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USGS2004

Delineation of Areas Contributing Water to the Dry Brook Public-Supply Well, South Hadley, Massachusetts

Areas contributing water to the Dry Brook public-supply well in South Hadley, Massachusetts, were delineated with a numerical ground-water-flow model that is based on geologic and hydrologic information for the confined sand and gravel aquifer pumped by the supply well. The study area is along the Connecticut River in central Massachusetts, about 12 miles north of Springfield, Massachusetts. Geologic units in the study area consist of Mesozoic-aged sedimentary and igneous bedrock, late-Pleistocene glaciolacustrine sediments, and recent alluvial deposits of the Connecticut River flood plain. Dry Brook Hill, immediately south of the supply well, is a large subaqueous lacustrine fan and delta formed during the last glacial retreat by sediment deposition into glacial Lake Hitchcock from a meltwater tunnel that was likely near where the Connecticut River cuts through the Holyoke Range. The sediments that compose the aquifer grade from very coarse sand and gravel along the northern flank of the hill, to medium sands in the body of the hill, and to finer-grained sediments along the southern flank of the hill. The interbedded and overlapping fine-grained lacustrine sediments associated with Dry Brook Hill include varved silt and clay deposits. These fine-grained sediments form a confining bed above the coarse-grained aquifer at the supply well and partially extend under the Connecticut River adjacent to the supply well. Ground-water flow in the aquifer supplying water to Dry Brook well was simulated with the U.S. Geological Survey ground-water-flow modeling code MODFLOW. The Dry Brook aquifer model was calibrated to drawdown data collected from 8 observation wells during an aquifer test conducted by pumping the supply well for 10 days at a rate of 122.2 cubic feet per minute (ft3/min; 914 gallons per minute) and to water levels collected from observation wells across the study area. Generally, the largest hydraulic conductivity values used in the model were in the sand and gravel aquifer near the Dry Brook well, which is consistent with the geologic information. Results of aquifer-test simulation indicated that spatially variable aquifer hydraulic properties and boundary conditions affected heads and ground-water flow near the well. A comparison and analysis of water-level fluctuations in study area wells to fluctuations in the Connecticut River indicated a hydraulic connection of the aquifer with the river, which is also consistent with geologic information. Simulated ground-water levels indicated that most ground water in the study area flowed toward and discharged to the Connecticut River and the Dry Brook well. Small amounts of ground water also discharged to smaller streams (Dry Brook and Bachelor Brook) in the study area. Areas contributing water to the well were delineated with the MODPATH particle-tracking routine. Results of the contributing-area analysis indicated that the greatest sources of water to the well were recharge in the Dry Brook Hill area and infiltration of Connecticut River water in an area beyond the extent of the confining bed where the aquifer is in hydraulic connection with the river. The amount of water entering the Dry Brook well from recharge dominated at a lower pumping rate (40.0 ft3/min); about 90 percent of the pumped water originated from recharge and boundary flow, and infiltration from the Connecticut River supplied the remaining 10 percent. At a high pumping rate (122.2 ft3/min), however, about half of the water pumped from the Dry Brook well originated from recharge and boundary flow (49 percent), and half originated from infiltration of water from the Connecticut River (51 percent). Results of a sensitivity analysis of the extent of areas contributing water to the Dry Brook well when pumped at 122.2 ft3/min indicated that the size of these areas did not substantially change when aquifer properties were varied. In contrast, however, the size of these areas changed most when the recharge

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1977

Public water supplies of selected municipalities in Florida, 1975

In 1975, the 169 municipalities and 5 county water systems listed in this report supplied 1.037 million gallons of water each day, on the average to 77 percent of the population of the State of Florida. The quantity of water supplied represented 90 percent of the State's public water supply demand. Of the 169 municipalities and 5 county systems, 150 supplied 887 million gallons of ground water and 24 supplied 150 million gallons of surface water each day, on the average, representing 85 percent and 15 percent, respectively, of the total demand of the 174 water systems. Three of the 150 municipal ground-water suppliers are reported to have processed, that year, about 3.2 million gallons of water each day by desalination.

