SPDSS_Task44-2_Phase3_DenverBasinBedrockWaterLevel

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10). However, the Upper Dawson and Upper Arapahoe Aquifers were not contoured due to insufficient water level data. The potentiometric surface in each aquifer typically shows the highest elevation in the southern portion of the basin, with the lower water surface elevations toward the north. This suggests a regional groundwater gradient is to the north and northeast in all of the bedrock aquifers. The potentiometric surface contours are discontinuous for all of the aquifers; this reflects the absence of water level data in areas where there are no contours. In 2001, the water levels show similar gradients as observed in previous years for each of the major bedrock aquifers, with regional groundwater flow to the north (Figures 11 to 14). The Upper Dawson and Upper Arapahoe Aquifers were not contoured due to insufficient water level data. The water level elevations in the Dawson decline by approximately 1,800 feet from south to north over the aquifer with a local mound of higher water levels located east of Palmer Lake (Figure 11). Water levels in the Denver Aquifer show a northward gradient with local mounds in the Upper Black Squirrel Creek area and local cones of depression, suggesting the effects of pumping, near Castle Rock (Figure 12). The Arapahoe Aquifer shows localized drawdown located east and south of Denver, likely due to municipal pumping in the aquifer (Figure 13). Laramie-Fox Hills' water levels indicate a gradient toward the north but the sparse data limit characterization of this aquifer for this time period (Figure 14). In 2003, the water levels show similar gradients as observed in previous years for each of the bedrock aquifers, with regional groundwater flow to the north (Figures 15 to 18). The Upper Dawson and Upper Arapahoe Aquifers were not contoured due to insufficient water level data. The water level elevations in the Dawson indicate approximately a 1,700-foot decrease in water level elevations over the aquifer to the northwest (Figure 15). Water levels in the Denver Aquifer show a northward gradient with local mounds in the Upper Black Squirrel Creek area and local cones of depression near Castle Rock (Figure 16). The Arapahoe Aquifer again shows localized drawdown located east and south of Denver, likely due to municipal pumping in the aquifer (Figure 17). Laramie-Fox Hills' water levels indicate a gradient toward the north (Figure 18). In 2005, the water levels show similar gradients as seen in 2003 for each of the bedrock aquifers, with regional groundwater flow to the north (Figures 19 to 22). The query of water levels for this time period was modified to include bedrock water level measurements made in May. This change was made in order to include the all of the spring water level data collected by DWR in 2005. Water levels in the Dawson show a northwest tend as in previous years. Water levels southeast of Parker have dropped as much as 50 feet since 2003 (Figure 19). The Upper Dawson and Upper Arapahoe Aquifers were not contoured due to insufficient water level data. Water levels in the Denver Aquifer appear to show a groundwater divide located in northern El Paso County with northern gradient to the north and a southeastern gradient to the south and local cones of depression near Castle Rock (Figure 20). The water levels in the Denver Aquifer southeast of Palmer Lake and southeast of Parker have declined 150 to 200 feet since 2003. The Arapahoe Aquifer again shows localized drawdown east and south of Denver, likely due to municipal pumping in the aquifer (Figure 21). Laramie-Fox Hills' water levels indicate a gradient toward the north (Figure 22). In 2005, Laramie-Fox Hills water levels west of Denver exhibit an easterly gradient not observed in previous years. SPDSS Phase 3 Task 44.2 TM -Final 13 11/28/2006