Geology topics

D. S. Snavely

Publications and source records attributed to D. S. Snavely.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS1988

Estimation, analysis, sources, and verification of consumptive water use data in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River basin

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River basin provides water for many uses and for wildlife habitat; thus many groups have developed strategies to manage the basin 's water resource. The International Joint Commission (IJC) is reviewing and comparing available consumptive-use data to assess the magnitude and effect of consumptive uses under present projected economic and hydraulic conditions on lake levels. As a part of this effort, the U.S. Geological Survey compared its own estimates of consumptive use in the United States with those generated by (1) the International Great Lakes Diversions and (2) the IJC. The U.S. Geological Survey also developed two methods of calculating consumptive-use projections for 1980 through 2000; one method yields an estimate of 6,490 cu ft/s for the year 2000; the other yields an estimate of 8,330 cu ft/s. These two projections could be considered the upper and lower limits for the year 2000. The reasons for the varying estimates are differences in (1) methods by which base year values were developed, and (2) the methods or models that were used to project consumptive-use values for the future. Acquisition of consumptive-use data from water users or governmental agencies or ministries would be desirable to minimize reliance on estimates.

Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River basin↗

USGS1986

Water-use data-collection programs and regional data base of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin states and provinces; a comparison of withdrawal-data programs by water-use category and by state and province

As a result of the Great Lakes Charter (signed by Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, and Wisconsin), the Geological Survey worked with a committee of the Council of Great Lakes Governors to document the water use data collection programs in the Basin. These programs are described for public water supply; supplies for domestic, irrigation, agricultural, commercial, industrial, and mining uses; and supplies for powerplants. Frequency of collection, trigger levels, storage methods, and legislative framework are described. A regional water use data base was designed to store withdrawal, diversion, and consumptive use data on a drainage basin basis. The data base will be used to decide the advisability of proposed water diversion and consumptive use projects as part of a water management strategy. Data base formats, requirements, and methods of data transmittal from each area are described. Methods for acquiring missing data are suggested. The data base will be housed by the Great Lakes Commission, Ann Arbor, Michigan. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗

USGS1985

Estimated public-water supply and industrial-commercial ground-water withdrawals and returns in Nassau County, Long Island, New York, 1973-79

Nassau County, New York depends upon ground water for its freshwater supply. The primary water uses are for public-water supply and industrial-commercial purposes, which together accounted for 202 Mgal/d (million gallons per day) in 1975. Public-water suppliers withdrew 85 percent of their water from the Magothy Formation. About 133 Mgal/d was returned to the ground after use in 1975, and about 69; Mgal/d was discharged to tidewater. In addition, about 34 Mgal/d infiltrated into sewerlines in 1975 and was also discharged to tidewater. Because of the importance of this freshwater supply, the New York State Department of Environmental conservation reviews applications for the installation of wells and compiles data on pumpage throughout Long Island. It also reviews applications to discharge wastewater into the surface water and ground water of the State. This report summarizes the data filed with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for Nassau County during 1973-79. It presents data and estimates on withdrawals for public and industrial-commercial supply, returns to the ground, and discharges through sewer systems. It also includes information on population and land use.

New York↗

USGS1982

Ground-water appraisal of the Pine Bush area, Albany County, New York

The 32-square-mile central part of the Pine Bush was studied to determine the availability of ground water in the surficial sand and to assess the quality of the water, especially with respect to phosphorous, nitrogen, and chloride. The surficial sand is from 5 to 150 feet thick and has a hydraulic conductivity of 68 feet per day. Recharge is solely by precipitation. Depth to water is about 10 feet but ranges from 5 to 20 feet locally. The water table and total precipitation have been declining since 1979. A computer model was used to simulate drawdowns that would be produced by pumping the aquifer at various rates. Results indicate that a single well could yield from 150 to 600 gallons per minute, depending on hydraulic conductivity, which was simulated at 25, 50, and 100 feet per day, allowing a maximum drawdown of 80% of total saturated thickness. Ground water contained low phosphorous (maximum of 0.04 mg). (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