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A plan to study the aquifer system of the Central Valley of California

Open-File Report 79-1480
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https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr791480

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Abstract

Unconsolidated Quaternary alluvial deposits comprise a large complex aquifer system in the Central Valley of California. Millions of acre-feet of water is pumped from the system annually to support a large and expanding agribusiness industry. Since the 1950's, water levels have been steadily declining in many areas of the valley and concern has been expressed about the ability of the entire ground-water system to support agribusiness at current levels, not to mention its ability to function at projected expansion levels. At current levels of ground-water use, an estimated 1.5 to 2 million acre-feet is withdrawn from storage each year; that is, 1.5 to 2 million acre-feet of water is pumped annually in excess of annual replenishment. The U.S. Geological Survey has initiated a 4-year study to develop geologic, hydrologic, and hydraulic information and to establish a valleywide ground-water data base that will be used to build computer models of the ground-water flow system. Subsequently, these models may be used to evaluate the system response to various ground-water management alternatives. This report describes current problems, objectives of the study, and outlines the general work to be accomplished in the study area. A bibliography of about 600 references is included. (Kosco-USGS)

Suggested Citation

Bertoldi, G.L., 1979, A plan to study the aquifer system of the Central Valley of California: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 79-1480, iii, 48 p. , https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr791480.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title A plan to study the aquifer system of the Central Valley of California
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 79-1480
DOI 10.3133/ofr791480
Year Published 1979
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Description iii, 48 p.
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Central Valley
Additional publication details