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At least 1,045 records · Page 58Linked to original sources
USGS2019

Reservoir diel water quality patterns relative to riparian shade

Investigations into the effects of riparian shade on water quality have focused on streams, with less emphasis on natural lakes, and almost no attention given to reservoirs. In view of this gap, our objective was to assess diel water quality patterns in the nearshore zone of a reservoir and test whether diel patterns differed relative to the presence or absence of riparian shade. Light intensity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and oxidation-reduction potential were higher in unshaded sites (P < 0.05), whereas phosphate levels were higher in shaded sites. Levels of nitrate, turbidity, and specific conductance were similar in shaded and unshaded sites. Most variables exhibited distinct diel cycles. Light intensity in shaded and unshaded sites peaked simultaneously near mid-day, most other variables peaked several hours later in the afternoon and evening, but 1-2 h earlier in shaded sites. Unlike in streams, in most large lacustrine ecosystems the nearshore shaded band is small relative to the unshaded open water, and consequently not expected to have an extensive influence on whole-lake water quality. Nevertheless, because of the diversity of microhabitats available in nearshore areas, including those created by the effects of shade on water quality, the nearshore zone plays a disproportionate role in maintaining integrity of a lake or reservoir ecosystem. Existing guidelines inform shade management in lakes and reservoirs only indirectly and in generalities; additional research is needed to develop best management practices that address shade more comprehensively.

Mississippi↗
USGS2021

A simplified method for rapid estimation of emergency water supply needs after earthquakes

Researchers are investigating the problem of estimating households with potable water service outages soon after an earthquake. Most of these modeling approaches are computationally intensive, have large proprietary data collection requirements or lack precision, making them unfeasible for rapid assessment, prioritization, and allocation of emergency water resources in large, complex disasters. This study proposes a new simplified analytical method—performed without proprietary water pipeline data—to estimate water supply needs after earthquakes, and a case study of its application in the HayWired earthquake scenario. In the HayWired scenario—a moment magnitude (M w ) 7.0 Hayward Fault earthquake in the San Francisco Bay Area, California (USA)—an analysis of potable water supply in two water utility districts was performed using the University of Colorado Water Network (CUWNet) model. In the case study, application of the simplified method extends these estimates of household water service outage to the nine counties adjacent to the San Francisco Bay, aggregated by a ~250 m 2 (nine-arcsecond) grid. The study estimates about 1.38 million households (3.7 million residents) out of 7.6 million residents (2017, ambient, nighttime population) with potable water service outage soon after the earthquake—about an 8% increase from the HayWired scenario estimates.

California↗
USGS2012

Methods to characterize environmental settings of stream and groundwater sampling sites for National Water-Quality Assessment

Characterization of natural and anthropogenic features that define the environmental settings of sampling sites for streams and groundwater, including drainage basins and groundwater study areas, is an essential component of water-quality and ecological investigations being conducted as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment program. Quantitative characterization of environmental settings, combined with physical, chemical, and biological data collected at sampling sites, contributes to understanding the status of, and influences on, water-quality and ecological conditions. To support studies for the National Water-Quality Assessment program, a geographic information system (GIS) was used to develop a standard set of methods to consistently characterize the sites, drainage basins, and groundwater study areas across the nation. This report describes three methods used for characterization-simple overlay, area-weighted areal interpolation, and land-cover-weighted areal interpolation-and their appropriate applications to geographic analyses that have different objectives and data constraints. In addition, this document records the GIS thematic datasets that are used for the Program's national design and data analyses.

