establishment of Dreissena spp. led to increased water clarity and increased vectoring of lower trophic-level production to benthic habitats and contributed to the collapse of Diporeia spp. populations, behavioral modifications of key fish species, and the decline of native lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis ). Despite reduced productivity, exotic-species introductions, and changes in the fish community, offshore Mysis relicta populations remained relatively stable. The effects of climate and climate change on the population abundance and dynamics of Lake Ontario fish were unknown at the time of SCOL I, but a temperature-time series begun in the late 1950s in the Kingston Basin has since provided evidence of climate warming and associated fish-community changes. We should expect ecological surprises in the coming decades that will challenge scientists and fishery managers especially as they face new exotic species, climate warming, and escalating stakeholder demands on the resource. Continuous long-term ecological studies were critical for interpreting changes in Lake Ontario's fish community over the past three decades and will be essential in the future for both scientific understanding and management of the fishery.

Technical Report↗
USGS2001

Simulated response of the Sparta Aquifer to outcrop area recharge augmentation, southeastern Arkansas

Recharge augmentation by construction of infiltration impoundments is a potential means of increasing aquifer water levels and aquifer yield that is under consideration for the Sparta aquifer in southeastern Arkansas. The aquifer is a major water resource for municipal, industrial, and agricultural uses, and approximately 287 million gallons per day was pumped from the aquifer in Arkansas in 1995; this is double the amount pumped in 1975. Historically, the Sparta aquifer has provided abundant water of high quality. In recent years, however, the demand for water in some areas has resulted in withdrawals from the Sparta that significantly exceed recharge to the aquifer, and considerable declines have occurred in the potentiometric surface. To better manage the Sparta aquifer, water users in Arkansas are evaluating and implementing a variety of management practices and assessing alternative, surface-water sources to reduce stress upon the Sparta aquifer. One approach to managing and maximizing use of the Sparta aquifer is augmenting recharge to the aquifer by construction of infiltration lakes or canals within the recharge area. The basic concept of augmented recharge is simply to increase the amount of water being introduced into the aquifer so that more water will be available for use. Ground-water flow model simulations were conducted to assess the effectiveness of constructing lakes or canals to augment recharge. Results show that construction of five new lakes in the Sparta recharge area upgradient from major pumping centers or construction of a series of canals along the length of the recharge area yield notable benefit to aquifer conditions when compared with simulations entailing no augmentation of recharge. Augmentation of recharge in the Sparta aquifer with emplacement of lakes provides slight increase to aquifer water levels. The presence of the lakes increased simulated aquifer water levels 0.5 foot or more across a broad area comprising all or a substantial part of 19 counties after the 30-year simulation period. Substantial increases of 5 feet or greater are limited to a smaller area proximal to the lakes. Increases of 5 feet or more are seen in El Dorado, Pine Bluff, and Stuttgart. The positive effect of the lakes on aquifer water levels is rapidly realized after emplacement of the lakes. For example, in the El Dorado area more than 3 feet of a total of 8 feet of water-level increase is seen in the first 5 years of the simulation; in the Pine Bluff area 9 feet of a total of 16 feet of increase occurs within 5 years. Sustainable yield from the aquifer could be expected to be increased within the zone of influence of the lakes. Augmentation of recharge in the Sparta aquifer with emplacement of canals provides considerable increase of aquifer water levels. The zone of influence in the aquifer with canal-augmented recharge extends from the recharge area eastward to the Mississippi River. Aquifer water levels exhibit an increase of 5 feet or more across a broad area comprising all or a substantial part of 15 counties. Increases of 20 feet or more are seen in El Dorado, Pine Bluff, and Stuttgart. The amount of water moving into the aquifer is substantially increased under this scenario, and the amount of water removed from storage is decreased, thereby, increasing aquifer conditions considerably. Sustainable yield from the aquifer could be expected to be greater within the zone of influence of the canals as compared to either the scenario without recharge augmentation or recharge augmentation with lakes. The effect of the canal on aquifer water levels is rapidly realized after emplacement of the canals. For example, in the El Dorado area, 22 feet of a total of 30 feet of increase is seen in the first 5 years of the simulation; in the Pine Bluff area, 15 feet of a total of 24 feet of increase occurs within 5 years. As constructed, the model simulations imply that any lakes or canals constructed would maintain exce

