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Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including Wisconsin.

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USGS1975

Ground-water resources and geology of Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Good-quality water is available from the sand-and-gravel, Niagara, and sandstone aquifers in Waukesha County, Wis. As much as 15 gallons per minute (0.95 litres per second) can be obtained from wells almost everywhere in the county. Several hundred gallons per minute are available from aquifers in the glacial drift that fill bedrock valleys to thicknesses of 300 feet (91 metres) or more. Estimated well yields from much of the surficial outwash in western Waukesha County exceed 500 gallons per minute (31 litres per second). Estimated well yields from most of the Niagara aquifer, a dolomite as much as 325 feet (99 metres) thick in the eastern two-thirds of the county, exceed 50 gallons per minute (3.2 litres per second). The sandstone aquifer underlies the entire county and ranges in thickness from about 400 feet (120 metres) in the northwest corner to about 2,400 feet (730 metres) in the southeast corner. This aquifer yields more than 1,000 gallons per minute (63 litres per second) to wells over most of the county and is the principal source for municipal and subdivision water. Ground water in Waukesha County is of good quality and is suitable for most uses. Most of the water is a calcium magnesium bicarbonate type, is very hard [more than 180 mg/l (milligrams per litre) hardness], and requires softening for some uses. The ground water locally contains iron and manganese concentrations that exceed the limits (0.3 and 0.05 mg/l, respectively) recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service (1962, p. 7). Water high in sulfate and dissolved solids (saline water) is present locally in the Niagara and sandstone aquifers. Water from one well contained excessive nitrate (more than 45 mg/l). With one exception, wells sampled at irregular intervals indicated no significant changes in their chemical characteristics with time. About 24.3 million gallons per day (1.06 cubic metres per second) of ground water was pumped in the county in 1970. Sixty-two percent was withdrawn from the sandstone aquifer. More than one-half of the latter amount was for domestic use, and more than one-third was for industrial and commercial uses.

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USGS1974

Water resources of Wisconsin: Lower Wisconsin River basin

This report describes the physical environment, availability, distribution, movement, quality, and use of water in the upper Wisconsin River basin as an aid in planning and water management. The report presents general information on the basin derived from data obtained from Federal, State, and local agencies, New field data were collected in areas where information was lacking. More detailed studies of problem areas may be required in the future, as water needs and related development increase. The upper Wisconsin River basin is the headwaters of the Wisconsin River drainage and includes about 2,730 square miles in northern Wisconsin (upstream from the gage on the Wisconsin River at Merrill). An additional 50 square miles of the basin lies in Michigan and is not covered by this report. The report area includes parts of Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Price, Taylor, and Vilas Counties, Many organizations and persons assisted the study by providing data. Among the contributors were the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Geological and Natural History Survey, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company, Municipal water officials furnished water-supply information and well records, Many individuals allowed access to their wells for water-level measurements and collection of water samples for chemical analysis.

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USGS1974

Water resources of Wisconsin--Lake Superior basin

This report describes the physical environment, availability, distribution, movement, quality, and use of water in the upper Wisconsin River basin as an aid in planning and water management. The report presents general information on the basin derived from data obtained from Federal, State, and local agencies, New field data were collected in areas where information was lacking. More detailed studies of problem areas may be required in the future, as water needs and related development increase. The upper Wisconsin River basin is the headwaters of the Wisconsin River drainage and includes about 2,730 square miles in northern Wisconsin (upstream from the gage on the Wisconsin River at Merrill). An additional 50 square miles of the basin lies in Michigan and is not covered by this report. The report area includes parts of Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Price, Taylor, and Vilas Counties, Many organizations and persons assisted the study by providing data. Among the contributors were the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Geological and Natural History Survey, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company, Municipal water officials furnished water-supply information and well records, Many individuals allowed access to their wells for water-level measurements and collection of water samples for chemical analysis.

