18 Environmental Hydrogeology and Geochemistry (Posters)
Wednesday, 2 May 2001
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
GROUND-WATER MONITORING IN THE MIDDLE RIO GRANDE BASIN, CENTRAL NEW MEXICO—IMPLICATIONS OF WATER-LEVEL VARIATIONS IN NESTED PIEZOMETERS
Paper number: 18-7
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Authors
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Scott K. AnderholmU.S. Geol Survey, New Mexico District, Albuquerque, NM
Abstract
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, and the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, has installed a network of 60 nested piezometers throughout the Middle Rio Grande Basin (MRGB) since 1996. The purpose of the piezometer network is to improve understanding of the hydrogeology of the MRGB; information gained from this project includes detailed geologic information from well cuttings and geophysical well logs and water-level and water-quality data for various depths of the aquifer. Piezometers within the city of Albuquerque are generally located at least 1 mile from major production wells to minimize effects of city pumpage. To measure vertical variations in hydraulic head and allow for water-quality sampling at discrete intervals, individual piezometers in a nest are screened at various depths within the aquifer. Typical screen placement includes a 20- to 100-foot screen at the water table, a 5-foot screen in the city’s production zone, and a 5-foot screen below the production zone. Hydraulic head is recorded hourly at all piezometers; manual measurements are made every 4 to 8 weeks for quality control. Analysis of hourly hydraulic-head data provides researchers with valuable information, such as: (1) directions and magnitudes of vertical hydraulic gradients; (2) effects of barometric pressure on water levels; (3) effects of recharge on water levels in different parts of the aquifer; (4) effects of ground-water withdrawals on water levels in the aquifer; (5) extent to which various depths of the aquifer are hydraulically connected; and (6) regional water-level trends.