Arkansas↗
USGS2003

Conjunctive-management models for sustained yield of stream-aquifer systems

Conjunctive-management models that couple numerical simulation with linear optimization were developed to evaluate trade-offs between groundwater withdrawals and streamflow depletions for alluvial-valley stream-aquifer systems representative of those of the northeastern United States. A conjunctive-management model developed for a hypothetical stream-aquifer system was used to assess the effect of interannual hydrologic variability on minimum monthly streamflow requirements. The conjunctive-management model was applied to the Hunt-Annaquatucket-Pettaquamscutt stream-aquifer system of central Rhode Island. Results show that it is possible to increase the amount of current withdrawal from the aquifer by as much as 50% by modifying current withdrawal schedules, modifying the number and configuration of wells in the supply-well network, or allowing increased streamflow depletion in the Annaquatucket and Pettaquamscutt rivers. Alternatively, it is possible to reduce current rates of streamflow depletion in the Hunt River by as much as 35% during the summer, but such reductions would result increases in groundwater withdrawals.

Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management↗
USGS1986

Recharge zone of the Edwards aquifer hydrologically associated with Barton springs in the Austin area, Texas

The Edwards aquifer extends in a narrow belt from Bell County in the northeast to Kinney County in the southwest (index map) and provides water for at least nine counties in south-central Texas. Hydrologic boundaries divide the Edwards aquifer in the Austin area for which Barton Springs is the major discharge point. This part of the Edwards aquifer provides the municipal, industrial, domestic, and agricultural water supplies for about 30,000 people in the Austin area (southern Travis and northern Hays counties). Discharge from Barton Springs sustains streamflow at the mouth of Barton Creek and flows into Town Lake. Much of the land use within the outcrop area of the Edwards aquifer near Austin is rapidly changing from natural woodland and grassland to commercial and residential developments. Because urban development can result in a substantial degradation of the quality of water that recharges the aquifer, the extent of the recharge zone of the Edwards aquifer was delineated to provide information to the City of Austin for their use in formulating a plan for protecting and managing groundwater quality. The purpose of this report is to define and delineate the areal extent of the recharge zone of the Edwards aquifer in southern Travis and northern Hays Counties. The areal boundary of the recharge zone was determined by: (1) geologic mapping of the aquifer area; (2) interpretation of aerial photographs; (3) field verification of existing geologic maps; and (4) streamflow-loss studies.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2021

The application of metacommunity theory to the management of riverine ecosystems

River managers strive to use the best available science to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem function. To achieve this goal requires consideration of processes at different scales. Metacommunity theory describes how multiple species from different communities potentially interact with local-scale environmental drivers to influence population dynamics and community structure. However, this body of knowledge has only rarely been used to inform management practices for river ecosystems. In this article, we present a conceptual model outlining how the metacommunity processes of local niche sorting and dispersal can influence the outcomes of management interventions and provide a series of specific recommendations for applying these ideas as well as research needs. In all cases, we identify situations where traditional approaches to riverine management could be enhanced by incorporating an understanding of metacommunity dynamics. A common theme is developing guidelines for assessing the metacommunity context of a site or region, evaluating how that context may affect the desired outcome, and incorporating that understanding into the planning process and methods used. To maximize the effectiveness of management activities, scientists, and resource managers should update the toolbox of approaches to riverine management to reflect theoretical advances in metacommunity ecology.

WIREs Water↗
USGS2022

Estimated effects of pumping on groundwater storage and Walker River stream efficiencies in Smith and Mason Valleys, west-central Nevada