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USGS1974

Low-flow characteristics of Wisconsin streams at sewage-treatment plants

Low-flow characteristics of Wisconsin streams at 415 sewage -treatment plants are presented in this report. The low-flow characteristics presented are the annual minimum 7-day mean flow that occurs on the average of once in 2 years (Q7, 2) and the annual minimum 7 -day mean flow that occurs on the average of once in 10 years (Q7, 10). The low-flow characteristics at most sewage-treatment plants were determined by correlating base-flow measurements at the sewage- treatment plants to the concurrent daily mean flow at continuous-record gaging stations in the area. The Q7, 2 and Q7, 10 discharges determined by a frequency analysis at the continuous-record gaging stations were used to estimate the Q7, 2 and Q7,10 at the sewage-treatment plants. For some sewage-treatment plants the low-flow characteristics were also determined by frequency analysis at nearby continuous -record gaging stations or correlation analysis at nearby low-flow, partial-record stations. The accuracy of the estimated low-flow characteristics is evaluated according to the type and amount of data available used to determine the low-flow characteristics. The accuracy determined by the standard error of estimate for the 10-year low flow (SE10) ranged from 18 percent at continuous -record gaging stations to 70 percent when only three base-flow measurements were available. The SE10 of 70 percent is larger than anticipated when the project was initiated. This was the result of extremely poor base-flow conditions during the 2-year data-collection period.

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USGS1974

Water availability in central Wisconsin — An area of near-surface crystalline rock

Available ground water in much of central Wisconsin is limited to discharge through wells of low yield. Aquifers that yield small amounts of water to wells include fractured crystalline rock at or near surface in the eastern part of the area, sandstone overlying crystalline rock in the southern and western parts, and glacial till that covers the area north and west of the Marshfield moraine. Many wells in crystalline rock yield less than 2 gpm (gallons per minute). About 90 percent of the wells in sandstone and most wells in glacial till yield 5-9.0 gpm. Outwash sand and gravel in segments of some bedrock channels, however, yield large supplies of water to wells. Wells in surficial sand and gravel in the lower valleys of major tributaries to the Wisconsin River yield as much as 450 gpm. Sand and gravel in segments of bedrock channels, many of which were delineated during this project, are covered by till or alluvium; wells in these sand and gravel deposits yield 100-400 gpm. Induced recharge to buried aquifers by infiltration of water through the beds of overlying streams is feasible at six sites within 8 miles of Marshfield. Infiltration through the streambed of Little Eau Pleine River about 7 miles northeast of Marshfield was about 200 gpm when the ground-water level was lowered temporarily. Additional recharge through ponding is possible at other sites. Streamflows in the area generally are not dependable sources of municipal or industrial supplies without storage. Nearly one-third of the flows measured in August 1969 were less than 0.01 cubic foot per second per square mile. Annual flows, however, would provide adequate within-year storage. Chemical quality of water in the area is suitable for most uses. Ground water is hard, contains objectionable concentrations of iron, and locally is high in nitrate content. Surface water has an average dissolved-solids content of about 100 milligrams per liter.

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USGS1973

Water resources of Wisconsin, Pecatonica-Sugar River basin

The purpose of this report is to describe the physical environment, availability, characteristics, distribution, movement, and quailty of water in the Pecatonica-Sugar River basin. In addition, water use and water problems are summarized to give an understanding of man's management of water within the basin.

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USGS1973

Water resources of Wisconsin: Menominee-Oconto-Peshtigo River basin

The purpose of this report is to describe the water resources of the Menominee-Oconto - Peshtigo River basin in Wisconsin in order to aid in planning future water management in the basin and in nearby areas. The physical setting, availability, distribution, movement, quality, and use of water are discussed. The report presents general information on the basin that was derived from data obtained from Federal, State, and other agencies. In addition, new data were collected from areas where available information was scarce and where there is important water use. For more detailed information the reader is referred to the section titled “Sources of Additional Information”, (sheet 4).

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USGS1973

Water resources of Wisconsin — Trempealeau-Black River basin

The purpose of this report is to describe the physical environment, availability, characteristics, distribution, movement, and quality of water in the lower Wisconsin River basin. In addition, water use and water problems are summarized to aid in water management within the basin. Detailed water studies will be necessary as the need for specific information increases. The lower Wisconsin River basin, as used in this report, includes all of the drainage area of the Wisconsin River downstream from the U.S. Geological Survey gaging station near Wisconsin Dells. It has an area of approximately 3,780 square miles, 6.7 percent of the State, and consists of all or parts of 11 counties in southwestern Wisconsin.

