thumbnail

Hydrogeologic Investigation, Framework, and Conceptual Flow Model of the Antlers Aquifer, Southeastern Oklahoma, 1980–2022

Scientific Investigations Report 2025-5013
Prepared in cooperation with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board
By: , , , , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255013

Links

Abstract

The 1973 Oklahoma Groundwater Law (Oklahoma Statute §82–1020.5) requires that the Oklahoma Water Resources Board conduct hydrologic investigations of the State’s groundwater basins to support a determination of the maximum annual yield for each groundwater basin. Every 20 years, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board is required to update the hydrologic investigation on which the maximum annual yield determinations were based. The maximum annual yield allocated per acre of land is used to set the equal-proportionate share pumping rate. The maximum annual yield of 5,913,600 acre-feet per year and equal-proportionate-share of 2.1 acre-feet per acre per year currently (2025) in place for the Antlers aquifer were issued by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board on February 14, 1995. Because more than 20 years have elapsed since the 1995 final order for the Antlers aquifer was issued, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, completed an in-depth hydrologic study that included a hydrogeologic framework and conceptual groundwater-flow model for the 1980–2022 study period.

The results of an analysis of land use, long-term climate patterns, streamflow and base-flow patterns, historical groundwater use, as well as groundwater-level fluctuations across the Antlers aquifer are described. In addition, groundwater quality was analyzed for total dissolved solids concentrations and major ions for the Antlers aquifer. An updated hydrogeologic framework was developed that included refining the aquifer boundary in Oklahoma, the creation of new potentiometric surface and saturated thickness of fresh groundwater maps, one multiple-well aquifer test, slug tests, and an analysis of lithologic logs across the aquifer. A conceptual groundwater flow model and water budget were developed by incorporating estimates of recharge from precipitation, saturated-zone evapotranspiration, streambed seepage, lateral groundwater flows, vertical leakage, and withdrawals from groundwater wells.

Suggested Citation

Fetkovich, E.J., Morris, A.S., Dale, I.A., Codner, C., Kirby, E.A., Baciocco, C.A., Rogers, I.M.J., Wagner, D.L., Tomlinson, Z.D., and Fiorentino, E.G., 2025, Hydrogeologic investigation, framework, and conceptual flow model of the Antlers aquifer, southeastern Oklahoma, 1980–2022: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5013, 55 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255013.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments 
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Hydrogeology of the Antlers Aquifer and Surrounding Units
  • Hydrogeologic Framework of the Antlers Aquifer
  • Conceptual Groundwater Flow Model and Water Budget
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Hydrogeologic investigation, framework, and conceptual flow model of the Antlers aquifer, southeastern Oklahoma, 1980–2022
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2025-5013
DOI 10.3133/sir20255013
Publication Date March 19, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
Description Report: x, 55 p.; Data Release; Dataset
Country United States
State Oklahoma, Texas
Other Geospatial Antlers aquifer study
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details