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At least 811 records · Page 45Linked to original sources
USGS1988

A summary of the U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment program

Beginning in 1986, the Congress appropriated funds for the U.S. Geological Survey to test and refine concepts for a National Water Quality Assessment Program. At present, the program is in a pilot phase with field studies occurring in seven areas around the Nation. In 1990, a committee of the National Academy of Sciences will complete an evaluation of the design and potential utility of the program. A decision about moving to full-scale implementation will be made upon completion of this evaluation. The program is intended to address a wide range of national water quality issues that include chemical contamination, acidification, eutrophication, salinity, sedimentation, and sanitary quality. The goals of the program are to: (1) provide nationally consistent descriptions of current water quality conditions for a large part of the Nation 's water resources; (2) define long-term trends (or lack of trends) in water quality; and (3) identify and describe the relations of both current conditions and trends in water quality to natural and human factors. This information will be provided to water managers, policy makers, and the public to provide an improved scientific basis for evaluating the effectiveness of water quality management programs and for predicting the likely effects of contemplated changes in land- and water-management practices. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS1978

Gilbert White talks about natural hazards

Dr. Gilbert White is Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he is responsible for natural Hazards Research and Applications Information Center supported by the National Science Foundation. He served in the Executive Office of the president in 1941-42, on the Federal Flood Control Policy Task Force in 1964-65, and on the U.S Geological Survey Advisory Panel on Earthquake Studies. Dr. White has authored five books on the social and economic aspects of natural resources, including water supply and river development, and on floods and other natural hazards.

Earthquake Information Bulletin (USGS)↗
USGS2013

Impacts of land-use change to ecosystem services

Increasing human populations on the landscape and globe coincide with increasing demands for food, energy, and other natural resources, with generally negative impacts to wildlife habitat, air and water quality, and natural scenery. Here we define and describe the impacts of land-use change on ecosystem services – the services that ecosystems provide humans such as filtering air and water, providing food, resources, recreation, and esthetics. We show how the human footprint is rapidly expanding due to population growth, demand for resources, and globalization. Increased trade and transportation has brought all the continents back together, creating new challenges for conserving native species and ecosystems.

Book chapter↗
USGS1979

Habitat evaluation

Ours has been a nation of rapid growth and development; our abundant water and other natural resources were quickly utilized to meet the needs of our expansion. Resources perceived to be “important” to the national interest were often exploited at the expense of others. Fish and wildlife, because of their apparent abundance and low priority status, were among those resources that historically received little attention or protection and were frequently "traded off" to other resource developments. Ours has been a nation of rapid growth and development; our abundant water and other natural resources were quickly utilized to meet the needs of our expansion. Resources perceived to be “important” to the national interest were often exploited at the expense of others. Fish and wildlife, because of their apparent abundance and low priority status, were among those resources that historically received little attention or protection and were frequently "traded off" to other resource developments.

Water Spectrum↗
USGS2009

Seed dispersal and seedling emergence in a created and a natural salt marsh on the Gulf of Mexico coast in Southwest Louisiana, U.S.A

Early regeneration dynamics related to seed dispersal and seedling emergence can contribute to differences in species composition among a created and a natural salt marsh. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) whether aquatic and aerial seed dispersal differed in low and high elevations within a created marsh and a natural marsh and (2) whether seedling emergence was influenced by marsh, the presence of openings in the vegetation, and seed availability along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast. Aerial seed traps captured a greater quantity of seeds than aquatic traps. Several factors influenced aquatic and aerial seed dispersal in a created and a natural salt marsh, including distance from the marsh edge, cover of existing vegetation, and water depth. The natural marsh had a high seed density of Spartina alterniflora and Distichlis spicata, the low-elevation created marsh had a high seed density of S. alterniflora, and the high-elevation created marsh had a high seed density of Aster subulatus and Iva frutescens. The presence of adult plants and water depth above the marsh surface influenced seed density. In the natural marsh, openings in vegetation increased seedling emergence for all species, whereas in the low-elevation created marsh, S. alterniflora had higher seedling density under a canopy of vegetation. According to the early regeneration dynamics, the future vegetation in areas of the low-elevation created marsh may become similar to that in the natural marsh. In the high-elevation created marsh, vegetation may be upland fringe habitat dominated by high-elevation marsh shrubs and annual herbaceous species. ?? 2009 Society for Ecological Restoration International.