The Walker River originates in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and flows nearly 160 miles to its terminus at Walker Lake in west-central Nevada. The river provides a source of irrigation water for tens of thousands of acres of agricultural lands in California and Nevada and is the principal source of inflow to Walker Lake. Extraction of groundwater for agricultural use became prevalent in the late 1950s and early 1960s to supplement irrigation demands not met by surface-water diversions during times of drought. There is growing concern that continued groundwater withdrawals within the Walker River Basin are likely contributing to depleted streamflow of the Walker River and the long-term depletion of groundwater storage in the basin. This report documents changes in groundwater storage-volume and trends in Walker River stream efficiency, a measure of change in flow due to gaining or losing conditions, in the two largest agricultural valleys in the Walker River Basin, Smith and Mason Valleys, for a multi-decade period. Groundwater-level maps from previous studies were used for the beginning (1970) and middle (2006) points of this study. Groundwater levels measured from 1991–95 and 2016–20 were used to construct median groundwater-level maps that represented conditions in 1995 and 2020. Valley wide groundwater-level change was calculated by comparing groundwater-level maps for the periods 1970–95, 1996–2006, and 2007–20 and by observing the overall change from 1970 to 2020. Groundwater storage-volume change was calculated using groundwater-level change and previously defined specific yield values. Between 1970 and 2020, groundwater storage-volume declined 287,600 acre-feet in Smith Valley and 269,000 acre-feet in Mason Valley. Using groundwater storage-volume decline and annual groundwater pumpage rates, a maximum groundwater pumpage rate can be computed to support management of water resources. In Smith Valley, groundwater pumping in excess of 22,300 acre-feet per year would likely result in groundwater storage decline. In Mason Valley, groundwater pumping in excess of 75,200 acre-feet per year would likely result in groundwater storage decline. Stream efficiency was calculated using continuous streamflow data and monthly diversion volumes on two reaches: (1) the West Walker River in Smith Valley, from 1948 to 2020 and (2) the Walker River in Mason Valley, from 1958 to 2020. Stream efficiency during non-irrigation season in Smith and Mason Valleys declined at a statistically significant rate of 1.1 and 0.6 percent per year, respectively. Trends in stream efficiency corresponded to occurrence of prolonged drought, deviation from average annual streamflows, and total groundwater pumpage. Long-term declines in groundwater storage-volume and stream efficiency demonstrate that the alluvial aquifer system is becoming increasingly depleted, such that the river can no longer replenish groundwater storage while simultaneously balancing groundwater and surface-water withdrawals. The introduction of supplemental groundwater pumpage was intended to offset surface-water deficits during dry years; however, pumpage occurs even in years when average or above average streamflows meet surface-water demands. Reliance on supplemental groundwater pumpage has resulted in widespread groundwater storage-volume decline and decreased stream efficiency. With each successive drought cycle, the ability of Walker River to sustain streamflows and convey water downstream has diminished. Above average wet periods have a marginal and short-lived effect on rebounding the groundwater levels outside of the river corridor. Moreover, if the trend continues, each future drought cycle may further reduce groundwater supplies and that may further decrease streamflow reliability.

Nevada↗
USGS2025

Detroit River becoming a crucible for boundary organization experimentation

The Detroit River has a long history of human use and abuse, resulting in public outcry over water pollution and resource degradation. This public outcry helped catalyze the enactment of many laws and the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement which led to enhanced research, monitoring, and water pollution control. As pollution from industries and municipal wastewater treatment plants came under control and progress was made in management of single species, the focus shifted to a more comprehensive ecosystem approach that accounted for all the sources of pollution and targeted restoring ecosystem health with resilience. Over time, the Detroit River became a “proving ground” or crucible for experimenting with boundary organizations to overcome geographical, political, institutional, and disciplinary boundaries and strengthen science-policy-management linkages for ecosystem-based management. This study identified 15 boundary organizations functioning in the Detroit River watershed and evaluated two case studies – St. Clair-Detroit River System Initiative and State of the Strait Conferences. Key lessons learned from this study include: 1) establishing boundary organizations, promoting cooperative learning, and building capacity for boundary-spanning are essential for use of an ecosystem approach; 2) boundary spanning requires specific skills, experience, and improved linkages between research and practice; 3) the 15 boundary organizations provide a unique opportunity to collaborate in a community of practice to share knowledge, foster cooperative learning, enhance problem-solving, build trust, and demonstrate leadership; and 4) continued actionable science, investment in capacity building, and cooperative learning are essential to meet long-term goals of sustainability.