Scientific Investigations Report↗
USGS1994

Water-resources activities of the U.S. Geological Survey in New Mexico, fiscal year 1992

Awareness of our environment in general, and water resources in particular, has brought increased interest in and support of hydrologic data collection and research. The quantity, quality, and distribution of water are extremely important to the future well-being of New Mexico. The State's surface-water resources are minimal and highly variable due to climate and to regulation and diversion; ground-water resources are subject to development that exceeds natural recharge and to potential contamination by land use. Issues related to global climate change, disposal of hazardous wastes, toxic substances in water, water rights, and ground-water contamination are evolving areas of greater public concern. At the same time there is a continuing need for a better understanding of various hydrologic systems and processes in order to manage these limited water resources for maximum benefit to present and future generations. The U.S. Geological Survey has collected and disseminated information on the water resources of New Mexico for more than a century. The Survey began to collect records of streamflow in New Mexico in December 1888 when the first discharge measurements were made on the Rio Grande near the present gaging station at Embudo. This site, called the "birthplace of systematic stream gaging," was chosen to be the training center for the first hydrographers of the Irrigation Survey, a bureau within the original Geological Survey. Since that time, in cooperation with Federal, State, local, and tribal agencies, we have monitored streams at hundreds of sites throughout the State and have a current network of more than 200 streamflow-gaging stations. Through the Cooperative Program, we also have established sites where ground-water levels are monitored to document changes in ground-water storage or where surface-water and groundwater samples are collected to determine water chemistry, and we have undertaken investigative studies to define the availability, quality, and distribution of water resources. Information from the data program and results of investigative studies are made available to water-resources managers, regulators, and the public to be used for the effective management of the State's water resources. This report provides a brief summary of the activities of the New Mexico District for FY (fiscal year) 1992, including our mission, organization, sources of funding, and descriptions of current projects. This report serves to document not only the content of the program, but also the diversity and complexity of that program. Cooperation among water-resources agencies will be essential in effectively dealing with water-related issues facing New Mexico. We look forward to the challenge of addressing these issues by continuing to provide factual hydrologic data and technically sound areal appraisals and interpretive studies.

New Mexico↗
USGS1991

Seasonal abundance and vertical distribution of capelin ( Mallotus villosus ) in relation to water temperature at a coastal site off eastern Newfoundland

The seasonal abundance and vertical distribution of capelin in relation to water temperature have been investigated by conducting repeated hydroacoustic surveys at a coastal site off eastern Newfoundland. Water temperatures were warmer in 1983 than in 1984 as indicated by the earlier appearance and greater depth of the seasonal thermocline. Correspondingly, schools of capelin appeared earlier, were more abundant, and extended deeper in the water column in 1983 than in 1984. Most capelin were found between the surface and the 5°C isotherm. In both years, initial peaks of capelin abundance occurred when nearshore water temperatures increased from about 0-1 ° C to above 6 ° C and, at or near, periods of maximum tidal oscillation. Short-term variations in the depth of the 5 ° C isotherm were related to nearshore wind-induced upwelling events. Annual variations corresponded to the volume of cold (>0 ° C) water and sea-ice transported south by the Labrador Current.

Newfoundland↗
USGS1978

Nitrification in four acidic streams in southern New Jersey

Four characteristically acidic streams in southern New Jersey were investigated to determine the effect of secondary effluent on nitrification in the receiving waters. Chemical and microbiological data were obtained at four sites on each stream. From these data seven factors were evaluated to determine the proclivity of each stream to nitrify. pH, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen were used to describe the general condition of the streams, while neutralization of alkalinity, nitrogen species concentration trends, biological and nitrogenous oxygen demand incubations, and nitrifying bacteria densities were used to determine the actual presence of nitrification in each stream. Each stream had a unique distribution of conditions, making it possible to qualitatively rank the streams according to their proclivity to nitrify. Hay StackBrook showes strong evidence for nitrification on the basis of all four nitrification indicators, whereas Landing Creek showed little, if any, evidence of nitrification. Hammonton Creek is apparently nitrifying, but because of the uncertainty in the downstream trends of the nitrogen species and a lower level of alkalinity neutralization, it is nitrifying less than Hay Stack Brook. Squankum Branch also showed some evidence for nitrification, mostly on the basis of the biological and nitrogenous oxygen demand incubations. Although these streams are acidic in character, acidity does not appear to be an exclusive factor in determining whether a stream will undergo nitrification. (Woodard-USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1983

