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Ground-water conditions in the Cottonwood-West Oakley Fan area, south-central Idaho

Water-Resources Investigations Report 84-4140
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri844140

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Abstract

Intensive groundwater development in the Cottonwood-West Oakley Fan area, Cassia County, Idaho, has resulted in rapid water-level declines and establishment of two critical groundwater areas. A northwest-trending fault in nearly coincident with the boundary between the two critical groundwater areas. Southwest of the fault, water levels in limestone are as much as 200 feet higher than those in silicic volcanics northeast of the fault, which indicates the fault is an effective barrier to groundwater movement. Results of an aquifer test in limestone southwest of the fault further indicate no hydraulic connection with the silicic volcanics aquifer northeast of the fault. Water levels in wells completed in limestone and silicic volcanics aquifers have declined 5 and 5.5 feet per year since 1977. Groundwater withdrawals in 1980 were about 60,000 acre-free from the silicic volcanics aquifer and, between 1977 and 1982, averaged about 5,300 acre-feet per year from the limestone aquifer. Annual recharge to the silicic volcanics aquifer is between about 10,000 and 26,000 acre-feet; recharge to the limestone aquifer is near 4,000 acre-feet. Limited water-quality data indicate the groundwater is chemically suitable for irrigation and domestic use. (USGS)

Suggested Citation

Edwards, T., and Young, H., 1984, Ground-water conditions in the Cottonwood-West Oakley Fan area, south-central Idaho: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 84-4140, iv, 32 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri844140.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Ground-water conditions in the Cottonwood-West Oakley Fan area, south-central Idaho
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 84-4140
DOI 10.3133/wri844140
Year Published 1984
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description iv, 32 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
Additional publication details