Detroit River↗
USGS2011

Millennial precipitation reconstruction for the Jemez Mountains, New Mexico, reveals changing drought signal

Drought is a recurring phenomenon in the American Southwest. Since the frequency and severity of hydrologic droughts and other hydroclimatic events are of critical importance to the ecology and rapidly growing human population of this region, knowledge of long-term natural hydroclimatic variability is valuable for resource managers and policy-makers. An October–June precipitation reconstruction for the period AD 824–2007 was developed from multi-century tree-ring records of Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir), Pinus strobiformis (Southwestern white pine) and Pinus ponderosa (Ponderosa pine) for the Jemez Mountains in Northern New Mexico. Calibration and verification statistics for the period 1896–2007 show a high level of skill, and account for a significant portion of the observed variance (>50%) irrespective of which period is used to develop or verify the regression model. Split-sample validation supports our use of a reconstruction model based on the full period of reliable observational data (1896–2007). A recent segment of the reconstruction (2000–2006) emerges as the driest 7-year period sensed by the trees in the entire record. That this period was only moderately dry in precipitation anomaly likely indicates accentuated stress from other factors, such as warmer temperatures. Correlation field maps of actual and reconstructed October–June total precipitation, sea surface temperatures and 500-mb geopotential heights show characteristics that are similar to those indicative of El Niño–Southern Oscillation patterns, particularly with regard to ocean and atmospheric conditions in the equatorial and north Pacific. Our 1184-year reconstruction of hydroclimatic variability provides long-term perspective on current and 20th century wet and dry events in Northern New Mexico, is useful to guide expectations of future variability, aids sustainable water management, provides scenarios for drought planning and as inputs for hydrologic models under a broader range of conditions than those provided by historical climate records.

New Mexico↗
USGS2020

Stormwater quality of infrastructure elements in Rapid City, South Dakota, 2016–18

As runoff flows over the land or impervious surfaces (paved streets, parking lots, and building roofs), it accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment, and other contaminants that can adversely affect water quality if the runoff discharge remains untreated. Pathogens, commonly measured using fecal indicator bacteria such as Escherichia coli , enterococci, or fecal coliform, are the most-frequent cause of water-quality impairment in rivers and streams in the United States. Rapid Creek originates in the western Black Hills area and flows east through Rapid City, South Dakota, to its mouth at the Cheyenne River. The water quality of Rapid Creek is important because the reach that flows through Rapid City is a valuable spawning area for a self-sustaining trout fishery, is actively used for recreation, and is a seasonal municipal water supply for the City of Rapid City. These uses (fishery, recreation, and water supply) are considered beneficial uses by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Numerical criteria have been established for total suspended solids and Escherichia coli concentrations, among other water-quality constituents, for these beneficial uses. The objectives of this study were to improve the method by which fecal indicator bacteria and total suspended solids are quantified in the urban drainages within Rapid City and to provide information that helps identify origins of fecal indicator bacteria and total suspended solids. This information can be used in hydrologic models to estimate fecal indicator bacteria and total suspended solid loading from certain infrastructure elements in urban environments. Stormwater samples analyzed for Escherichia coli , total suspended solids, specific conductance, and pH were collected in three drainage basin flowpaths within Rapid City: Jackson, Wildwood, and the Eco Prayer Park. Data-collection activities for this study focused on upgradient urban flowpath elements during rainfall events. This approach builds upon previous stormwater assessments that characterized the water quality in urban basin outlets near the downstream end of the stormwater flowpaths. Within each flowpath group, 4–6 sites were selected to represent the various infrastructure elements of the runoff process. These elements included roof downspouts, parking lots, street curbs and gutters, open channels, underground storm sewers, and stormwater ponds or best-management practice facilities. In general, the concentrations of Escherichia coli and total suspended solids increased in the downstream direction for all flowpath sites. The wash-off process after the first flush is evident for total suspended solids and specific conductance; however, Escherichia coli concentrations did not necessarily follow the same pattern. Escherichia coli concentrations in the latter part of the runoff period were similar to or greater than the initial concentrations of the first set of samples. Stormwater-quality data were summarized by infrastructure type (roof downspout, parking lot, street curb, and channel/storm sewer) to provide information about approximate water-quality concentrations originating at the upper end of urban flowpaths. Escherichia coli and total suspended solid concentrations were lowest in samples collected from locations most isolated from human influence (roof downspouts); the median concentrations at these sites were 4 most probable number per 100 milliliters and 15 milligrams per liter, respectively. The delivery potential of fecal indicator bacteria and sediment from parking lots and street curbs was similar; median concentrations of Escherichia coli and total suspended solids were around 150–220 most probable number per 100 milliliters and 56–86 milligrams per liter, respectively. The downstream receiving channels and storm sewers where stormwater was aggregated typically contained the highest Escherichia coli concentrations (median was 1,800 most probable number per 100 milliliters), but the total suspended solid concentrations were similar to upstream elements in the flowpath (median was 69 milligrams per liter). The data collected from this study demonstrate that stormwater is contaminated with fecal indicator bacteria upon initial contact with impervious surfaces and highlight the importance of controlling the volume of stormwater discharges into receiving waterbodies via storage structures and pervious elements. Diluting stormwater with high concentrations of Escherichia coli with the receiving water’s (Rapid Creek) lower concentration of Escherichia coli is likely the primary mechanism for meeting the beneficial-use criterion threshold of 235 most probable number per 100 milliliters. Although total suspended solid concentrations in the upper parts of the basin (parking lots and street curbs) also begin at concentrations (56 to 86 milligrams per liter) above the beneficial-use criterion for Rapid Creek (53 milligrams per liter), current stormwater-control practices (storage ponds, swales, and wetlands) may be able to reduce suspended-sediment concentrations to meet this threshold.