Restoration Ecology↗
USGS2001

Simulation of flow in the upper North Coast Limestone Aquifer, Manati-Vega Baja area, Puerto Rico

A two-dimensional computer ground-water model was constructed of the Manati-Vega Baja area to improve the understanding of the unconfined upper aquifer within the North Coast Province of Puerto Rico. The modeled area covers approximately 79 square miles within the municipios of Manati and Vega Baja and small portions of Vega Alta and Barceloneta. Steady-state two-dimensional ground-water simulations were correlated to conditions prior to construction of the Laguna Tortuguero outlet channel in 1940 and calibrated to the observed potentiometric surface in March 1995. At the regional scale, the unconfined Upper North Coast Limestone aquifer is a diffuse ground-water flow system through the Aguada and Aymamon limestone units. The calibrated model input parameters for aquifer recharge varied from 2 inches per year in coastal areas to 18 inches per year in the upland areas south of Manati and Vega Baja. The calibrated transmissivity values ranged from less than 500 feet squared per day in the upland areas near the southern boundary to 70,000 feet squared per day in the areas west of Vega Baja. Increased ground-water withdrawals from 1.0 cubic foot per second for 1940 conditions to 26.3 cubic feet per second in 1995, has reduced the natural ground-water discharge to springs and wetland areas, and induced additional recharge from the rivers. The most important regional drainage feature is Laguna Tortuguero, which is the major ground-water discharge body for the upper aquifer, and has a drainage area of approximately 17 square miles. The discharge to the sea from Laguna Tortuguero through the outlet channel has been measured on a bi-monthly basis since 1974. The outflow represents a combination of ground- and surface-water discharge over the drainage area. Hydrologic conditions, prior to construction of the Laguna Tortuguero outlet channel in 1943, can be considered natural conditions with minimal ground-water pumpage (1.0 cubic foot per second), and heads in the lagoon were 2.4 feet higher. The model was calibrated to March 1995 conditions during a dry period of minimal aquifer recharge and relatively constant water levels in the upper aquifer. For the steady-state 1995 model simulation, however, ground-water pumpage had been increased to 26.3 cubic foot per second, due to increased demand for public water supply, the heads at 0.9 feet, and the outflow to the sea at Laguna Tortuguero had been lowered considerably. Simulated ground-water inflow for 1940 hydrologic conditions included 35.9 cubic feet per second from areal recharge, contributions from streamflow along the southern boundary of 1.6 cubic feet per second, and streamflow infiltration to the upper aquifer of 4.2 cubic feet per second. Simulated ground-water outflow for 1940 hydrologic conditions are discharge to springs of 17.4 cubic feet per second, total ground-water withdrawals of 1.0 cubic feet per second, and aquifer contribution to streamflow or wetland areas of 23.4 cubic feet per second. Simulated ground-water inflow for hydrologic conditions of March 1995 include d contributions from streamflow along the southern boundary of 1.6 cubic feet per second, areal recharge of 35.9 cubic feet per second, and streamflow infiltration to the upper aquifer of 11 cubic feet per second. Simulated ground-water outflow for hydrologic conditions of March 1995 are ground-water withdrawals of 26.3 cubic feet per second, discharge from springs of 7.3 cubic feet per second, and aquifer contribution to streamflow or wetland areas of 14 .9 cubic feet per second. The overall ground-water budget increased from 41.8 cubic feet per second for 1940 conditions to 48.6 cubic feet per second for the hydrologic conditions of March 1995. The increase in ground-water budget is a direct result of increased ground-water withdrawals, which induced greater streamflow infiltration. Simulated ground-water flux to Laguna Tortuguero for 1940 conditions was 11 cubic feet per second, which drop

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2012

Hydrologic and water-quality data at Government Canyon State Natural Area, Bexar County, Texas, 2002-10

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Edwards Aquifer Authority, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, collected rainfall, streamflow, evapotranspiration, and stormflow water-quality data at the Laurel Canyon Creek watershed, within the Government Canyon State Natural Area, Bexar County, Tex. The purpose of the data collection was to support evaluations of the effects of brush management conservation practices on components of the hydrologic budget and water quality. One component of brush management was to take endangered wildlife into consideration, specifically the golden-cheeked warbler ( Dendroica chrysoparia ). Much of the area that may have been considered for brush management was left intact to protect habitat for the golden-cheeked warbler. The area identified for brush management was approximately 10 percent of the study watershed. The hydrologic data presented here (2002–10) represent pre- and post-treatment periods, with brush management treatment occurring from winter 2006–07 to spring 2008.

