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At least 1,621 records · Page 90Linked to original sources
USGS1990

A Mass-balance nitrate model for predicting the effects of land use on ground-water quality in municipal wellhead-protection areas

A mass-balance accounting model can be used to guide the management of septic systems and fertilizers to control the degradation of groundwater quality in zones of an aquifer that contributes water to public supply wells. The nitrate nitrogen concentration of the mixture in the well can be predicted for steady-state conditions by calculating the concentration that results from the total weight of nitrogen and total volume of water entering the zone of contribution to the well. These calculations will allow water-quality managers to predict the nitrate concentrations that would be produced by different types and levels of development, and to plan development accordingly. Computations for different development schemes provide a technical basis for planners and managers to compare water quality effects and to select alternatives that limit nitrate concentration in wells. Appendix A contains tables of nitrate loads and water volumes from common sources for use with the accounting model. Appendix B describes the preparation of a spreadsheet for the nitrate loading calculations with a software package generally available for desktop computers. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗
USGS2011

Seasonal seepage investigation on an urbanized reach of the lower Boise River, southwestern Idaho, water year 2010

The U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Idaho Department of Water Resources Treasure Valley Comprehensive Aquifer Management Planning effort investigated seasonal groundwater gains and losses on the Boise River, Idaho, starting in November 2009 through August 2010. The investigation was conducted using seepage runs in 11 subreaches over a 14-mile reach from downstream of the inactive streamgage, Boise River below Diversion Dam (U.S. Geological Survey station No. 13203510) to the active Boise River at Glenwood Bridge streamgage (U.S. Geological Survey station No. 13206000). The seepage runs measured mainstem discharge, and significant tributary contributions and diversions along the reach. In addition, an evaluation of the groundwater hydraulic gradient was simultaneously conducted through shallow groundwater mini-piezometers adjacent to the river during February (low stream discharge) and May (high stream discharge) measurement timeframes. November discharge estimates, representative of autumn, had gains and losses that varied by subreach with an overall net gain of 42 ± 8 cubic feet per second (ft 3 /s). This finding compares favorably to a previous U.S. Geological Survey seepage investigation in November 1996 that found a gaining reach with an estimated gain of 52 ft 3 /s. This finding also is supported by a U.S. Geological Survey investigation in the study reach in November 1971 that estimated a gain of 74 ft 3 /s, which largely came from groundwater. The February discharge estimates, representative of winter conditions, showed variability in the reach with a net gain of 52 ft 3 /s with an uncertainty estimate of ± 7 ft 3 /s, which is consistent with the low stream discharge findings from November 2009. This finding is further supported by the differential hydraulic head measured at transect sites that qualitatively indicated groundwater to surface-water movement with few exceptions. The May discharge estimates, representative of the spring-time conditions, were gaining or potentially gaining in all but one of the upper subreaches between Boise River below Diversion Dam and Boise River near MK Nature Center sites, with seepage run results supported by hydraulic head differentials indicating a groundwater to surface-water movement. The lower end of the study reach between Boise River near MK Nature Center and Boise River at Glenwood Bridge sites showed more variability with observed hydraulic head differentials that partially supported the potential gains or losses in the reach. Overall, the reach had a calculated net gain of 24 ± 51 ft 3 /s and, therefore, this estimate may or may not reflect the actual conditions in the reach. The groundwater gains and losses in August, representative of summer conditions, varied in both the upper and lower parts of the reach, with a net loss of -88 ± 69 ft 3 /s. Overall, the reach experienced a net gain from groundwater at low stream discharges (November and February), a net loss to groundwater at moderately high stream discharge (August), and an ambiguous finding at a higher stream discharge (May). The hydraulic head differentials measured between the groundwater and surface water largely supported the calculated gain and loss estimates in the subreaches, with a potential for groundwater to surface-water movement at low stream discharge in February, and variability during high stream discharge conditions in May.