Florida↗

USGS1994

Agricultural pesticides in six drainage basins used for public water supply in New Jersey, 1990

A reconnaissance study of six drainage basins in New Jersey was conducted to evaluate the presence of pesticides from agricultural runoff in surface water. In the first phase of the study, surface-water public-supply drainage basins throughout New Jersey that could be affected by pesticide applications were identified by use of a Geographic Information System. Six basins--Lower Mine Hill Reservoir, South Branch of the Raritan River, Main Branch of the Raritan River, Millstone River, Manasquan River, and Matchaponix Brook--were selected as those most likely to be affected by pesticides on the basis of calculated pesticide-application rates and percentage of agricultural land. The second phase of the project was a short-term water-quality reconnaissance of the six drainage basins to determine whether pesticides were present in the surface waters. Twenty-eight surface-water samples (22 water-quality samples, 3 sequentially collected samples, and 3 trip blanks), and 6 samples from water-treatment facilities were collected. Excluding trip blanks, samples from water-treatment facilities, and sequentially collected samples, the pesticides detected in the samples and the percentage of samples in which they were detected, were as follows: atrazine and metolachlor, 86 percent; alachlor, 55 percent; simazine, 45 percent; diazinon, 27 percent; cyanazine and carbaryl, 23 percent; linuron and isophenfos, 9 percent; and chlorpyrifos, 5 percent.Diazinon, detected in one stormflow sample collected from Matchaponix Brook on August 6, 1990, was the only compound to exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's recommended Lifetime Health Advisory Limit. Correlation between ranked metolachlor concentrations and ranked flow rates was high, and 25 percent of the variance in metolachlor concentrations can be attributed to variations in flow rate. Pesticide residues were detected in samples of pretreated and treated water from water-treatment facilities. Concentrations of all pesticides detected in the treated water were lessthan the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's recommended Lifetime Health Advisory Limits.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1998

Factors affecting Escherichia coli concentrations at Lake Erie public bathing beaches

The environmental and water-quality factors that affect concentrations of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in water and sediment were investigated at three public bathing beachesEdgewater Park, Villa Angela, and Sims Parkin the Cleveland, Ohio metropolitan area. This study was done to aid in the determination of safe recreational use and to help water- resource managers assess more quickly and accurately the degradation of recreational water quality. Water and lake-bottom sediments were collected and ancillary environmental data were compiled for 41 days from May through September 1997. Water samples were analyzed for E. coli concentrations, suspended sediment concentrations, and turbidity. Lake- bottom sediment samples from the beach area were analyzed for E. coli concentrations and percent dry weight. Concentrations of E. coli were higher and more variable at Sims Park than at Villa Angela or Edgewater Park; concentrations were lowest at Edgewater Park. Time-series plots showed that short-term storage (less than one week) of E. coli in lake-bottom sediments may have occurred, although no evidence for long-term storage was found during the sampling period. E. coli concentrations in water were found to increase with increasing wave height, but the resuspension of E. coli from lake-bottom sediments by wave action could not be adequately assessed; higherwave heights were often associated with the discharge of sewage containing E. coli during or after a rainfall and wastewater-treatment plant overflow. Multiple linear regression (MLR) was used to develop models to predict recreational water quality at the in water. The related variables included turbidity, antecedent rainfall, antecedent weighted rainfall, volumes of wastewater-treatment plant overflows and metered outfalls (composed of storm-water runoff and combined-sewer overflows), a resuspension index, and wave heights. For the beaches in this study, wind speed, wind direction, water temperature, and the prswimmers were not included in the model because they were shown to be statistically unrelated to E. coli concentrations. From the several models developed, one model was chosen that accounted for 58 percent of the variability in E. coli concentrations. The chosen MLR model contained weighted categorical rainfall, beach-specific turbidity, wave height, and terms to correct for the different magnitudes of E. coli concentrations among the three beaches. For 1997, the MLR model predicted the recreational water quality as well as, and in some cases better than, antecedent E. coli concentrations (the current method). The MLR model improved the sensitivity of the prediction and the percentage of correct predictions over the current method; however, the MLR model predictions still erred to a similar degree as the current method with regard to false negatives. A false negative would allow swimming when, in fact, the bathing water standard was exceeded. More work needs to be done to validate the MLR model with data collected during other recreational seasons, especially during a season with a greater frequency and intensity of summer rains. Studies could focus on adding to the MLR model other environmental and water-quality variables that improve the predictive ability of the model. These variables might include concentrations of E. coli in deeper sediments outside the bathing area, the direction of lake currents, site-specific-rainfall amounts, time-of-day information on overflows and metered outfalls, concentrations of E. coli in treated wastewater-treatment plant effluents, and occurrences of sewage-line breaks. Rapid biological or chemical methods for determination of recreational water quality could also be used as variables in model refinements. Possible methods include the use of experimental rapid assay methods for determination of E. coli concentrations or other fecal indicators and the use of chemical tracers for fecal contamination, such as coprostanol (a degradation