Texas↗
USGS2003

Environmental Setting and the Effects of Natural and Human-Related Factors on Water Quality and Aquatic Biota, Oahu, Hawaii

The island of Oahu is the third largest island of the State of Hawaii, and is formed by the eroded remnants of the Waianae and Koolau shield volcanoes. The landscape of Oahu ranges from a broad coastal plain to steep interior mountains. Rainfall is greatest in the mountainous interior parts of the island, and lowest near the southwestern coastal areas. The structure and form of the two volcanoes in conjunction with processes that have modified the original surfaces of the volcanoes control the hydrologic setting. The rift zones of the volcanoes contain dikes that tend to impede the flow of ground water, leading to high ground-water levels in the dike-impounded ground-water system. In the windward (northeastern) part of the island, dike-impounded ground-water levels may reach the land surface in stream valleys, resulting in ground-water discharge to streams. Where dikes are not present, the volcanic rocks are highly permeable, and a lens of freshwater overlies a brackish-water transition zone separating the freshwater from saltwater. Ground water discharges to coastal springs and streams where the water table in the freshwater-lens system intersects the land surface. The Waianae and Koolau Ranges have been deeply dissected by numerous streams. Streams originate in the mountainous interior areas and terminate at the coast. Some streams flow perennially throughout their entire course, others flow perennially over parts of their course, and the remaining streams flow during only parts of the year throughout their entire course. Hawaiian streams have relatively few native species compared to continental streams. Widespread diverse orders of insects are absent from the native biota, and there are only five native fish, two native shrimp, and a few native snails. The native fish and crustaceans of Hawaii's freshwater systems are all amphidromous (adult lives are spent in streams, and larval periods as marine or estuarine zooplankton). During the 20th century, land-use patterns on Oahu reflected increases in population and decreases in large-scale agricultural operations over time. The last two remaining sugarcane plantations on Oahu closed in the mid-1990's, and much of the land that once was used for sugarcane now is urbanized or used for diversified agriculture. Although two large pineapple plantations continue to operate in central Oahu, some of the land previously used for pineapple cultivation has been urbanized. Natural and human-related factors control surface- and ground-water quality and the distribution and abundance of aquatic biota on Oahu. Natural factors that may affect water quality include geology, soils, vegetation, rainfall, ocean-water quality, and air quality. Human-related factors associated with urban and agricultural land uses also may affect water quality. Ground-water withdrawals may cause saltwater intrusion. Pesticides and fertilizers that were used in agricultural or urban areas have been detected in surface and ground water on Oahu. In addition, other organic compounds associated with urban uses of chemicals have been detected in surface and ground water on Oahu. The effects of urbanization and agricultural practices on instream and riparian areas in conjunction with a proliferation of nonnative fish and crustaceans have resulted in a paucity of native freshwater macrofauna on Oahu. A variety of pesticides, nutrients, and metals are associated with urban and agricultural land uses, and these constituents can affect the fish and invertebrates that live in the streams.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1968

New theory of recharge to the artesian basin of the Dakotas

The artesian basin of the Dakotas has been studied for many years. The widely held concept has been that recharge enters the equivalents of the Dakota Sandstone, where they are exposed on the flanks of the Black Hills, and moves through this formation to the area of maximum development of the aquifer in eastern North Dakota and South Dakota . Some anomalies, difficult to explain by this concept, have remained unresolved. According to the theory here proposed, recharge enters the Lower Mississippian Pahasapa Limestone and the underlying Englewood Formation where they are exposed on the flanks of the Black Hills. The Pahasapa is in part the equivalent of the Lower and Upper Mississippian Madison Group. The limestones are very cavernous where exposed on the flanks of the Black Hills, and seemingly in the subsurface as well. Streams flowing east from the Precambrian core of the Hills lose virtually all their flow in crossing the cavernous limestones. Widespread karst topography was developed on the Madison during the erosion period which preceded deposition of the Pennsylvanian and Permian Minnelusa Formation. Water moves freely through the cavernous limestone with little head loss for more than 100 miles east of the Black Hills. Pre- Dakota erosion beveled all older rock units and removed many of the intervening beds younger than the Madison. Oil tests indicate that less than 200 feet of strata separate the Madison and Dakota in northern South Dakota east of the Missouri River; this is in marked contrast to the 1800 feet of intervening beds near Rapid City. It is believed that in a zone east of the Missouri River in northern South Dakota and adjacent North Dakota , water which has moved through the limestone more than 150 miles from the Black Hills moves upward into the basal part of the Dakota Sandstone. Much of the water developed in the area of major water use from the Dakota Sandstone has moved a relatively short distance through this formation. The chemical character and artesian pressure of water in the Dakota are influenced significantly by recharge from the Madison Group. West of the zone of recharge the water is highly mineralized and largely of a sodium chloride type. Along the zone of recharge and toward the southeast corner of South Dakota , an area of natural discharge, the water generally is of the calcium sulfate type. North of the Precambrian Sioux Quartzite and east of the calcium sulfate water is an area which has sodium sulfate water. It is inferred that this change results from natural base-exchange softening of the calcium sulfate water as it moves eastward through the Dakota Sandstone.