Scientific Investigations Report↗
USGS2017

Streamflow alteration at selected sites in Kansas

An understanding of streamflow alteration in response to various disturbances is necessary for the effective management of stream habitat for a variety of species in Kansas. Streamflow alteration can have negative ecological effects. Using a modeling approach, streamflow alteration was assessed for 129 selected U.S. Geological Survey streamgages in the State for which requisite streamflow and basin-characteristic information was available. The assessment involved a comparison of the observed condition from 1980 to 2015 with the predicted expected (least-disturbed) condition for 29 streamflow metrics. The metrics represent various characteristics of streamflow including average flow (annual, monthly) and low and high flow (frequency, duration, magnitude). Streamflow alteration in Kansas was indicated locally, regionally, and statewide. Given the absence of a pronounced trend in annual precipitation in Kansas, a precipitation-related explanation for streamflow alteration was not supported. Thus, the likely explanation for streamflow alteration was human activity. Locally, a flashier flow regime (typified by shorter lag times and more frequent and higher peak discharges) was indicated for three streamgages with urbanized basins that had higher percentages of impervious surfaces than other basins in the State. The combination of localized reservoir effects and regional groundwater pumping from the High Plains aquifer likely was responsible, in part, for diminished conditions indicated for multiple streamflow metrics in western and central Kansas. Statewide, the implementation of agricultural land-management practices to reduce runoff may have been responsible, in part, for a diminished duration and magnitude of high flows. In central and eastern Kansas, implemented agricultural land-management practices may have been partly responsible for an inflated magnitude of low flows at several sites.

Kansas↗
USGS2021

Characterization of water resources in the Big Lost River Basin, south-central Idaho

Water resources in the Big Lost River Basin, Idaho are vital to irrigated agriculture, domestic, municipal and other uses but declining groundwater levels, diminished streamflows, and concern about drought motivated an evaluation of water resources in the basin. This multichapter volume documents the findings of a hydrogeologic investigation of the Big Lost River Basin that was jointly conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, Idaho Department of Water Resources, and Idaho Geological Survey from 2018 through 2021. Chapter A (Zinsser, 2021) describes the hydrogeologic framework of the Big Lost River Basin. The framework presents a conceptual definition of four hydrogeologic units, a three-dimensional hydrogeologic framework model representing the spatial occurrence of the hydrogeologic units, and a description of groundwater occurrence and movement. Chapter B (Dudunake and Zinsser, 2021) describes streamflow gains from and losses to groundwater in the Big Lost River between Mackay Reservoir and south of Arco. Streamflow losses and gains were estimated from a series of four measurement events completed during spring and fall conditions from 2019 to 2021. Chapter C (Clark, 2022) describes budgets for the Big Lost River Basin from 2000 to 2019. The groundwater budgets provide annual estimates for aquifer inflows and outflows and include representations of average, wet, and dry conditions. Collectively, these reports present a characterization of water resources in the Big Lost River Basin that will help address current challenges in water-resources management.

Idaho↗
USGS2022

Trends in groundwater levels, and orthophosphate and nitrate concentrations in the Middle Snake River Region, south-central Idaho

