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Chemical quality of ground water in the eastern Sacramento Valley, California

Water-Resources Investigations Report 78-124
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https://doi.org/10.3133/wri78124

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Abstract

The study area is about 1,300 square miles in the eastern Sacramento Valley, Calif., extending from the latitude of Roseville on the south to thelatitude of Chico on the north. Considering the increased agricultural development of the area, this report documents the chemical character of the ground water prior to water-level declines that could result from extensive pumping for irrigation or to changes caused by extensive use of imported surface water. Chemical 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 purposes. Ninety-five percent of the water sampled has dissolved-solids concentrations of less than 700 milligrams per liter. The general water type for the area is a calcium and magnesium bicarbonate water and there are negligible amounts of toxic trace elements. The potential for water-quality problems exists in the area south of Yuba City along the west bank of the Feather River. There, concentrations of chloride, sulfate, and dissolved solids are higher than in other parts of the area, and they could limit future agricultural activities if chloride- and sulfate-sensitive crops are grown. (Woodard-USGS)

Suggested Citation

Fogelman, R.P., 1979, Chemical quality of ground water in the eastern Sacramento Valley, California: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 78-124, iv, 45 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri78124.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Chemical quality of ground water in the eastern Sacramento Valley, California
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 78-124
DOI 10.3133/wri78124
Year Published 1979
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Description iv, 45 p.
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Sacramento Valley
Additional publication details