Application of remote-sensing techniques to hydrologic studies in selected coal-mined areas of southeastern Kansas

Disturbances resulting from intensive coal mining in the Cherry Creek basin of southeastern Kansas were investigated using color and color-infrared aerial photography in conjunction with water-quality data from simultaneously acquired samples. Imagery was used to identify the type and extent of vegetative cover on strip-mined lands and the extent and success of reclamation practices. Drainage patterns, point sources of acid mine drainage, and recharge areas for underground mines were located for onsite inspection. Comparison of these interpretations with water-quality data illustrated differences between the eastern and western parts of the Cherry Creek basin. Contamination in the eastern part is due largely to circulation of water from unreclaimed strip mines and collapse features through the network of underground mines and subsequent discharge of acidic drainage through seeps. Contamination in the western part is primarily caused by runoff and seepage from strip-mined lands in which surfaces have frequently been graded and limed but are generally devoid of mature stands of soil-anchoring vegetation. The successful use of aerial photography in the study of Cherry Creek basin indicates the potential of using remote-sensing techniques in studies of other coal-mined regions.

Kansas↗
USGS1996

Effect of ice formation and streamflow on salmon incubation habitat in the lower Bradley River, Alaska

A minimum flow of 40 cubic feet per second is required in the lower Bradley River, near Homer, Alaska, from November 2 to April 30 to ensure adequate salmon egg incubation habitat. The study that determined this minimum flow did not account for the effects of ice formation on habitat. An investigation was made during periods of ice formation. Hydraulic properties and field water-quality data were measured in winter only from March 1993 to April 1995 at six transects in the lower Bradley River. Discharge in the lower Bradley River ranged from 42.6 to 73.0 cubic feet per second (average 57 cubic feet per second) with ice conditions ranging from near ice free to 100 percent ice cover. Stream water velocity and depth were adequate for habitat protection for all ice conditions and discharges. No relation was found between percent ice cover and mean velocity and depth for any given discharge and no trends were found with changes in discharge for a given ice condition. Velocity distribution within each transect varied significantly from one sampling period to the next. Mean depth and velocity at flows of 40 cubic feet per second or less could not be predicted. No consistent relation was found between the amount of wetted perimeter and percent ice cover. Intragravel-water temperature was slightly warmer than surface-water temperature. Surface and intragravel-water dissolved-oxygen levels were adequate for all flows and ice conditions. No apparent relation was found between dissolved-oxygen levels and streamflow or ice conditions. Excellent oxygen exchange was indicated throughout the study reach. Stranding potential of salmon fry was found to be low throughout the study reach. The limiting factors for determining the minimal acceptable flow limit appear to be stream-water velocity and depth, although specific limits could not be estimated because of the high flows that occurred during this study.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1993

Simulated hydrologic responses of the Quashnet River stream-aquifer system to proposed ground-water withdrawals, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

An investigation of the Quashnet River stream- aquifer system on Cape Cod was initiated in response to concern over possible streamflow reduction and degradation of the sea-run brown trout habitat of the river resulting from proposed ground-water withdrawals. A two-layer finite-difference ground-water-flow model was developed to simulate the stream-aquifer system. Steady-state pumping rates of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 million gallons per day were simulated at three well sites 1,500 to 2,500 feet west of the river. No infiltration of water from the river to the aquifer was induced in any of the simulations. Maximum streamflow depletion along the river for the scenarios tested ranged from 3 to 15 percent of calculated steady-state prepumping streamflow. Mean monthly streamflow depletions determined by use of the transient model, for a constant withdrawal of 1.0 million gallons per day from a site 1,500 feet west of the river, range from 6 to 8 percent of the mean monthly streamflows measured at a gage located 0.3 miles from the mouth of the river. A particle-tracking postprocessor to the steady-state model was used to delineate contributing areas of the river and the proposed withdrawal sites. Although the simulated cone of depression produced by pumping extends beyond the river, the contributing area of the well does not include the river under any of the withdrawal schemes simulated.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2002

