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Chemical quality of ground water in the Tehama-Colusa Canal service area, Sacramento Valley, California

Water-Resources Investigations Report 76-92
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri7692

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Abstract

The Tehama-Colusa Canal Service Area consists of about 450 square miles of irrigable land located on the west side of the Sacramento Valley, Calif. Upon the completion of the Tehama-Colusa Canal, it is expected that most of the service area will switch from passive forms of agriculture (dry farming and grazing) to intensive irrigated farming. Importation and application of surface water may affect the chemical quality of native ground water. This study documents the chemical quality of native ground water before large-scale importation and application of surface water provide the potential of altering the ground-water chemistry. Analyses of samples from 222 wells show that most of the area is underlain by ground water of a quality suitable for most agricultural and domestic uses. In the vicinities of College City-Arbuckle and the city of Williams, boron, chloride, sodium, and dissolved solids may be a threat to future agricultural activities where boron- or chloride-sensitive crops would be grown. The source of degraded ground water in the two areas is local intermittent streams that drain areas having numerous saline springs and seeps. (Woodard-USGS)

Suggested Citation

Bertoldi, G.L., 1976, Chemical quality of ground water in the Tehama-Colusa Canal service area, Sacramento Valley, California: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 76-92, iv, 44 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri7692.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Chemical quality of ground water in the Tehama-Colusa Canal service area, Sacramento Valley, California
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 76-92
DOI 10.3133/wri7692
Year Published 1976
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Description iv, 44 p.
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Sacramento Valley
Additional publication details