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS1948

Public water supplies in eastern Texas

This report gives a summarized description of the public water supplies in 77 counties of eastern Texas, extending from the Louisiana boundary to a northsouth line approximately along the ninety-seventh meridian. It gives the available data as follows for each of 323 communities: The population of the community; the name of the official from whom the information was obtained; the ownership of the waterworks, whether private or municipal; the source of supply, whether ground or surface water; the amount of water consumed; the facilities for storage; the number of customers served; the character of the chemical and sanitary treatment of the water, if any; and the chemical analyses of the water. Where ground water is used the following is also given: Records of wells, including drillers' logs; character of the pumping equipment; yield of the wells and water level records where they are available.

Water Supply Paper↗

USGS1949

Public water supplies in central and north-central Texas

This report gives a summarized description of the public water supplies in 35 counties of central and north-central Texas, extending from the southern boundaries of Travis, Blanco, Gillespie, and Kerr Counties northward to the TexasOklahoma State line. It gives the available data as follows for each of the 145 communities: Population of the community; name of the official from whom the information was obtained; ownership of water works, whether private or municipal source of supply, whether ground water or surface water; the amount of water consumed; the facilities for storage; the number of customers served; the character of the chemical and sanitary treatment, if any; and chemical analyses of the water. Where ground water is used, the following is also given: Records of wells, including drillers' logs; character of the pumping equipment; yields of the wells, and records of water levels, if available.

Water Supply Paper↗

USGS1954

The industrial utility of public water supplies in the United States, 1952; Part 2: States west of the Mississippi River

Public water supplies are utilized extensively by industries for processing, cooling, and steam generation. The requirements as to quality of water for each industry are specific, therefore information on the quality or chemical character of the water supply is essential not only in the location of industrial plants but also is an aid in the manufacture and distribution of products. Data are given in this report on the water supplies for 1,315 of the larger cities (or places) throughout the United States. The population of these cities represents 58.3 percent of the total population (1950 census), and more than 90 percent of the total urban population, of the United States. Part 1 of the report contains data for 819 cities east of the Mississippi River, and part 2 includes data for 416 cities west of the river. All cities of 15,000 or more population and many cities of smaller population are included. The information given for each place includes, in most instances, population of the place; ownership, source, and treatment of supply; storage facilities for both raw and finished water; and chemical analyses of the supplies.

Water Supply Paper↗

USGS1963

Ground water for public supply in St. Croix, Virgin Islands

The ground-water resources of St. Croix, V.I., if properly developed should be adequate to supply the present and near-future demand for water for public supply. Ground water is obtained from weathered volcanic and intrusive rocks (bedrocks), from limestone, and from alluvium. The water obtained from weathered bedrocks and from alluvium in the valleys of the North Side Range is generally of better quality than that obtained elsewhere on the island. The greatest yields are obtained from the limestone and alluvium of the south-central coastal plain, but the water there is generally of poor to only fair quality. In the East End area no water, or salty water, is obtained from wells.

