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Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5211

Version 2.0, June 2007

Characterization of Dissolved Solids in Water Resources of Agricultural Lands near Manila, Utah, 2004-05

By S.J. Gerner, L.E. Spangler, B.A. Kimball, and D.L. Naftz

ABSTRACT

Agricultural lands near Manila, Utah, have been identified as contributing dissolved solids to Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Concentrations of dissolved solids in water resources of agricultural lands near Manila, Utah, ranged from 35 to 7,410 milligrams per liter. The dissolved-solids load in seeps and drains in the study area that discharge to Flaming Gorge Reservoir ranged from less than 0.1 to 113 tons per day. The most substantial source of dissolved solids discharging from the study area to the reservoir was Birch Spring Draw. The mean daily dissolved-solids load near the mouth of Birch Spring Draw was 65 tons per day.

The estimated annual dissolved-solids load imported to the study area by Sheep Creek and Peoples Canals is 1,330 and 13,200 tons, respectively. Daily dissolved-solid loads discharging to the reservoir from the study area, less the amount of dissolved solids imported by canals, for the period July 1, 2004, to June 30, 2005, ranged from 72 to 241 tons per day with a mean of 110 tons per day. The estimated annual dissolved-solids load discharging to the reservoir from the study area, less the amount of dissolved solids imported by canals, for the same period was 40,200 tons. Of this 40,200 tons of dissolved solids, about 9,000 tons may be from a regional source that is not associated with agricultural activities. The salt-loading factor is 3,670 milligrams per liter or about 5.0 tons of dissolved solids per acre-foot of deep percolation in Lucerne Valley and 1,620 milligrams per liter or 2.2 tons per acre-foot in South Valley.

The variation of δ87Sr with strontium concentration indicates some general patterns that help to define a conceptual model of the processes affecting the concentration of strontium and the δ87Sr isotopic ratio in area waters. As excess irrigation water percolates through soils derived from Mancos Shale, the δ87Sr isotopic ratio (0.21 to 0.69 permil) approaches one that is typical of deep percolation from irrigation on Mancos Shale. The boron concentration and δ11B value for the water sample from Antelope Wash, being distinctly different from water samples from other sites, is evidence that water in Antelope Wash may contain a substantial component of regional ground-water flow.

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CONTENTS

Abstract

Introduction

Purpose and Scope

Environmental Setting

Geology and Soils

Land Cover/Use

Climate

Hydrology

Previous Studies and Data-Collection Efforts

Acknowledgments

Methods of Investigation

Data Collection

Daily Discharge and Specific Conductance

Water-Quality Sample Collection, Processing, and Analysis

Quality Control

Data Analysis

Dissolved-Solids Concentration Estimates

Dissolved-Solids Load Calculations

Calculation of Salt-Loading Factor

Characterization of Dissolved Solids in Water Resources

Occurrence and Distribution of Dissolved Solids

Discharge of Dissolved Solids into Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Salt-Loading Factor

Differentiation of Dissolved-Solids Sources

Summary

References Cited


Send questions or comments about this report to the author, Steven Gerner, at sjgerner@usgs.gov, 801.908.5031.

For more information about USGS activities in Utah, visit the USGS Utah District home page.

Maintainer: GS-W-UT_Web_Requests@usgs.gov



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