Hydrologic investigation of Powell Marsh and its relation to Dead Pike Lake, Vilas County, Wisconsin

An analytic element ground-water-flow model was constructed to help understand the ground- and surface-water hydrology in the vicinity of Dead Pike Lake and Powell Marsh, Vilas County, Wisconsin. The model was used to simulate the effect of removing Powell Marsh control structures (ditches and Vista Pond) on the hydrology of Dead Pike Lake. Measurements and model simulation results show that ground water in the vicinity of Powell Marsh moves to the northwest and west. If Powell Marsh structures are removed from the simulation, it does not affect the general direction of ground-water flow nor the total flow to Dead Pike Lake. Without the simulated structures, slightly more ground-water flow enters Dead Pike Lake and slightly less surface-water flows at the Dead Pike Lake inlet than with the simulated structures. Ground-water levels measured in piezometers installed along a flow path indicated that ground-water flow primarily is horizontal in the marsh and moves upward in the vicinity of a ditch where it discharges. Flow from Vista Pond is downward to the ground-water system but eventually also discharges upward to the ditches. Based on analyses of water samples from piezometers, the ditch, and Vista Pond, it was shown that dissolved iron is transported in the ground water. When ground water is discharged, iron and manganese react with dissolved oxygen, then precipitates, and forms the oxyhydroxide floc present in the Powell Marsh ditches. The processes involved in the transport and floc formation are not unique to the ditches, but are an expected outcome where discharging ground water and oxygenated surface water meet. Therefore, although floc formed in the ditches would no longer be available for transport if ditches were removed, it is likely that the floc formation would be redirected to the near-shore areas of Dead Pike Lake where increased groundwater discharge is expected.

Wisconsin↗
USGS1999

Ground-water resources of Kings and Queens counties, Long Island, New York

From 1981 through 1986, the U.S. Geological Survey investigated the ground-water system of western Long Island, New York, including Kings and Queens counties. This report describes the structure and operation of the western part of the Long Island ground-water system, and the hydrologic effects associated with human development from 1900 to the early 1980's. Recent (early 1980's) ground-water quantity and quality characteristics are described.

New York↗
USGS2007

Nitrification in the euphotic zone as evidenced by nitrate dual isotopic composition: Observations from Monterey Bay, California

Coupled measurements of nitrate (NO 3 − ), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O) isotopic composition ( δ 15 N NO3 and δ 18 O NO3 ) were made in surface waters of Monterey Bay to investigate multiple N cycling processes occurring within surface waters. Profiles collected throughout the year at three sites exhibit a wide range of values, suggesting simultaneous and variable influence of both phytoplankton NO 3 − assimilation and nitrification within the euphotic zone. Specifically, increases in δ 18 O NO3 were consistently greater than those in δ 15 N NO3 . A coupled isotope steady state box model was used to estimate the amount of NO 3 − supplied by nitrification in surface waters relative to that supplied from deeper water. The model highlights the importance of the branching reaction during ammonium (NH 4 + ) consumption, in which NH 4 + either serves as a substrate for regenerated production or for nitrification. Our observations indicate that a previously unrecognized proportion of nitrate‐based productivity, on average 15 to 27%, is supported by nitrification in surface waters and should not be considered new production. This work also highlights the need for a better understanding of isotope effects of NH 4 + oxidation, NH 4 + assimilation, and NO 3 − assimilation in marine environments.