Water Supply Paper↗

USGS1996

Descriptions of anisotropy and heterogeneity and their effect on ground-water flow and areas of contribution to public supply wells in a karst carbonate aquifer system

Delineation of areas of contribution to wells tapping a karst carbonate aquifer system can be extremely difficult using conventional approaches designed for isotropic and homogeneous aquifers, because ground-water flow tends to be through solution-enhanced conduits. Nonradial flow along preferential zones can result in inaccurate estimates of flow paths and traveltimes. Because of the large variability in factors affecting contributing areas and an imperfect understanding of how these factors can vary, the estimation of contributing areas is an approximation at best. To better understand the effects of aquifer anisotropy and heterogeneity on areas of contribution, an exploratory modeling approach was used. MODFLOW, a numerical flow model, and MODPATH, a particle tracking program, were used to generate time-related areas of contribution for six hypothetical carbonate aquifer system types. The six types were conceptualized to approximate different types of aquifer anisotropy and heterogeneity. These include: (1) an isotropic and homogeneous single-layer system; (2) an anisotropic in a horizontal plane single layer system; (3) a discrete vertically fractured single-layer system; (4) a multilayered system; (5) a doubly porous single-layer system; and (6) a vertically and horizontally interconnected heterogeneous system. The simulated aquifer anisotropy was 5:1 (Kxx/Kyy) determined from TENSOR2D results. The simulated discrete vertical fracture network represents locations inferred from mapped photolineaments. The simulated enhanced flow zones were determined from borehole video and geophysical logs. Areas of contribution were simulated for two prototype regions. The two prototypes were selected to be representative of the hydrologic diversity within the study area and were designated the Central Swamp and Lake Terrace regions. Localized conditions in pumping, production well distribution, and aquifer transmissivity affect the size, shape, and orientation of areas of contribution to public supply wells. The simulated areas of contribution are 60 percent larger in the Central Swamp region where pumpage is more than double and transmissivity is about half that of the Lake Terrace region. Although these factors are important, this study focused on the effects from hydrogeologic factors common to karst carbonate aquifer systems. This study indicates that the distribution and type of aquifer anisotropy and heterogeneity will affect the size, shape, and orientation of areas of contribution in a karst carbonate aquifer system. The size of the 50-year time-related areas of contribution ranged from 8.2 to 39.1 square miles in the Central Swamp region and from 4.0 to 18.3 square miles in the Lake Terrace region. Simulations showed that the size of areas of contribution is primarily affected by simulated withdrawal rates, effective porosity of the carbonate rock, and transmissivity. The shape and orientation of the simulated areas of contribution primarily result from aquifer anisotropy, well distribution, flow along solution-enhanced zones, and short-circuiting of flow through fracture networks. Comparisons also were made between protection zones delineated using analytical models and areas of contribution delineated using numerical models. The size of the 5-year time-related protection zone in the Central Swamp region using an analytical model was almost twice as large as the numerically simulated area of contribution, and more than eight times larger than the numerically simulated area of contribution in the Lake Terrace region. The differences in size are primarily the result of how the flow field is approximated. The analytical method assumes only lateral flow to wells but numerical methods allow particles to move laterally and vertically. Additionally, multiple-well-interference effects resulting from the close proximity of several pumping wells cause individual capture zones to converge or diverge, depending on the difference in pumping rates and orientation among the wells. Such an interpretation is not available from analytical methods. The simulated distributions of aquifer anisotropy and heterogeneity, in this study, were highly conceptualized, but were based on plausible occurrences of anisotropy and heterogeneity inherent in carbonate aquifer systems.

Florida↗

USGS2013

Towards a publicly available, map-based regional software tool to estimate unregulated daily streamflow at ungauged rivers

Streamflow information is critical for addressing any number of hydrologic problems. Often, streamflow information is needed at locations that are ungauged and, therefore, have no observations on which to base water management decisions. Furthermore, there has been increasing need for daily streamflow time series to manage rivers for both human and ecological functions. To facilitate negotiation between human and ecological demands for water, this paper presents the first publicly available, map-based, regional software tool to estimate historical, unregulated, daily streamflow time series (streamflow not affected by human alteration such as dams or water withdrawals) at any user-selected ungauged river location. The map interface allows users to locate and click on a river location, which then links to a spreadsheet-based program that computes estimates of daily streamflow for the river location selected. For a demonstration region in the northeast United States, daily streamflow was, in general, shown to be reliably estimated by the software tool. Estimating the highest and lowest streamflows that occurred in the demonstration region over the period from 1960 through 2004 also was accomplished but with more difficulty and limitations. The software tool provides a general framework that can be applied to other regions for which daily streamflow estimates are needed.

