Geohydrology of Brooks, Lowndes, and western Echols Counties, Georgia
Water-Resources Investigations Report
78-117
Prepared in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources
By: R.E. Krause
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- Document: Report
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- Table: Table (pdf)
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Abstract
The principal artesian aquifer, a limestone of Eocene to Miocene age, is the main source of water supply for Brooks, Lowndes, and western Echols Counties in south Georgia. Pumpage of about 22 million gallons perday from this prolific aquifer has not posed any problems regarding declining water levels or depletion of the reservoir. However, water-quality problems do occur in the Valdosta area. Seepage-run measurements indicate that the Withlacoochee River north of Valdosta contributes an average of 112 cubic feet per second of water to caverns and sinkholes that recharge the aquifer. Wells near the recharge area withdraw relatively unfiltered water with iron concentration and color intensity exceeding standards for drinking water. South of Valdosta, water from the aquifer contains as much as 3.0 milligrams per liter of hydrogen sulfide, rendering the water unfit for drinking. Water high in sulfate concentration occurs below 550 feet in the lower part of the aquifer in Valdosta, and is assumed to be present at that depth throughout the study area. Generally, sufficient quantities of freshwater can be obtained without drilling to this depth.
Suggested Citation
Krause, R., 1979, Geohydrology of Brooks, Lowndes, and western Echols Counties, Georgia: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 78-117, Report: vi, 48 p.; 8 Plates: 20.81 14.96 inches or smaller; Table, https://doi.org/10.3133/wri78117.
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Geohydrology of Brooks, Lowndes, and western Echols Counties, Georgia |
| Series title | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
| Series number | 78-117 |
| DOI | 10.3133/wri78117 |
| Year Published | 1979 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Doraville, GA |
| Contributing office(s) | South Atlantic Water Science Center |
| Description | Report: vi, 48 p.; 8 Plates: 20.81 14.96 inches or smaller; Table |
| Country | United States |
| State | Georgia |
| County | Brooks County, Echols County, Lowndes County |