North Dakota, South Dakota↗
USGS1979

Water resources data of the Seward area, Alaska

Favorable geohydrologic conditions in the Seward area provide several choices for developing additional water supplies. Abundant stream runoff and the prospects for expanded well-field development in the Jap Creek alluvial fan, as well as other similar fans, allow a selection of future water sources based on factors other than the availability of the natural resource. Although water in both streams and deep aquifers is of good potable quality, ground water has the inherent advantages of being free of suspended sediment, of being warmer during winter months, and of being less vulnerable to pollution. Shallow infiltration galleries constructed along the alluvial-fan reaches of some streams should provide large volumes of water for public supply. A potential exists at Seward for serious flooding of the alluvial fans by the major streams, for coastal flooding by bay waters resulting from storm-driven waves or tsunamis, and for pollution of shallow ground water by onsite sewage disposal.

Alaska↗
USGS2002

Historical contributions of phosphorus from natural and agricultural sources and implications for stream water quality, Cheney Reservoir watershed, south-central Kansas

An examination of soil cores collected from 43 nonagricultural coring sites in the Cheney Reservoir watershed of south-central Kansas was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey in September 1999. The cores were collected as part of an ongoing cooperative study with the city of Wichita, Kansas. The 43 sites (mostly cemeteries) were thought to have total phosphorus concentrations in the soil that are representative of natural conditions (unaffected by human activity). The purpose of this report is to present the analysis and evaluation of these soil cores, to quantify the phosphorus contributions to Cheney Reservoir from natural and agricultural sources, and to provide estimates of stream-water-quality response to natural concentrations of total phosphorus in the soil. Analysis of soil cores from the 43 sites produced natural concentrations of total phosphorus that ranged from 74 to 539 milligrams per kilogram with a median concentration of 245 milligrams per kilogram in 2-inch soil cores and from 50 to 409 milligrams per kilogram with a median concentration of 166 milligrams per kilogram in 8-inch soil cores. Natural concentrations of total phosphorus in soil were statistically larger in samples from coring sites in the eastern half of the watershed than in samples from coring sites in the western half of the watershed. This result partly explains a previously determined west-to-east increase in total phosphorus yields in streams of the Cheney Reservoir watershed. A comparison of total phosphorus concentrations in soil under natural conditions to the historical mean total phosphorus concentration in agriculturally enriched bottom sediment in Cheney Reservoir indicated that agricultural activities within the watershed have increased total phosphorus concentrations in watershed soil that is transported in streams to about 2.9 times natural concentrations. Retention efficiencies for phosphorus and sediment historically transported to Cheney Reservoir were calculated at 92 and 99 percent, respectively. Most of the phosphorus was retained in bottom sediment. Sediment accumulation in Cheney Reservoir was less than reservoir design-life specifications on the basis of the age of the reservoir. Estimates of mean total phosphorus concentrations for selected streams in the Cheney Reservoir watershed under natural concentrations of total phosphorus in soil and a historic set of watershed conditions indicate that water from two of the five streamflow sampling sites would not meet the total phosphorus water-quality goal of 0.10 milligram per liter established by the Cheney Reservoir Watershed Task Force Committee. These results imply that the water-quality goal for total phosphorus in some streams of the watershed may not be met simply by reducing the amount of phosphorus applied. Instead, meeting the goal could involve a combination of approaches-for example, reducing the agricultural distribution of phosphorus and implementing changes in watershed activities to mitigate phosphorus movement to surface water.