South Dakota↗
USGS1988

Water resources of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, northern Wisconsin

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore consists of 21 islands, part of the Bayfield Peninsula, and the adjacent waters of Lake Superior. Selected water resources of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore were assessed to aid the National Park Service in developing and managing the Lakeshore and to provide a data base against which future changes can be compared. This summary of water-resources data, collected by the U.S. Geological Survey during 1979-84, provides a qualitative description of selected hydrologic components of the Lakeshore. Streamflow in the Lakeshore area is characterized by typical seasonal fluctuations. Flow in Sand River at State Highway 13 ranged from 3.9 to 1,630 cubic feet per second. The recurrence interval of the maximum observed discharge was about 4 years. The minimum observed 7-day low flow was 3.86 cubic feet per second. The greatest concentrations of most chemical constituents in Bayfield Peninsula streams occurred during base flow. Annual sediment loads in Sand River at State Highway 13 ranged from 977 tons in 1980 water year to 24,600 tons in 1984 water year.The average annual sediment load transported by Bayfield Peninsula streams to the National Lakeshore area of Lake Superior is estimated to be 44,000 tons. Annual phosphorus loads ranged from 1,400 pounds in 1980 water year to 11,100 pounds in 1984 water year. The average annual phosphorus load transported by Bayfield Peninsula streams to the National Lakeshore area of Lake Superior is estimated to be 21,500 pounds. Few island streams flow perennially, but Oak Island streams generally yield more base-flow runoff than Stockton Island streams. The base flow of Oak Island streams is dominated by ground-water discharge, whereas Stockton Island stream base flow is sustained by seepage from wetlands and beaver ponds. There are two major lagoons in the Lakeshore, the Outer Island Lagoon's area is 53 acres and its maximum depth is 7 feet. Dominant inflow to the lagoon is from precipitation on its surface and seepage from an adjacent bog. Outflow during open-water periods is dominated by evaporation. Ground-water seepage from the lagoon toward Lake Superior occurs yearround. The lagoon's water is acidic and has low specific conductance and generally small concentrations of most chemical constituents. The Michigan Island Lagoon is about 4 acres in area and its maximum depth is 6.5 feet. The most significant sources of inflow appear to be precipitation and wave washover from Lake Superior. Water from four deep-water monitoring sites in Lake Superior revealed concentrations of total phosphorus, organic carbon, and recoverable mercury ranging from <0.01 to 0.02 milligrams per liter, 1.1 to 5.3 milligrams per liter and <0.1 to 0.1 micrograms per liter, respectively. Neither pesticide residues nor fecal coliform bacteria were detected in the water column. Total phosphorus concentrations in bottom sediment ranged from 50 to 470 milligrams per kilogram and were related directly to the percentage of fine-grained (< 0.0625 millimeters) sediment particles. Traces of only two pesticide residues- DDE and DDT were detected in sediment. The most abundant benthic macroinvertebrate was Pontoporeia affinis, which was found in densities of from 960 to 2,100 organisms per square meter. No adverse affects resulting from visitor use were detected in the shallow-water, heavy-use areas in Presque Isle Bay off Stockton Island or in the waters between Rocky and South Twin Islands. Phosphorus and organic-carbon concentrations were similar to those observed in the deep-water area; mercury was not detected in water from either area. Ground-water use in the National Lakeshore is primarily for consumption by Lakeshore visitors and employees. Of 14 wells constructed from 1979-84, 4 were finished in glacial sand and gravel, and 10 were finished in sandstone. Specific capacities ranged from 0.63 to 50 gallon per minute per foot. Average concentrations of dissolved solids are moderate and concentrations of heavy metals did not exceed Wisconsin's primary health standard.

