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Assessment of Water Chemistry of the Coconino Aquifer in Northeastern Arizona

Scientific Investigations Report 2025-5038
Prepared in cooperation with the Hopi Tribe
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255038

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Abstract

The Coconino aquifer was investigated as a potential groundwater resource for the Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona. Basic groundwater chemistry, including major ions, total dissolved solids, and selected trace metal concentrations, are presented and analyzed to characterize the Coconino aquifer. The geochemical compositions of groundwater are associated with changes in geology and groundwater movement and are compared to drinking-water standards to determine suitable areas for potential groundwater resource development. Dissolved-solids concentrations in much of the Coconino aquifer water were higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s secondary drinking-water standard of 500 milligrams per liter (mg/L) due to a buried halite body in the southeastern part of the study area. However, trace metal concentrations were generally low. Groundwater may need to be treated for high dissolved-solids concentrations before it is suitable for use as a resource for the Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation.

Suggested Citation

Jones, C.J.R., 2025, Assessment of water chemistry of the Coconino aquifer in northeastern Arizona: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5038, 30 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255038.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Description of Study Area
  • Approach and Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Conclusions
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Assessment of water chemistry of the Coconino aquifer in northeastern Arizona
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2025-5038
DOI 10.3133/sir20255038
Publication Date July 03, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Description viii, 30 p.
Country United States
State Arizona
Other Geospatial Coconino aquifer
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details