Kansas↗
USGS2006

Ground-water-quality data for a treated-wastewater plume undergoing natural restoration, Ashumet Valley, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

A plume of contaminated ground water extends from former disposal beds at the Massachusetts Military Reservation wastewater-treatment plant toward Ashumet Pond, and farther southward toward coastal ponds and Vineyard Sound, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Treated sewage-derived wastewater was discharged to the rapid-infiltration beds for nearly 60 years before the disposal site was moved to a different location in December 1995. Water-quality samples were collected periodically from monitoring wells and multilevel samplers during and after the disposal period to characterize the nature and extent of the contaminated ground water and to observe the water-quality changes after the wastewater disposal ceased. Data are presented here for water samples collected from 1994 through 2004 from 16 wells (at 2 locations) and 14 multilevel samplers (at 9 locations) along a longitudinal transect that extends through one of the disposal beds. Data collected from the treated-wastewater plume are presented in tabular format. These data include field parameters; concentrations of cations, anions, nitrate, ammonium, and organic and inorganic carbon species; and ultraviolet/visible absorbance. The natural restoration of the sand and gravel aquifer after removal of the nearly 60-year-long treated-wastewater source, along with interpretations of the water quality in the treated-wastewater plume on Cape Cod, have been documented in several published reports that are listed in the references.

Massachusetts↗
USGS1998

Occurrence of nitrate and pesticides in ground water beneath three agricultural land-use settings in the eastern San Joaquin Valley, California, 1993-1995

The processes that affect nitrate and pesticide occurrence may be better understood by relating ground-water quality to natural and human factors in the context of distinct, regionally extensive, land- use settings. This study assesses nitrate and pesticide occurrence in ground water beneath three agricultural land-use settings in the eastern San Joaquin Valley, California. Water samples were collected from 60 domestic wells in vineyard, almond, and a crop grouping of corn, alfalfa, and vegetable land-use settings. Each well was sampled once during 1993?1995. This study is one element of the U.S. Geological Survey?s National Water-Quality Assessment Program, which is designed to assess the status of, and trends in, the quality of the nation?s ground- and surface-water resources and to link the status and trends with an understanding of the natural and human factors that affect the quality of water. The concentrations and occurrence of nitrate and pesticides in ground-water samples from domestic wells in the eastern alluvial fan physiographic region were related to differences in chemical applica- tions and to the physical and biogeochemical processes that charac- terize each of the three land-use settings. Ground water beneath the vineyard and almond land-use settings on the coarse-grained, upper and middle parts of the alluvial fans is more vulnerable to nonpoint- source agricultural contamination than is the ground water beneath the corn, alfalfa, and vegetable land-use setting on the lower part of the fans, near the basin physiographic region. Nitrate concentrations ranged from less than 0.05 to 55 milligrams per liter, as nitrogen. Nitrate concentrations were significantly higher in the almond land-use setting than in the vineyard land-use setting, whereas concentrations in the corn, alfalfa, and vegetable land-use setting were intermediate. Nitrate concentrations exceeded the maximum contaminant level in eight samples from the almond land- use setting (40 percent), in seven samples from the corn, alfalfa, and vegetable land-use setting (35 percent), and in three samples from the vineyard land-use setting (15 percent). The physical and chemical characteristics of the vineyard and the almond land-use settings are similar, characterized by coarse-grained sediments and high dissolved- oxygen concentrations, reflecting processes that promote rapid infiltration of water and solutes. The high nitrate concentrations in the almond land-use setting reflect the high amount of nitrogen appli- cations in this setting, whereas the low nitrate concentrations in the vineyard land-use setting reflect relatively low nitrogen applications. In the corn, alfalfa, and vegetable land-use setting, the relatively fine-grained sediments, and low dissolved-oxygen concentrations, reflect processes that result in slow infiltration rates and longer ground-water residence times. The intermediate nitrate concentrations in the corn, alfalfa, and vegetable land-use setting are a result of these physical and chemical characteristics, combined with generally high (but variable) nitrogen applications. Twenty-three different pesticides were detected in 41 of 60 ground- water samples (68 percent). Eighty percent of the ground-water samples from the vineyard land-use setting had at least one pesticide detection, followed by 70 percent in the almond land-use setting, and 55 percent in the corn, alfalfa, and vegetable land-use setting. All concentra- tions were less than state or federal maximum contaminant levels only 5 of the detected pesticides have established maximum contaminant levels) with the exception of 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane, which exceeded the maximum contaminant level of 0.2 micrograms per liter in 10 ground-water samples from vineyard land-use wells and in 5 ground- water samples from almond land-use wells. Simazine was detected most often, occurring in 50 percent of the ground-water samples from the vineyard land-use wells and in 30 percent