Wisconsin↗
USGS2021

Grand challenges of hydrologic modeling for food-energy-water nexus security in high mountain Asia

Climate-influenced changes in hydrology affect water-food-energy security that may impact up to two billion people downstream of the High Mountain Asia (HMA) region. Changes in water supply affect energy, industry, transportation, and ecosystems (agriculture, fisheries) and as a result, also affect the region's social, environmental, and economic fabrics. Sustaining the highly interconnected food-energy-water nexus (FEWN) will be a fundamental and increasing challenge under a changing climate regime. High variability in topography and distribution of glaciated and snow-covered areas in the HMA region, and scarcity of high resolution ( in-situ ) data make it difficult to model and project climate change impacts on individual watersheds. We lack basic understanding of the spatial and temporal variations in climate, surface impurities in snow and ice such as black carbon and dust that alter surface albedo, and glacier mass balance and dynamics. These knowledge gaps create challenges in predicting where and when the impact of changes in river flow will be the most significant economically and ecologically. In response to these challenges, the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) established the High Mountain Asia Team (HiMAT) in 2016 to conduct research to address knowledge gaps. This paper summarizes some of the advances HiMAT made over the past 5 years, highlights the scientific challenges in improving our understanding of the hydrology of the HMA region, and introduces an integrated assessment framework to assess the impacts of climate changes on the FEWN for the HMA region. The framework, developed under a NASA HMA project, links climate models, hydrology, hydropower, fish biology, and economic analysis. The framework could be applied to develop scientific understanding of spatio-temporal variability in water availability and the resultant downstream impacts on the FEWN to support water resource management under a changing climate regime.

Frontiers in Water↗
USGS2026

Towards affordable wetland evapotranspiration monitoring using the Variance-Bowen Ratio method: Insights from three contrasting wetlands

Accurate measurement of evapotranspiration (ET) is essential for sustainable water management. Standard methods such as eddy covariance (EC) are costly, while alternatives such as surface renewal are cheaper but require calibration and complex data processing. This study evaluates the utility of the Variance-Bowen Ratio (VBR) method for estimating ET across three California’s wetlands. Using data from 2023, half-hourly latent heat flux (λE) and daily/monthly ET from VBR were compared with EC at one non-tidal (site A) and two tidal (sites B and C) wetlands. λE VBR consistently underestimated λE EC , with root mean squared errors (RMSE) of 61.2 W m -2 at sites A, 106.1 W m -2 at site B, and 137.2 W m -2 at site C, largely due to storage fluxes across sites. Temporal integration improved VBR’s performance at tidal sites, where compensating water heat storage errors yielded low daily and monthly biases (site B: RMSE = 0.78 mm/d and 12 mm/month; r = 0.93; site C: RMSE = 0.90 mm/d and 13 mm/month; r = 0.93), with reduced major axis (RMA) regression slopes of 0.98 and ~0.91. In contrast, biomass heat storage at site A caused persistent biases (RMSEs = 0.97 mm/d and 23 mm/month; daily and monthly RMA slopes ~0.75; r = 0.85). These results highlight VBR’s limitations in environments with substantial storage fluxes. Despite this, VBR is cost-effective for estimating daily and monthly ET, with sensor costs at least tenfold lower than EC and simpler setup, making it suitable for ET monitoring in resource-limited and hard-to-access regions.

California↗