California↗
USGS1992

Water resources of Massachusetts

This report describes the water resources of Massachusetts. It contains sections describing the location, use, quality, and management of water resources in Massachusetts, followed by a summary of the surface water and ground-water resources of all 27 river basins designated by the State for planning purposes. The data for each basin include information about selected continuous record streamflow-gaging stations, the distribution and size of major lakes and streams, and the character of the principal aquifers. Each basin summary is accompanied by a map that shows basin and political boundaries, hydrography, locations of continuous-record streamflow-gaging stations, and aquifer areas. The aquifer areas were derived from the Hydrologic Investigations Atlases and generally show areas that are likely to yield 100 gallons per minute or more to individual wells. The report was compiled from many reports, including 30 U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Investigations Atlases that inventory water resources of the State.

Massachusetts↗
USGS1997

Geohydrology and water chemistry in the Rialto-Colton Basin, San Bernardino County, California

The 40-square-mile Rialto-Colton ground- water basin is in western San Bernardino County, California, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles.This basin was chosen for storage of imported water because of the good quality of native ground water, the known capacity for additional ground-water storage in the basin, and the availability of imported water. Because the movement and mixing of imported water needed to be determined, the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District entered into a cooperative program with the U.S.Geological Survey in 1991 to study the geohydrology and water chemistry in the Rialto- Colton basin. Ground-water flow and chemistry were investigated using existing data, borehole- geophysical and lithologic logs from newly drilled test holes, measurement of water levels, and chemical analyses of water samples. The Rialto-Colton basin is bounded on the northwest and southeast by the San Gabriel Mountains and the Badlands, respectively. The San Jacinto Fault and Barrier E form the northeastern boundary, and the Rialto-Colton Fault forms the southwestern boundary. Except in the southeastern part of the basin, the San Jacinto and Rialto-Colton Faults act as groundwater barriers that impede ground- water flow into and out of the basin.Barrier E generally does not impede ground- water flow into the basin. The ground-water system consists primarily of gravel, sand, silt, and clay. The maximum thickness is greater than 1,000 feet. The ground- water system is divided into four water-bearing units: river-channel deposits, and upper, middle, and lower water-bearing units. Relatively impermeable consolidated deposits underlie the lower water- bearing unit and form the lower boundary of the ground- water system. Ground water moves from east to west in the river-channel deposits and upper water-bearing unit in the southeastern part of the basin, and from northwest to southeast in the middle and lower water-bearing units. Two major internal faults, Barrier J and an unnamed fault, affect ground-water movement. Ground water moves across Barrier J in the unfaulted part of the ground-water system. The unnamed fault is a partial barrier to ground-water movement in the middle water- bearing unit and an effective barrier in the lower water-bearing unit.Imported water flows laterally across the unnamed fault above the saturated zone. Major sources of recharge to the ground- water system are underflow; precipitation that collects in small streams that drain the San Gabriel Mountains and the Badlands or runs off the mountain front as sheet flow, and sub-surface inflow; imported water; seepage loss from the Santa Ana River and Warm Creek; infiltration of rainfall; and irrigation return flow. The main component of discharge is pumpage. Long-term water levels in production wells reflect precipitation cycles. During a 194777 dry period, water levels in three wells declined almost continuously?as much as 100 feet in one well.Water levels in a well north of Barrier J are not affected by stresses on the groundwater system south of the barrier, indicating that these two parts of the ground-water system are not well connected. Water levels in cluster wells east of the unnamed fault north and south of the Linden Ponds artificial-recharge site rose as much as 70 feet during 1992-95. The rise in water levels in wells near the recharge ponds was observed within 2 months after the beginning of recharge. Water levels in most wells west of the unnamed fault changed very little during 1992-95. Water-chemistry data indicate that chemical characteristics vary within the groundwater system, and that dissolvedsolids concentrations are generally higher in the river-channel deposits, upper water- bearing unit, and the consolidated deposits than in the middle and lower water-bearing units. The chemical characteristics in water from the middle water-bearing unit were similar for most wells sampled west of the unnamed fault. In water from well