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2014

Mobilization of selenium from the Mancos Shale and associated soils in the lower Uncompahgre River Basin, Colorado

This study investigates processes controlling mobilization of selenium in the lower part of the Uncompahgre River Basin in western Colorado. Selenium occurs naturally in the underlying Mancos Shale and is leached to groundwater and surface water by limited natural runoff, agricultural and domestic irrigation, and leakage from irrigation canals. Soil and sediment samples from the study area were tested using sequential extractions to identify the forms of selenium present in solid phases. Selenium speciation was characterized for nonirrigated and irrigated soils from an agricultural site and sediments from a wetland formed by a leaking canal. In nonirrigated areas, selenium was present in highly soluble sodium salts and gypsum. In irrigated soils, soluble forms of selenium were depleted and most selenium was associated with organic matter that was stable under near-surface weathering conditions. Laboratory leaching experiments and geochemical modeling confirm that selenium primarily is released to groundwater and surface water by dissolution of highly soluble selenium-bearing salts and gypsum present in soils and bedrock. Rates of selenium dissolution determined from column leachate experiments indicate that selenium is released most rapidly when water is applied to previously nonirrigated soils and sediment. High concentrations of extractable nitrate also were found in nonirrigated soils and bedrock that appear to be partially derived from weathered organic matter from the shale rather than from agricultural sources. Once selenium is mobilized, dissolved nitrate derived from natural sources appears to inhibit the reduction of dissolved selenium leading to elevated concentrations of selenium in groundwater. A conceptual model of selenium weathering is presented and used to explain seasonal variations in the surface-water chemistry of Loutzenhizer Arroyo, a major tributary contributor of selenium to the lower Uncompahgre River.

Colorado↗
USGS1974

Ground water in the Corvallis-Albany area, central Willamette Valley, Oregon

The Corvallis-Albany area is part of the alluvial plain that lies between the Cascade and Coast Ranges in the central Willamette Valley in northwestern Oregon. As used in this report, the Corvallis-Albany area consists of approximately 210 square miles and includes a part of the lower foothills of the Coast and Cascade Ranges. Volcanic and marine sedimentary units exposed in the foothills range in age from Eocene to Oligocene or Miocene. The volcanic rocks are primarily pillow lavas and basalt flows, which yield only small quantities of water generally adequate for domestic and stock use. Marine-deposited sandstone, siltstone, and shale of the older sedimentary units are fine grained, poorly permeable, and generally yield small volumes of water to wells. In the valley plain the older units are overlain by Pleistocene and Holocene alluvial deposits. The alluvial deposits (sand and gravel) of the valley plain contain the most productive aquifers in the area and are considered to be the only units feasible for large-scale development of ground-water supplies. Aquifers in the area are recharged principally by direct infiltration of precipitation. Most of the precipitation (about 38 in. per yr avg) occurs during late autumn and winter. Ground water is discharged naturally from the area by seepage and spring flow to streams, by evapotranspiration, by underflow, and artificially through wells. During 1971 the seasonal decline of water levels from winter to late summer averaged about 10 feet for the alluvial deposits. The seasonal change of storage in that year was estimated to be about 130,000 acre-feet. Of this volume, about 14,000 acre-feet was pumped from wells; the rest (about 116,000 acre-feet) was discharged through seeps and springs by evapotranspiration. The difference between pumpage and natural discharge indicates that a great quantity of additional water is available for development. The storage capacity of the alluvial aquifers in the area is estimated to be about 750,000 acre-feet between depths of 10 and 100 feet. Ground water from the alluvial deposits is chemically suitable for all uses, as is most of the water from perched-water bodies in the older sedimentary and volcanic rocks. However, the mineral content of water from the older sedimentary rocks, particularly from deeper producing zones in the valley plain, is greater than that from the alluvial deposits. Locally, some of the water from the older rocks is too saline for general use. Analysis of water samples for coliform bacteria indicates that ground-water pollution exists in parts of the Corvallis-Albany area. Further study is necessary to document fully the nature and extent of pollution.