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USGS1973

Hydrologic characteristics of Alder Creek, Iron County, Wisconsin

The purpose of this study was to determine the hydrologic characteristics of Alder Creek, Iron County, Wisconsin, which are needed by water-resource planners to evaluate a reservoir site proposed by the Whitecap Mountain Corporation on Alder Creek. The hydrologic characteristics estimated were the mean flows, low flows, flood peaks, suspended-sediment discharge, and depth to bedrock. Also included is an estimate of the time required to fill the proposed reservoir. The study was done in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

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USGS1973

The Pine-Popple River basin — Hydrology of a wild river area, northeastern Wisconsin

The Pine and Popple Rivers, virtually unaltered by man, flow through a semiprimitive area of forests, lakes, and glacial hills. White-water streams, natural lakes, fish and animal life, and abundant vegetation contribute to the unique recreational and aesthetic characteristics of the area. Resource planning or development should recognize the interrelationships within the hydrologic system and the possible effects of water and land-use changes upon the wild nature of the area. The basin covers about 563 square miles in northeastern Wisconsin. Swamps and wetlands cover nearly 110 square miles, and the 70 lakes cover about 11 square miles. The undulating topography is formed by glacial deposits overlying an irregular, resistant surface of bedrock. An annual average of 30 inches of precipitation, highest from late spring to early autumn, falls on the basin. Of this amount, evapotranspiration, highest in mid summer and late summer, averages 19 inches; the remaining 11 inches is runoff, which is highest in spring and early summer. Ground water from the glacial drift is the source of water for the minor withdrawal use in the basin. Ground-water movement is to streams and lakes and regionally follows the slope of topography and the bedrock surface, which is generally west to east. Ground water is of good quality, although locally high in iron. The major uses of water are for recreation and power generation. Domestic use is slight. No water is withdrawn from lakes or streams, and no sewage or industrial wastes are added to lakes or streams. Most of the flow of the Pine River is used for power generation. The main stems of the Pine and Popple Rivers contain 114 canoeable miles, of which 95 percent is without such major obstructions as falls or large rapids. In general streams support cold-water fish, and lakes support warm-water fish. Trout is the principal stream and game fish in the basin. The basin has no significant water problems. Future development between the Pine River power plant and the mouth of the Pine River should have little effect on the western two-thirds of the basin, already largely protected by public ownership or development planning agreements.

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USGS1973

Improvement of trout streams in Wisconsin by augmenting low flows with ground water

Approximately 2 cubic feet per second of ground water were introduced into the Little Plover River in 1968 when natural streamflow ranged from 3 to 4 cubic feet per second. These augmentation flows were retained undiminished through the 2-mile reach of stream monitored. Maximum stream temperatures were reduced as much as 5?F (3?C) at the augmentation site during the test period, although changes became insignificant more than 1 mile downstream. Maximum temperatures might be reduced as much as 10?F (6?C) during critical periods, based on estimates using a stream temperature model developed as part of the study. During critical periods significant temperature improvement may extend 2 miles or more downstream. Changes in minimum DO (dissolved oxygen) levels were slight, primarily because of the high natural DO levels occurring during the test period. Criteria for considering other streams for flow augmentation are developed on the basis of the observed hydrologic responses in the Little Plover River. Augmentation flows of nearly 2? cubic feet per second of ground water were introduced into the headwater reach of Black Earth Creek from the end of June through mid-October 1969. Streamflow ranged from 1 to 2 cubic feet per second at the augmentation site, and the average flow at the gaging station at Black Earth, approximately 8 miles downstream, ranged from 25 to 50 cubic feet per second. Augmentation flows were retained through the 8-mile reach of stream. Temperature of the augmentation flow as it entered the stream ranged from 60? to 70?F (about 16? to 21?C) during the test period, and minimum stream temperatures were raised 5?F (3?C) or more at the augmentation site, with changes extending from 2 to 3 miles downstream. Augmentation during critical periods could maintain stream temperatures between 40? and 70?F (4? and 21?C) through most of the study reach. DO levels were increased by as much as 2 milligrams per liter or more below the augmentation site, although the improvement diminished to approximately 1 milligram per liter downstream in the problem reach. During critical periods DO improvement in the problem reach would be somewhat greater. Flow augmentation would not be necessary during normal conditions in either of the streams studied. Critical DO and temperature levels are not known to occur in the Little Plover River. Since the construction of secondary treatment facilities at the Cross Plains sewage-treatment plant, critical DO levels are no longer expected to be a problem in Black Earth Creek. However, results from this study may be used to estimate the effectiveness of flow augmentation in other streams in similar areas in which critical DO or temperature levels may occur.

