USGS

Regional Water Table (2000) and Ground-Water-Level Changes in the Mojave River and the Morongo Ground-Water Basins, Southwestern Mojave Desert, California

By Gregory A. Smith

 

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Water-Resources Investigations Report 02-4277

Sacramento, California 2003


Prepared in cooperation with the Mojave Water Agency


Complete accessible text of report (6.9 MB PDF)


Plate 1   (2.2 MB)
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This plate shows the location of 500 well sites and each site's measured water-level altitude (2000) in the Mojave River and Morongo ground water basins, southwestern Mojave Desert, California. The ground-water altitudes are contoured to show the regional water table and the general direction of ground-water flow. Selected wells show long-term (70 years) or short-term (5 years) water-level hydrographs.


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Abstract

The Mojave River and Morongo ground-water basins are in the southwestern part of the Mojave Desert in southern California. Ground water from these basins supplies a major part of the water requirements for the region. The continuous population growth in this area has resulted in ever-increasing demands on local ground-water resources. The collection and interpretation of ground-water data helps local water districts, military bases, and private citizens gain a better understanding of the ground-water systems, and consequently, water availability.


During 2000, the U. S. Geological Survey and other agencies made approximately 2,500 water-level measurements in the Mojave River and the Morongo ground-water basins. These data document recent conditions and, when compared with previous data, changes in ground-water levels. A water-level contour map was drawn using data from about 500 wells, providing coverage for most of the basins. Twenty-nine hydrographs show long-term (up to 70 years) water-level conditions throughout the basins, and 13 short-term (1996 to 2000) hydrographs show the effects of recharge and discharge along the Mojave River. In addition, a water-level-change map was compiled to compare 1998 and 2000 water-levels throughout the basins.


In the Mojave River ground-water basins, water-level data showed little change from 1998 to 2000, with the exception of areas along the Mojave River. Water levels along the Mojave River were typically in decline or unchanged, with exceptions near the Hodge and the Lenwood outlet, where water levels rose in response to artificial recharge. The Morongo ground-water basin had virtually no change in water levels from 1998 to 2000, with the exception of Yucca Valley, where artificial recharge and ground-water withdrawal continues.

Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Acknowledgments

Description of Study Area

Geohydrology

Ground-Water Levels and Flow

Water-Level Changes

References Cited


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Water Resources of California


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