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) evaluated nitrate and orthophosphate concentrations in groundwater for temporal trends (monotonic and step trends) for the middle Snake River region (Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls Counties) in south-central Idaho using the Regional Kendall test (monotonic trends) and the Wilcoxon signed rank test (step trends). The study evaluated two trend periods: 2000–09 and 2010–19/20. The study area was divided into six hydrogeologic zones (HZs) that had similar geologic and hydrologic characteristics and that correlated with county boundaries where possible. Two well networks sampled by the USGS National Water Quality Program within the HZs were also evaluated. The northern Gooding County HZ had statistically significant increasing nitrate concentration trends for both the monotonic and step trends in the early trend period, while the Cassia and Jerome/Southern Gooding County HZs only had one of the statistical tests with statistically significant increasing nitrate concentrations. The Minidoka County HZ had conflicting results between the two statistical tests for the early time period with a statistically significant increasing monotonic trend in nitrate concentration and a statistically significant decreasing step trend. The differing results between these two statistical tests indicates the significance of concentration data during the middle of the time period. Both the Lincoln and Twin Falls County HZs did not have statistically significant trends for either test during either time period as well as the Northern Gooding County HZ for the latter time period. The Minidoka County HZ had statistically significant nitrate trends for both tests in the latter time period along with one of the trend tests for the Cassia and Jerome/Southern Gooding County HZ. Most of the nitrate concentration trend rates are low from 0.01 to 0.12 milligram per liter per year (mg/L/year) with the northern Gooding County HZ having the highest trend rate during the early time period of 0.28 mg/L/year for the step trend and 0.55 mg/L/year for the monotonic trend. All the HZs and both well networks had statistically significant increasing orthophosphate-concentrations trends in groundwater for the early time period except for the Lincoln County HZ and the step-trend for the Minidoka County HZ. Orthophosphate concentration trend rates for the early period were low, ranging from 0.001 to 0.015 mg/L/year. Only two HZs and the well networks had enough orthophosphate concentration data available in the latter time period to do statistical analysis. The two HZs (Minidoka and Southern Gooding/Jerome County) both have decreasing orthophosphate concentration trends, with only the monotonic trend for the Southern Gooding/Jerome County HZ being statistically significant at 90 percent with a rate of −0.001 mg/L/year. Groundwater levels in two well networks in the eastern Snake River Plain aquifer were also evaluated for trends (monotonic and step), with both networks having statistically significant declining groundwater levels for the 1993–2009 trend period. The latter trend period (2010–20) had statistically significant declining groundwater levels for the A&B well network and statistically significant increasing groundwater levels for the Jerome/Gooding well network, which is downgradient from an aquifer recharge area.

Idaho↗
USGS2026

Groundwater tracing used to delineate recharge areas and map karst groundwater pathways for subterranean streams at Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve in southwestern Oregon is a 4,554-​acre area managed by the National Park Service that is home to several cave systems, including Oregon Caves, which is the longest cave in Oregon, with 3.03 miles of mapped passages. Because of the interconnected nature of karst hydrologic systems, it is critical to understand the areas that can influence water quality and quantity in karst environments. Toward this goal, dye tracing was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey from 2021 to 2024 to better understand the pathways that karst groundwater follows at Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve and to delineate recharge areas for two caves, Oregon Caves and Cave Next Door. During the project, eight dye injections were conducted, delineating a 0.51-​square-​mile recharge area for Oregon Caves and a 0.69-​square-​mile recharge area for Cave Next Door. Additionally, the study helped to identify three resurgences associated with Oregon Caves that were previously unknown and showed that the recharge areas for the two caves were distinct from one another. The dye traces also illuminated some unique recharge characteristics of the karst at Oregon Caves, including a high variance in karst groundwater velocities, retention within the karst aquifers, and a significant diffuse-​flow component.

Oregon↗
USGS2026

Water use in Louisiana, 2020

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, collected water-withdrawal and water-use data from a 2020 inventory of water withdrawals in Louisiana. In 2020, approximately 8,700 million gallons per day (Mgal/d) of water was withdrawn from groundwater and surface-water sources in Louisiana, which represented a 0.22-percent decrease from 2015. Total groundwater withdrawals were about 1,900 Mgal/d, an increase of 7.1 percent from 2015, and total surface-water withdrawals were about 6,800 Mgal/d, a decrease of 2.1 percent from 2015 to 2020. Total water withdrawals, in million gallons per day, in 2020 for the various categories of use were as follows: public supply, 720; industry, 2,100; power generation, 4,100; rural domestic, 39; livestock, 7.0; rice irrigation, 930; general irrigation, 250; and aquaculture, 590. From 2015 to 2020, Louisiana’s total withdrawals for public supply increased by 1.4 percent, industry decreased by 2.3 percent, power generation decreased by 4.9 percent, rural domestic decreased by 1.2 percent, livestock increased by 11 percent, rice irrigation increased by 13 percent, general irrigation increased by 12 percent, and aquaculture increased by 20 percent. About 51 percent (approximately 960 Mgal/d) of all groundwater withdrawn was from the Chicot aquifer system and 24 percent (approximately 450 Mgal/d) was withdrawn from the Mississippi River alluvial aquifer. Since 2015, withdrawals from the Chicot aquifer system increased by 13 percent, and withdrawals from the Mississippi River alluvial aquifer increased by 18 percent. About 72 percent (4,900 Mgal/d) of all surface water withdrawn was from the Mississippi River main stem. This value represents a 1.1-percent decrease in withdrawals from 2015 to 2020. All water-withdrawal and water-use data presented in this report should be considered estimates. Because of rounding, totals and percentages presented in the tables, figures, and text in the report may differ slightly from totals or percentages calculated individually.

