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Hydrogeology of Valley-Fill Aquifers and Adjacent Areas in Eastern Chemung County, New York

Scientific Investigations Report 2015-5092
Prepared in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20155092

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Abstract

The extent, hydrogeologic framework, and potential well yields of valley-fill aquifers within a 151-square-mile area of eastern Chemung County, New York, were investigated, and the upland distribution of till thickness over bedrock was characterized. The hydrogeologic framework of these valleyfill aquifers was interpreted from multiple sources of surficial and subsurface data and an interpretation of the origin of the glacial deposits, particularly during retreat of glacial ice from the region. Potential yields of screened wells are based on the hydrogeologic framework interpretation and existing well-yield data, most of which are from wells finished with open-ended well casing.

Water-resource potential is greatest within saturated sand and gravel in the Chemung River valley (nearly 1 mile wide), especially where induced infiltration of additional water from the Chemung River is possible. The second most favorable area is the Newtown Creek valley at the confluence of Newtown Creek with North Branch Newtown Creek east of Horseheads, N.Y. Extensive sand and gravel deposits within the Breesport, N.Y., area are largely unsaturated but may have greater saturation along the east side of Jackson Creek immediately north of Breesport. Till deposits confine sand and gravel along Newtown Creek at Erin, N.Y., and along much of the upper reach of North Branch Newtown Creek; this confining unit may limit recharge and potential well yield. The north-south oriented valleys of Baldwin and Wynkoop Creeks end at notched divides that imply input of glacial meltwater and limited sediment from outside of the present watersheds. These two valleys are relatively narrow but contain variably sorted sand and gravel, which, in places, may be capable of supplying modest-size community water systems.

Suggested Citation

Heisig, P.M., 2015, Hydrogeology of valley-fill aquifers and adjacent areas in eastern Chemung County, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2015–5092, 19 p. plus appendix and 1 pl., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sir20155092.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Distribution and Origin of Glacial and Postglacial Deposits
  • Groundwater-Resource Potential of Valley-Fill Aquifers in the Study Area
  • Sources of Groundwater and Groundwater Flow
  • Considerations for Aquifer Protection
  • Summary
  • References Cited
  • Appendix 1. Well Data for Eastern Chemung County, New York
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Hydrogeology of Valley-Fill Aquifers and Adjacent Areas in Eastern Chemung County, New York
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2015-5092
DOI 10.3133/sir20155092
Year Published 2015
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) New York Water Science Center
Description Report: vi, 18 p.; Plate: 36 x 48 inches; HTML Document; Appendix
Country United States
State New York
County Chemung County
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details