Reconnaissance of ground-water resources in the lower Gunnison River basin, southwestern Colorado
Water-Resources Investigations Report
84-4185
By: Tom Brooks and D. J. Ackerman
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Abstract
Information about ground-water quantity and quality in the lower Gunnison River basin assists in developing, appropriating, and managing the basin 's water resources. Hydrogeologic data are presented for 51 wells and 61 springs. Chemical analyses are given for 34 wells and 17 springs. Drillers ' reports for 71 wells are included. Springs normally discharge from short alluvial flow systems and commonly are less saline than well water. These springs are a calcium magnesium bicarbonate water type. Spring discharges of as much as 200 gallons per minute were measured. The most productive wells in the study area are completed in alluvium, with reported yields of as much as 750 gallons per minute for an irrigation well. Alluvial gravels are most productive. Specific-conductance values of water samples from alluvial deposits ranged from 80 to 32,200 micromhos per centimeter at 25 Celsius. The Mancos Shale and Mesaverde Formation include aquifers with large areal extents. Reported yields of wells completed in the Mesaverde Formation range from 0.7 to 24 gallons per minute. The Dakota Sandstone, Morrison Formation, and Entrada Sandstone include potential aquifers of lesser extent. Reported yields of wells completed in the Dakota Sandstone range 5 to 14 gallons per minute in the study area. Specific-conductance values of water samples from the Mesaverde Formation ranged from 325 to 5,390 micromhos per centimeter at 25 Celsius. Insufficient data prevented water-quality analysis of other rock units. (USGS)
Suggested Citation
Brooks, T., Ackerman, D.J., 1985, Reconnaissance of ground-water resources in the lower Gunnison River basin, southwestern Colorado: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 84-4185, v, 30 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri844185.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Reconnaissance of ground-water resources in the lower Gunnison River basin, southwestern Colorado |
| Series title | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
| Series number | 84-4185 |
| DOI | 10.3133/wri844185 |
| Year Published | 1985 |
| Language | ENGLISH |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey, |
| Description | v, 30 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm. |