Louisiana↗
USGS2004

Hydrogeology and simulation of regional ground-water-level declines in Monroe County, Michigan

Observed ground-water-level declines from 1991 to 2003 in northern Monroe County, Michigan, are consistent with increased ground-water demands in the region. In 1991, the estimated ground-water use in the county was 20 million gallons per day, and 80 percent of this total was from quarry dewatering. In 2001, the estimated ground-water use in the county was 30 million gallons per day, and 75 percent of this total was from quarry dewatering. Prior to approximately 1990, the ground-water demands were met by capturing natural discharge from the area and by inducing leakage through glacial deposits that cover the bedrock aquifer. Increased ground-water demand after 1990 led to declines in ground-water level as the system moves toward a new steady-state. Much of the available natural discharge from the bedrock aquifer had been captured by the 1991 conditions, and the response to additional withdrawals resulted in the observed widespread decline in water levels. The causes of the observed declines were explored through the use of a regional ground-water-flow model. The model area includes portions of Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties in Michigan, and portions of Fulton, Henry, and Lucas Counties in Ohio. Factors, including lowered water-table elevations because of below average precipitation during the time period (1991 - 2001) and reduction in water supply to the bedrock aquifer because of land-use changes, were found to affect the regional system, but these factors did not explain the regional decline. Potential ground-water capture for the bedrock aquifer in Monroe County is limited by the low hydraulic conductivity of the overlying glacial deposits and shales and the presence of dense saline water within the bedrock as it dips into the Michigan Basin to the west and north of the county. Hydrogeologic features of the bedrock and the overlying glacial deposits were included in the model design. An important step of characterizing the bedrock aquifer was the determination of inputs and outputs of water—leakage from glacial deposits and flows across model boundaries. The imposed demands on the groundwater system create additional discharge from the bedrock aquifer, and this discharge is documented by records and estimates of water use including: residential and industrial use, irrigation, and quarry dewatering. Hydrologic characterization of Monroe County and surrounding areas was used to determine the model boundaries and inputs within the ground-water model. MODFLOW-2000 was the computer model used to simulate ground-water flow. Predevelopment, 1991, and 2001 conditions were simulated with the model. The predevelopment model did not include modern water use and was compared to information from early settlement of the county. The 1991 steady-state model included modern demands on the ground-water system and was based on a significant amount of data collected for this and previous studies. The predevelopment and 1991 simulations were used to calibrate the numerical model. The simulation of 2001 conditions was based on recent data and explored the potential ground-water levels if the current conditions persist. Model results indicate that the ground-water level will stabilize in the county near current levels if the demands imposed during 2001 are held constant.