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2014

Several methods of studying fluctuations of ground‐water levels

As a result of increased interest in ground‐water conditions in recent years, records of water‐levels in wells are now being collected in many places in the United States for the primary purpose of determining the relation of precipitation and other natural factors to fluctuations in water‐level. In the past, records of ground‐water levels have been collected chiefly in connection with intensive investigations in areas where the water‐levels were affected by artificial withdrawals and it has not been generally possible to correlate water‐level fluctuations closely with natural factors. It now appears probable that certain methods of studying water‐level fluctuations may be utilized advantageously in areas unaffected by heavy artificial withdrawals, but these methods generally do not yield satisfactory results in areas where there is considerable pumping or artesian flow. Three such methods are presented in this paper. The methods have not been given intensive study and their practical use is therefore not yet fully known. It is hoped that their application will be further investigated. Illustrations of the methods have been taken from records of ground‐water levels in the Platte River Valley, Nebraska, collected by the United States Geological Survey in cooperation with the Conservation and Survey Division of the University of Nebraska.

Eos, Transactions, American Geophysical Union↗
USGS1991

Effects of septic-tank effluent on ground-water quality in northern Williamson County and southern Davidson County, Tennessee

An investigation of the potential contamination of ground water from septic tank systems blasted in bedrock in Williamson and Davidson Counties, Tennessee, was conducted during 1988-89. Water samples were collected from domestic and observation wells, springs, and surface-water sites in a residential subdivision in the northern part of Williamson County near Nashville. The subdivision has a high density of septic-tank field lines installed into blasted bedrock Water samples also were collected from a well located in an area of Davidson County where field lines were installed in 5 feet of soil. Samples were analyzed for major inorganic constituents, nutrients, total organic carbon, optical brighteners, and bacteria. Although results of analyses of water samples from wells indicate no effect of septic-tank effluent on ground-water quality at these sites, water from two springs located downgradient from the subdivision had slightly larger concentrations of nitrite plus nitrate (2.2 and 2.7 milligrams per liter N), and much larger concentrations of fecal coliform and fecal streptococci bacteria (2,000 to 3,200 and 700 to 900 colonies per 100 milliliters of sample, respectively), than other wells and springs sampled during 1988. Water from one of these springs contained optical brighteners, which indicates that septic-tank effluent is affecting ground-water quality.

Tennessee↗
USGS1987

Distribution and movement of trichloroethylene in ground water in the Tucson area, Arizona

In 1981, investigations of groundwater quality around Tucson International Airport revealed a number of wells that pumped water contaminated with trichloroethylene. Subsequent investigations resulted in the delineation of three distinct areas of contamination, the largest of which encompasses about 5 sq mi of aquifer surface area. Most of the contamination is in the top 100 ft of the saturated groundwater flow system. A fine-grained confining layer that is present in much of the contaminated area significantly limits the vertical movement of the chlorinated groundwater. Within the contaminated area, measured trichloroethylene concentrations were as high as 3,100 mg/L in 1984. Measured concentrations are highly variable vertically as well as horizontally. Future quantitative studies of contaminant movement may benefit from additional data collection and experiments to determine which contaminant transport and groundwater flow equations are most appropriate.

Arizona↗
USGS1990

Geohydrologic systems in Kansas with emphasis on systems in Upper Cambrian through Lower Cretaceous rocks

This Hydrologic Investigations Atlas, which consists of a series of chapters, presents a description of (1) the physical frameworks and (2) the geohydrology of the principal aquifers and confining systems in Kansas. The report is the result of an investigation that has been made as part of the Central Midwest Regional Aquifer System Analysis (CMRASA), one of several major investigations by the U.S. Geological Survey to define regional aquifer systems. These regional analyses are designed to increase knowledge of major flow regimes and provide data for assessing, developing, and managing water supplies. The CMRASA is an investigation of water in Upper Cambrian through Lower Cretaceous rocks in parts of 10 Central Midwestern States, as shown by the map on the envelope cover.

Kansas↗