u.s. department of the interior u.s. geological survey groundwater study for malad and bear rivers...
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U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey
Groundwater Study For Malad and Bear Rivers Drainages, Box Elder County
Bear River Water Conservancy District
102 West Forest Street
Brigham City, Utah 84302
April 23, 2012
Role of U.S. Geological Survey
Provide hydrologic understanding specifically designed to inform decisions about groundwater development and surface-water rights
Cooperative StudyDivision of Water RightsU.S. Geological Survey
Length of StudyMarch 2012 to March 2015
Funding$360,000
Hydrologic SystemGroundwater ENTERS (recharges) the subsurface flow from
the surrounding mountains and irrigated fields
Groundwater EXITS (discharges) the subsurface along the Bear and Malad Rivers, springs, Bear River Bird Refuge, and Great Salt Lake
L.J. Bjorklund and L.J. McGreevy , 1974, Ground-Water Resources of the Lower Bear River Drainage Basin, Box Elder County, Utah, State of Utah Technical Publication 44
How Groundwater Pumping Affects Surface WaterThe effect of groundwater pumping is a reduction in
natural discharge from the aquifer, an increase in recharge to the aquifer, or some combination
Controlling factors include: Location of pumping wells Permeability of the aquifer Where natural discharge occurs Where recharge occurs
Analysis Tool is Regional Groundwater Flow ModelSimulates the interactions between streams, groundwater,
springs, pumping, irrigation, and mountains
Includes: Permeability of the consolidated rocks in the
mountains Permeability of the sand-silt-clay in the valley Recharge from snow and rain Recharge from irrigation Discharge to wells, springs, streams, and plants
Groundwater Model Reflects Conditions in Early 1970’s
Modify to current conditions
Locations and amounts of irrigation Additional wells Discharge to streams and springs Consideration of field drains
Collection and Examination of Additional Data
Land owner cooperation for access to wells and other measurements sites is essential
Spring flows Stream flows Chemistry Water levels Field drains Land-use changes
Groundwater Model Will Be Used To Create “Capture Map”
San Pedro River, Arizona
Capture maps shows the amount of water that is “captured” or diverted from flowing through the aquifer to the river, due to pumping at a well
Example
An estimated 60% to 70% of water pumped from wells located in yellow areas would normally flow through the aquifer and discharge to the San Pedro River
Contacts
Lynette Brooks [email protected] 801 908 5014
Tim McKinney [email protected] 801 908 5060
Bert Stolp [email protected] 801 908 5061