Michigan↗
USGS1983

Hydrology of the Little Androscoggin River Valley aquifer, Oxford County, Maine

The Little Androscoggin River valley aquifer, a 15-square-mile sand and gravel valley-fill aquifer in southwestern Maine, is the source of water for the towns of Norway, Oxford, and South Paris. Estimated inflows to the aquifer during the 1981 water year were 16.4 cubic feet per second from precipitation directly on the aquifer, 11.2 cubic feet per second from till covered uplands adjacent to the aquifer, and 1.4 cubic feet per second from surface-water leakage. Outflows from the aquifer were 26.7 cubic feet per second to surface water and 2.3 cubic feet per second to wells. A finite-difference ground-water flow model was used to simulate conditions observed in the aquifer during 1981. Model conditions observed in the aquifer during 1981. Model simulations indicate that a 50 percent reduction of average 1981 recharge to the aquifer would cause water level declines of up to 20 feet in some areas. Model simulations of increased pumping at a high yield well in the northern part of the aquifer indicate that resulting changes in the water table will not be sufficient to intercept groundwater contaminated by a sludge disposal site. Water in the aquifer is low in dissolved solids (average for 38 samples was 67 mg/L), slightly acidic and soft. Ground-water contamination has occurred near a sludge-disposal site and in the vicinity of a sanitary landfill. Dissolved solids in ground water near the sludge disposal site were as much as ten times greater than average background values for the aquifer. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1987

Regional Aquifer-System Analysis Program of the US Geological Survey; bibliography, 1978-86

The Regional Aquifer-System Analysis Program of the U.S. Geological Survey was initiated in 1978. The purpose of this program is to define the regional geohydrology and establish a framework of background information on geology, hydrology, and geochemistry of the Nation 's important aquifer systems. This information is needed to develop an understanding of the Nation 's major groundwater flow systems and to support better groundwater resources management. As of 1986, investigations of 28 regional aquifer systems were planned, investigations of 9 regional aquifer systems were completed, and 11 regional aquifer systems were being studied. This report is a bibliography of reports completed under the Regional Aquifer-System Analysis Program from 1978 through 1986. The reports resulting from each regional aquifer-system study are listed after an introduction to the study. During 1978-86, 488 reports were completed under the Regional Aquifer-System Analysis Program, and 168 reports which were partially funded by the Regional Aquifer-System Analysis Program were completed under the National Research Program. (Author 's abstract)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1960

Geology and ground-water resources of Platte County, Wyoming, with a section on Chemical quality of the water

Platte County, Wyo., has an area of 2,114 square miles and, in 1950, had a population of 7,925; it lies within parts of two major physiographic provinces, the northern extension of the Southern Rocky Mountains and the northwestern part of the Great Plains. The Laramie Range and related structures lie along the western margin of the county and constitute the eastern limit of the Rocky Mountain Front Range. The High Plains section of the Great Plains province extends eastward from the Laramie Range over the remainder of the county. The original surface of the High Plains has been deeply eroded, and in the northeastern part of the county it is broken by the broad uplifted structural platform of the Hartville Hills. The North Platte River and its tributaries have entrenched their channels as much as 1,000 feet into the plains, leaving wide, very flat intervalley areas that are interrupted by a few isolated buttes and outlying ridges. Well-defined terraces, locally called the Wheatland Flats, have been formed in central Platte County. The climate is semiarid, the average annual precipitation being about 15 inches. Farming and stockraising are the principal occupations in the county. Most of the rocks exposed in the county are of Tertiary and Quaternary age, although rocks as old as Precambrian crop out locally. The Arikaree and Brule formations and younger deposits, including Tertiary ( ?) deposits (undifferentiated) and terrace, flood-plain, and other alluvial deposits, underlie more than two-thirds of the county. Mesozoic, Paleozoic, and Precambrian rocks crop out in the other third and underlie the younger rocks at great depths elsewhere. Small supplies of ground water adequate for domestic and stock use can be obtained from shallow wells in the Casper, Hartville, Cloverly, Brule, and Arikaree formations and in the terrace and flood-plain deposits. Small to moderate amounts of ground water can be obtained from the 'Converse sand' of the Hartville formation. Several flowing wells obtain water from this sand near Glendo. Moderate to large supplies of ground water adequate for small-scale irrigation or industrial uses or for public supply can be obtained from properly constructed wells penetrating thick saturated sections of the Arikaree formation and from the terrace and flood-plain deposits. Large supplies of ground water can be obtained from the flood-plain deposits of the North Platte River near Guernsey, where wells commonly yield more than 1,000 gpm (gallons per minute). The aquifers with greatest potential for additional groundwater development in Platte County, in decreasing order of importance, are the flood-plain deposits along the North Platte River and its tributaries, the Arikaree formation and terrace deposits in parts of the Wheatland Flats, and the 'Converse sand' in the general vicinity of Glendo.