Geoscientific Model Development↗

USGS1994

Changing patterns of goose harvest on California public hunting areas

We summarized hunter visits, success, and the magnitude and species-subspecies composition of tho goose harvest recorded on California public hunting areas (PHAs) during 1950-89. Of six geographic regions, the Northeast accounted for the largest portion of the PHA harvest (55%); most of the remainder occurred in the Sacramento (30%) and Imperial (10%) Valley regions. Harvest, hunter visits, and success were low during the 1950s, but increased during the 1960s as new PHAs were added and data from Tule Lake and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs), where about half of California's PHA goose harvest occurs, became available. Success and harvest reflected declining goose abundance during the 1970s; however, hunter visits remained high on most PHAs because ducks were abundant. During the 1980s, declining populations of greater white-fronted geese, Anser albifrons frontalis, and cackling Canada geese, Branta canadensis minima, prompted restrictive regulations resulting in low harvest and success. Hunter visits were further reduced because of declining duck abundance and overall declines in hunter numbers. White-fronted geese were most prominent in the Northeast and Suisun Marsh harvest, but the lesser snow goose, Chen caerulescens caerulescens, was more important in other regions. Overall, the cackling Canada goose was the third most common goose harvested. The harvest of most geese peaked during 1965-74, coinciding with a peak in hunter visits, and then declined. However, the harvest of Canada geese (includes unknown proportions of western, B. c. moffitti, Taverner's, B. c. taverneri, and lesser, B. c. parvipes) and Ross' geese, Chen rossi, increased slightly throughout the study period. PHA harvest averaged 9-15% of the total state goose harvest during 1960-89. Success on PHAs was greater than statewide success until the 1980's, when restrictive regulations were imposed in zones encompassing many Sacramento Valley and San Joaquin Basin PHAs. White-fronted geese comprised a larger portion of the PHA bag than state-wide, and their decline reduced hunting opportunity for PHA hunters. The status of Pacific Flyway geese has improved in recent years, but intensive population management and monitoring should continue.

California Fish and Game↗

USGS1989

Duck harvest on public hunting areas in California

We summarized hunter visits and success, and the magnitude and species composition of the duck harvest recorded on California public hunting areas (PHAs) during 1950-87. Hunter visits and harvest increased during 1950-74 as new PHAs were added, then declined concurrently with duck populations. Of six geographic regions, the Sacramento Valley, with numerous PHAs and the largest duck concentrations, accounted for the largest portion of PHA hunter visits (28%) and harvest (35%). Duck population levels, regulations, and hunter numbers affected PHA hunter success. Success was highest during 1955-59 but declined with no consistent trend after 1960. Species vulnerability, abundance, distribution, and hunter preference affected harvest composition. Northern pintails, Anas acuta, averaged 27% of the PHA harvest but declined in importance after 1974. Green-winged teal, A. crecca, the most important species in southern regions, averaged 21% of the PHA harvest. Mallards, A. platyrhynchos, averaged 16% of the PHA harvest but increased in importance after 1974 to become the most common duck bagged after 1983. PHA harvest comprised a small (4-16%) portion of the total state harvest. However, this portion increased from 1950-70 because of increased hunter visits to new PHAs and after 1970 because hunter success on PHAs did not decline as on other areas. PHA hunters tended to harvest fewer preferred species and more vulnerable species, as proportions of total bag, than did other hunters. The continued decline in numbers of waterfowl hunters presents important challenges for management of waterfowl areas in California.

