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A Drop in the Bucket Life in the mountains is going to he a dream come true ... so much simpler than the city.! This guide focuses on ground- water issues in the Upper Arkansas Area of Colorado, which includes Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, and Lake Counties. Topics discussed include ground -water hydrology, water quality, wells, septic systems, water rights, and lifestyle impacts. Throughout, you will find references to a study referred`to as 'Upper Arkansas Ground -Water Study". This 3 -year study of ground -water conditions in the Upper Arkansas Basin between Buena Vista and Salida, by the U.S. Geological Survey, was begun in 2000 and is being done in cooperation with the Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy _District. Practical advice for the homeowner appears in the form of tips, and questions and answers. A reference section has been provided should you wish to further explore the main topics. Inside this guide Water Quantity ...............2 Water Quality .................6 Legal Issues .................10 Lifestyle ........................14 Questions & Answers ... 17 Definitions ....................23 Resources ........ ..........24 Whether you are new to the Upper Arkansas Area or a long -time resident, water is a common concern. Even long -time residents have questions on this priceless resource. Not surprising, given the complicated nature of ground water. As precipitation falls to the Earth, it remains on the surface, evaporates, or seeps into the ground. Water beneath the surface that is not held in the soil is called ground water. Rain and snow are the principal sources of recharge to ground water in the Upper Arkansas Area. Imagine peering beneath the surface of the ground. You might see a layer of soil and loose material, referred to as overburden, on top of thick layers of saturated clay, silt, sand, and gravel. These deposits commonly are referred to as unconsolidated deposits. In turn, the unconsolidated deposits may overlie thick layers of poorly to well consolidated sedimentary rocks, such as limestone, sandstone and shale. In turn these rocks overlie older igneous and metamorphic rocks. In some places, volcanic rocks are also present and may overlie unconsolidated deposits or other rocks. The older igneous and metamorphic rocks (crystalline bedrock) that underlie the area also are exposed in the surrounding mountains. Ground water from the open spaces (pores) between rock particles or from fractures in the bedrock supply the water that you drink every day. The ease with which water flows through these openings depends on the number, size, and interconnection of the pores or fractures. Unconsolidated deposits containing predominantly small -sized sediments, like clay and silt; denser sedimentary rocks, which have been compressed by geologic forces; and bedrock with few interconnected fractures generally do not yield substantial quantities of water to wells. To obtain a reliable source of water, a well must intersect water bearing and connected pores or fractures. The amount of water available to a well is highly variable and depends upon how many water - bearing pores or cracks are contacted by the well. Because the geology of the Upper Arkansas Area is complex, the occurrence of ground water in the area is also complex. There are six geologic terrains in the area (See Surficial Geology Map) in which ground water may be found (alluvial, glacial, and basin -fill deposits; and, sedimentary, volcanic, and crystalline rocks). This map shows what predominant rock type is present at the surface. Other rock types may underlie the surficial rocks, except that crystalline rocks ultimately underlie all rock types. 2