Water Supply Paper↗
USGS1963

Salt-water encroachment, geology, and ground-water resources of Savannah area, Georgia and South Carolina

The Savannah area consists of about 2,300 square miles of the Coastal Plain along the coast of eastern Georgia and southeastern South Carolina. Savannah is near the center of the area. Most of the large ground-water developments are in or near Savannah. About 98 percent of the approximately 60 mgd of ground water used is pumped from the principal artesian aquifer, which is composed of about 600 feet of limestone of middle Eocene, Oligocene, and early Miocene ages. Industrial and other wells of large diameter yield as much as 4,200 gpm from the principal artesian aquifer. Pumping tests and flow-net analyses show that the coefficient of transmissibility averages about 200,000 gpd per ft in the immediate Savannah area. The specific capacity of wells in the principal artesian aquifer generally is about 50 gpm per ft of drawdown. The coefficient of storage of the principal artesian aquifer is about 0.0003 in the Savannah area. Underlying the Savannah area are a series of unconsolidated and semiconsolidated sediments ranging in age from Late Cretaceous to Recent. The Upper Cretaceous, Paleocene, and lower Eocene sediments supply readily available and usable water in other parts of the Coastal Plain, but although the character and physical properties of these formations are similar in the Savannah area to the same properties in other areas, the hydraulic and structural conditions appear to be different. Deep test wells are needed to evaluate the ground-water potential of these rocks. The lower part of the sediments of middle Eocene age acts as a confining layer to the vertical movement of water into or out of the principal artesian aquifer. Depending on the location and depth, the principal artesian aquifer consists of from one to five geologic units. The lower boundary of the aquifer is determined by a reduction in permeability and an increase in salt-water content. Although the entire limestone section is considered water bearing, most of the ground water used in the area comes from the upper part of the Ocala limestone of late Eocene age and the limestones of Oligocene age. The greatest volume of water comes from the upper part of the Ocala limestone, but the greatest number of wells are supplied from the rocks of Oligocene age. The Tampa limestone and Hawthorn formation of early Miocene age are generally water bearing; the amount and quality of the water depends on the location. The water from some wells in the Tampa and most of the water from the Hawthorn is high in hydrogen sulfide. In the northeastern part of the area the principal artesian aquifer is close to the land surface. Here the confining layer is thin and in some of the estauaries it may be completely cut through by the scouring action of the streams during tidal fluctuations. In this part of the area artesian groundwater at one time discharged from the aquifer as submarine springs. Now a reverse effect may be occurring; ocean and river water may be entering the aquifer. The silts, clays, and very fine sands of the upper Miocene and Pliocene ( ?) series generally have low permeabilities and form the upper confining layer for the principal artesian aquifer. Although all the sediments overlying the principal artesian aquifer are considered to be part of the confining layer, locally some of the upper units are water bearing. The uppermost geologic units in the Savannah area are sediments of Pliocene ( ?) to Recent age and consist of sands, silts, and clays with shell and gravel beds which are a source of water for shallow wells. The first large ground-water supply from the principal artesian aquifer was developed in 1886 by the city of Savannah. Additional municipal and industrial supplies have been developed since that time. Pumpage progressively increased to a peak of 62 mgd in 1957. Outside of the city and industrial area the 1957 pumpage was about 9 mgd. In 1958 the total pumpage in the Savannah area was about 68 mgd or about 3 mgd less th

Georgia, South Carolina↗
USGS2022

Simulation of heat flow in a synthetic watershed: Lags and dampening across multiple pathways under a climate-forcing scenario