California Fish and Game↗

USGS1990

Wildlife software: procedures for publication of computer software

Computers and computer software have become an integral part of the practice of wildlife science. Computers now play an important role in teaching, research, and management applications. Because of the specialized nature of wildlife problems, specific computer software is usually required to address a given problem (e.g., home range analysis). This type of software is not usually available from commercial vendors and therefore must be developed by those wildlife professionals with particular skill in computer programming. Current journal publication practices generally prevent a detailed description of computer software associated with new techniques. In addition, peer review of journal articles does not usually include a review of associated computer software. Thus, many wildlife professionals are usually unaware of computer software that would meet their needs or of major improvements in software they commonly use. Indeed most users of wildlife software learn of new programs or important changes only by word of mouth.

Wildlife Society Bulletin↗

USGS1964

Microprint as a medium for primary publication

Microprint has been demonstrated an acceptable medium for publication in an experiment conducted by the Wildlife Disease Association. With author composition costs slightly over seven cents per 3x5 inch card, up to 47 pages. Need is recognized for development of standards and improvement of accessory retrieval apparatus.

Book chapter↗

USGS1991

Publication aspects of ethics in photogrammetry

According to the Code of Ethics of the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), the principles on which ethics are founded consist of honesty, justice, and courtesy, forming a moral philosophy associated with mutual interest among men. We will cover in particular the ethical problems of publication of photogrammetric material in the various media. There are many such problems, and we often face a dilemma in selecting a course which is the right thing to do.

Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing↗

USGS2002

North Carolina's natural heritage program: A case for public-private cooperation

Voluntary conservation programs are an effective tool for recognizing and preserving the value of special places on private forestlands. We evaluate private landowner participation in the Natural Heritage Program of North Carolina, finding that landowners are more likely to enroll land with high ecological significance in this voluntary program. Voluntary conservation is less likely on lands that are remote from threats such as roads, that have higher value in other uses, and that are near lands already conserved by the public.

Journal of Forestry↗

USGS2003

Volcanic debris flows in developing countries - The extreme need for public education and awareness of debris-flow hazards

In many developing countries, volcanic debris flows pose a significant societal risk owing to the distribution of dense populations that commonly live on or near a volcano. At many volcanoes, modest volume (up to 500,000 m 3) debris flows are relatively common (multiple times per century) and typically flow at least 5 km along established drainages. Owing to typical debris-flow velocities there is little time for authorities to provide effective warning of the occurrence of a debris flow to populations within 10 km of a source area. Therefore, people living, working, or recreating along channels that drain volcanoes must learn to recognize potentially hazardous conditions, be aware of the extent of debris-flow hazard zones, and be prepared to evacuate to safer ground when hazardous conditions develop rather than await official warnings or intervention. Debris-flow-modeling and hazard-assessment studies must be augmented with public education programs that emphasize recognizing conditions favorable for triggering landslides and debris flows if effective hazard mitigation is to succeed. ?? 2003 Millpress,.

Conference Paper↗

USGS2008

NASA's explorer school and spaceward bound programs: Insights into two education programs designed to heighten public support for space science initiatives

Introduction: NASA has played an influential role in bringing the enthusiasm of space science to schools across the United States since the 1980s. The evolution of this public outreach has led to a variety of NASA funded education programs designed to promote student interest in science, technology, engineering, math, and geography (STEM-G) careers. Purpose: This paper investigates the educational outreach initiatives, structure, and impact of two of NASA's largest educational programs: the NASA Explorer School (NES) and NASA Spaceward Bound programs. Methods: The investigation further provides a detailed overview of the structure of these two NASA education outreach programs, while providing information regarding selection criteria and program developments over time. Results: Since its induction in 2003 the NES program has networked and provided resources to over 300 schools across the United States. Future directions include further development of mentor schools for each new NES school selected, while also developing a longitudinal student tracking system for NES students to monitor their future involvement in STEM-G careers. The Spaceward Bound program, now in its third year of teacher outreach, is looking to further expand its teacher network and scientific collaboration efforts, while building on its teacher mentorship framework.

Conference Paper↗