Potential effects of the Hawaii Geothermal Project on ground-water resources on the island of Hawaii
Water-Resources Investigations Report
94-4028
By: M.L. Sorey and E.M. Colvard
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Abstract
In 1990, the State of Hawaii proposed the Hawaii Geothermal Project for the development of as much as 500 MW of electric power from the geothermal system in the East Rift Zone of Kilauea Volcano. This report uses data from 31 wells and 8 springs to describe the properties of the ground-water system in and adjacent to the East Rift Zone. Potential effects of this project on ground-water resources are also discussed. Data show differences in ground-water chemistry and heads within the study area that appear to be related to mixing of waters of different origins and ground-water impoundment by volcanic dikes. East of Pahoa, the ground-water system within the rift is highly transmissive and receives abundant recharge from precipitation; therefore, the pumping of freshwater to support geothermal development in that part of the rift zone would have a minimal effect on ground-water levels. To the southwest of Pahoa, dike impoundment reduces the transmissivity of the ground-water system to such an extent that wells might not be capable of supplying sufficient fresh water to support geothermal operations. Contamination of ground-water resources by accidental release of geothermal fluids into shallow aquifers is possible because of corrosive conditions in the geothermal wells, potential well blowouts, and high ground-water velocities in parts of the region. Hydrologic monitoring of water level, temperature, and chemistry in observation wells should continue throughout development of geothermal resources for the Hawaii Geothermal Project for early detection of leakage and migration of geothermal fluids within the groundwater system.
Suggested Citation
Sorey, M., Colvard, E., 1994, Potential effects of the Hawaii Geothermal Project on ground-water resources on the island of Hawaii: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 94-4028, vi, 35 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri944028.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Potential effects of the Hawaii Geothermal Project on ground-water resources on the island of Hawaii |
| Series title | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
| Series number | 94-4028 |
| DOI | 10.3133/wri944028 |
| Year Published | 1994 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Contributing office(s) | Volcano Hazards Program |
| Description | vi, 35 p. |