Although there is widespread agreement that future climates tend toward warming, the response of aquatic ecosystems to that warming is not well understood. This work, a continuation of companion research, explores the role of distinct watershed pathways in lagging and dampening climate-change signals. It subjects a synthetic flow and transport model to a 30-year warming signal based on climate projections, quantifying the heat breakthrough on a monthly time step along connected pathways. The system corresponds to a temperate watershed roughly 27 km on a side and consists of (a) land-surface processes of overland flow, (b) infiltration through an unsaturated zone (UZ) above an unconfined sandy aquifer overlying impermeable bedrock, and (c) groundwater flow along shallow and deep pathlines that converge as discharge to a surface-water network. Numerical simulations show that about 40% of the warming applied to watershed infiltration arrives at the water table and that the UZ stores a large fraction of the upward-trending heat signal. Additionally, once groundwater reaches the surface-water network after traveling through the saturated zone, only about 10% of the original warm-up signal is returned to streams by discharge. However, increases in the simulated streamflow temperatures are of similar magnitude to increases at the water table, due to the addition of heat by storm runoff, which bypasses UZ and groundwater storage and counteracts subsurface dampening. The synthetic modeling method and tentative findings reported here provide a potential workflow for real-world applications of climate-change modeling at the full watershed scale.

Water↗
USGS1985

CHEMISTRY OF LOW-TEMPERATURE GEOTHERMAL WATERS AT KLAMATH FALLS, OREGON.

Chemical and isotopic analyses of well discharges indicate that in the aquifer mixing occurs between shallow cold groundwater containing 2. 0 TU tritium and a deeper tritium-free thermal groundwaer at 100 to 120 degree C. This deeper water apparently results from the mixing of old, tritium-free cold groundwater and deep thermal groundwater at about 190 degree C and 120 mg/kg Cl. The temperature and chlorinity of the deep thermal water are based on SO//4-isotope and silica geothermometers and chloride and silica mixing models.

Conference Paper↗
USGS1991

Sensitivity analysis of a ground-water-flow model

A sensitivity analysis was performed on 18 hydrological factors affecting steady-state groundwater flow in the Upper Floridan aquifer near Albany, southwestern Georgia. Computations were based on a calibrated, two-dimensional, finite-element digital model of the stream-aquifer system and the corresponding data inputs. Flow-system sensitivity was analyzed by computing water-level residuals obtained from simulations involving individual changes to each hydrological factor. Hydrological factors to which computed water levels were most sensitive were those that produced the largest change in the sum-of-squares of residuals for the smallest change in factor value. Plots of the sum-of-squares of residuals against multiplier or additive values that effect change in the hydrological factors are used to evaluate the influence of each factor on the simulated flow system. The shapes of these 'sensitivity curves' indicate the importance of each hydrological factor to the flow system. Because the sensitivity analysis can be performed during the preliminary phase of a water-resource investigation, it can be used to identify the types of hydrological data required to accurately characterize the flow system prior to collecting additional data or making management decisions.

Conference Paper↗
USGS2011

Water Use in Louisiana, 2010

In 2010, approximately 8,500 million gallons per day (Mgal/d) of water was withdrawn from groundwater and surface-water sources in Louisiana. Total groundwater withdrawals were about 1,600 Mgal/d, and total surfacewater withdrawals were about 7,000 Mgal/d. From 2005 to 2010, groundwater withdrawals in Louisiana increased by 1.8 percent, and surface-water withdrawals decreased by 19 percent. Total water withdrawals in Louisiana decreased by 17 percent from 2005 to 2010. Water withdrawal totals in Mgal/d in 2010 for various categories of use were as follows: public supply-750, industry-2,100, power generation-4,400, rural domestic-41, livestock-8.0, rice irrigation-690, general irrigation-240, and aquaculture-300. From 2005 to 2010, changes in withdrawals, in percent, for the categories of use were as follows: public supply increased by 3.7, industry decreased by 33, power generation decreased by 14, rural domestic decreased by 6.1, livestock was unchanged, rice irrigation decreased by 13, general irrigation increased by 17, and aquaculture increased by 12. Forty-one percent (about 650 Mgal/d) of all groundwater was withdrawn from the Chicot aquifer system, and 25 percent (about 390 Mgal/d) was withdrawn from the Mississippi River alluvial aquifer. Since 2005, withdrawals from the Chicot aquifer system decreased by 2.1 percent, and withdrawals from the Mississippi River alluvial aquifer increased by 2.7 percent. About 72 percent (5,000 Mgal/d) of all surface water withdrawn was from the Mississippi River mainstem. This value represents a 24 percent decrease in withdrawals from 2005 to 2010.