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USGS1972

Floods in Starkweather Creek basin, Madison, Wisconsin

The city of Madison is establishing standards for flood-plain zoning and land-use planning. The evaluation of flood potential is a necessary factor to be considered before such standards are established and put into effect. Purpose and scope. The purposes of this report are to determine the magnitude and water surface elevations of the regional (100-year) flood for both existing and future conditions, to determine their limits of flooding, and to analyze maximum hydraulic capacities of the channel system of Starkweather Creek. The regional flood is defined by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (1968, p. 94) as a flood that occurs on an average of once in 100 years and "which is representative of large floods known to have occurred generally in Wisconsin and reasonably characteristic of what can be expected to occur on a particular stream". The reaches evaluated are (1) Starkweather Creek and West Branch Starkweather Creek, for a distance of 6.0 river miles from the mouth at Lake Monona upstream to the U.S. Highway 51 crossing north of Truax Field; and (2) East Branch Starkweather Creek (2.8 river miles), from its confluence with the West Branch near Milwaukee Street upstream to a point near the Interstate Highway 90-94 crossing.

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USGS1972

Floods on Yahara River, Lake Kegonsa dam to county line, Dane County, Wisconsin

The State of Wisconsin, as a result of recent legislation, is establishing new, and upgrading old, minimum standards for flood-plain regulation. These standards require evaluations of the flood potential of many streams in Wisconsin. This report provides an evaluation of flood potential for the Yahara River in the 13-mile low-water channel reach from the dam at the outlet of Lake Kegonsa downstream to the county line. Prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Dane County Regional Planning Commission and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, this flood-inundation study gives the computed water-surface elevations and defines the areal limits of inundation for the regional flood. The regional flood is defined by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as a flood having an average frequency of occurrence of-once in 100 years and "which is representative of large floods known to have occurred generally in Wisconsin and reasonably characteristics of what can be expected to occur on a particular stream."

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USGS1972

Water for cranberry culture in the Cranmoor area of central Wisconsin

The Cranmoor area of central Wisconsin is the principal cranberry producing area of the State. Cranberries are grown in only about 2.5 square miles of an 80-square-mile marsh and swamp in the Cranberry Creek basin. Cranberry growers have built reservoirs and ditches throughout 25 square miles of marsh for better management of the area's natural water supply. Additional water is diverted into the basin to supplement the cranberry needs. In the 1966-67 hydrologic budget for Cranberry Creek basin, annual inputs were 27.8 inches of precipitation, 3.8 inches of surface-water diversion into the basin, and 1.1 inches decrease in stored water. Annual outputs were. 20.8 inches of evapotranspiration, 11.7 inches of runoff, and 0.2 inch of groundwater outflow. During the 1966-67 period, precipitation averaged about 3 inches per year below normal. The water used for cranberry culture is almost exclusively surface water. Efficient management of the basin's water supply, plus intermittent diversions of about 100 cubic feet per second from outside the basin, provide cranberry growers with a sufficient quantity of water. Although the quantity of surface water is adequate, the pH (generally 5.7-6.7) is slightly high for optimum use. Dissolved oxygen is slightly low, generally between 4 and 10 milligrams per liter. The water is soft; iron and manganese contents vary seasonally, being high in winter and summer and low in spring. Additional supplies of surface water can be obtained by increasing diversions from outside the basin and by increasing reservoir capacity within the basin. Ground water, although not presently used for cranberries, is available in the central, southern, and eastern parts of the basin, where the thickness of the saturated alluvium exceeds 50 feet. Well yields in these areas might be as much as 1,000 gpm (gallons per minute). Additionally, well yields of as much as 1,000 gpm may be expected from saturated alluvium southeast of Cranberry Creek basin. Where saturated alluvium is less than 50 feet thick, in the northern and western parts of the basin, well yields generally are less than 50 gpm. Ground water is also available from sandstone in the western part of the basin. Where the sandstone is thickest (about 60 ft.), well yields may be as much as 200 gpm. The quality of ground water is similar to that of surface water. The pH of water from the shallow alluvium ranges between 6.0 and 6,6; the pH of water from the deep alluvium is about 7.0. Ground water is soft to moderately hard, 22 to 88 milligrams per liter, and contains excessive amounts of iron and manganese.

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