Oregon↗
USGS2007

Water and Streambed-Sediment Quality in the Upper Elk River Basin, Missouri and Arkansas, 2004-06

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, collected water and streambedsediment samples in the Upper Elk River Basin in southwestern Missouri and northwestern Arkansas from October 2004 through December 2006. The samples were collected to determine the stream-water quality and streambed-sediment quality. In 1998, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources included a 21.5-mile river reach of the Elk River on the 303(d) list of impaired waters in Missouri as required by Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act. The Elk River is on the 303(d) list for excess nutrient loading. The total phosphorus distribution by decade indicates that the concentrations since 2000 have increased significantly from those in the 1960s, 1980s, and 1990s. The nitrate as nitrogen (nitrate) concentrations also have increased significantly in post-1985 from pre-1985 samples collected at the Elk River near Tiff City. Concentrations have increased significantly since the 1960s. Concentrations in the 1970s and 1980s, though similar, have increased from those in the 1960s, and the concentrations from the 1990s and 2000s increased still more. Nitrate concentrations significantly increased in samples that were collected during large discharges (greater than 355 cubic feet per second) from the Elk River near Tiff City. Nitrate concentrations were largest in Indian Creek. Several sources of nitrate are present in the basin, including poultry facilities in the upper part of the basin, effluent inflow from communities of Anderson and Lanagan, land-applied animal waste, chemical fertilizer, and possible leaking septic systems. Total phosphorus concentrations were largest in Little Sugar Creek. The median concentration of total phosphorus from samples from Little Sugar Creek near Pineville was almost four times the median concentration in samples from the Elk River near Tiff City. Median concentrations of nutrient species were greater in the stormwater samples than the median concentrations in the ambient samples. Nitrate concentrations in stormwater samples ranged from 133 to 179 percent of the concentration in the ambient samples. The total phosphorus concentrations in the stormwater samples ranged from about 200 to more than 600 percent of the concentration in the ambient samples. Base-flow conditions as reflected by the seepage run of the summer of 2006 indicate that 52 percent of the discharge at the Elk River near Tiff City is contributed by Indian Creek. Little Sugar Creek contributes 32 percent and Big Sugar Creek 9 percent of the discharge in the Elk River near Tiff City. Only about 7 percent of the discharge at Tiff City comes from the mainstem of the Elk River. Concentrations of dissolved ammonia plus organic nitrogen as nitrogen, dissolved ammonia as nitrogen, dissolved phosphorus, and dissolved orthophosphorus were detected in all streambed-sediment leachate samples. Concentrations of leachable nutrients in streambed-sediment samples generally tended to be slightly larger along the major forks of the Elk River as compared to tributary sites, with sites in the upper reaches of the major forks having among the largest concentrations. Concentrations of leachable nutrients in the major forks generally decreased with increasing distance downstream.

Scientific Investigations Report↗
USGS2006

A water-budget approach to restoring a sedge fen affected by diking and ditching

A vast, ground-water-supported sedge fen in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA was ditched in the early 1900s in a failed attempt to promote agriculture. Dikes were later constructed to impound seasonal sheet surface flows for waterfowl management. The US Fish and Wildlife Service, which now manages the wetland as part of Seney National Wildlife Refuge, sought to redirect water flows from impounded C-3 Pool to reduce erosion in downstream Walsh Ditch, reduce ground-water losses into the ditch, and restore sheet flows of surface water to the peatland. A water budget was developed for C-3 Pool, which serves as the central receiving and distribution body for water in the affected wetland. Surface-water inflows and outflows were measured in associated ditches and natural creeks, ground-water flows were estimated using a network of wells and piezometers, and precipitation and evaporation/evapotranspiration components were estimated using local meteorological data. Water budgets for the 1999 springtime peak flow period and the 1999 water year were used to estimate required releases of water from C-3 Pool via outlets other than Walsh Ditch and to guide other restoration activities. Refuge managers subsequently used these results to guide restoration efforts, including construction of earthen dams in Walsh Ditch upslope from the pool to stop surface flow, installation of new water-control structures to redirect surface water to sheet flow and natural creek channels, planning seasonal releases from C-3 Pool to avoid erosion in natural channels, stopping flow in downslope Walsh Ditch to reduce erosion, and using constructed earthen dams and natural beaver dams to flood the ditch channel below C-3 Pool. Interactions between ground water and surface water are critical for maintaining ecosystem processes in many wetlands, and management actions directed at restoring either ground- or surface-water flow patterns often affect both of these components of the water budget. This approach could thus prove useful in guiding restoration efforts in many hydrologically altered and managed wetlands worldwide.

Journal of Hydrology↗