Louisiana↗
USGS2018

Water use in Louisiana, 2015

In 2015, approximately 8,720 million gallons per day (Mgal/d) of water was withdrawn from groundwater and surface-water sources in Louisiana, a 2.6 percent increase from 2010. Total groundwater withdrawals were about 1,750 Mgal/d, an increase of 12 percent from 2010, and total surface-water withdrawals were about 6,970 Mgal/d, an increase of 0.44 percent from 2010 to 2015. Total water withdrawals, in Mgal/d, in 2015 for the various categories of use were as follows: public supply—715, industry—2,155, power generation—4,265, rural domestic—39, livestock—6, rice irrigation—825, general irrigation—225, and aquaculture—490. From 2010 to 2015, Louisiana’s total withdrawals for public supply decreased by 3.4 percent, industry increased by 5.7 percent, power generation decreased by 3.9 percent, rural domestic decreased by 4.1 percent, livestock decreased by 21 percent, rice irrigation increased by 20 percent, general irrigation decreased by 6.0 percent, and aquaculture increased by 58 percent. About 48 percent (approximately 850 Mgal/d) of all groundwater withdrawn was from the Chicot aquifer system and 22 percent (approximately 385 Mgal/d) was withdrawn from the Mississippi River alluvial aquifer. Since 2010, withdrawals from the Chicot aquifer system increased by 30 percent and withdrawals from the Mississippi River alluvial aquifer decreased by 2.9 percent. About 70 percent (4,905 Mgal/d) of all surface water withdrawn was from the Mississippi River mainstem. This value represents a 1.1-percent decrease in withdrawals from 2010 to 2015. All water-withdrawal and water-use data presented in this report should be considered estimates. Because of rounding, totals and percentages presented in the tables, figures, and text in the report may differ slightly from totals or percentages calculated individually

Louisiana↗
USGS2021

National-scale reservoir thermal energy storage pre-assessment for the United States

The U.S. Geological Survey is performing a pre-assessment of the cooling potential for reservoir thermal energy storage (RTES) in five generalized geologic regions (Basin and Range, Coastal Plains, Illinois Basin, Michigan Basin, Pacific Northwest) across the United States. Reservoir models are developed for the metropolitan areas of eight cities (Albuquerque, New Mexico; Charleston, South Carolina; Chicago and Decatur, Illinois; Lansing, Michigan; Memphis, Tennessee; Phoenix, Arizona; and Portland, Oregon) so that computed metrics can be compared to evaluate RTES potential across diverse climates, geologic settings, and physiography. Permeable, semi-confined/confined units that underlie more-utilized aquifers and contain low-quality groundwater are selected for each city. Energy storage metrics are computed for the anticipated total thickness of stratigraphy for which RTES might be feasible, including estimated required well spacing, thermal storage capacity, and thermal recovery efficiency over time. Falta et al. (2016) showed that for a modern 25,000 square-foot (2,323 square-meter), two-story office building, cooling needs exceed heating demand for almost every region of the country. We therefore use Falta et al.’s cooling demand for each city as the representative RTES stress condition for metric computation, allowing comparisons across regions. Results indicate that favorable RTES conditions exist in each region, particularly in the Illinois Basin, Coastal Plains, and Basin and Range. Thermal recovery efficiencies are very high in all regions and increase over time. The thermal storage capacity metric is most informative in the pre-assessment and underscores the importance of mapping reservoir thicknesses and porosities to permit detailed mapping of thermal storage capacity per unit area as a key RTES resource classification standard. This assessment provides a basic understanding of the RTES potential in several metropolitan areas and geologic regions throughout the United States and will aid further evaluation of national RTES efficacy.

Conference Paper↗