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Red Mesa Aquifer Groundwater Study — Interim Report 2002 <br /> of groundwater in the Red Mesa terrace gravel aquifer. This study collected information that was <br /> used to develop knowledge pertaining to the direction and timing of groundwater movement, and <br /> the amount of groundwater in transient storage. A better understanding of these hydrological <br /> conditions will allow better water management practice, while presenting a variety of storage <br /> options to meet the district's goals. These water management goals include: <br /> 1. Meeting the La Plata River Compact obligations by delivering requirements to New <br /> Mexico in a timely fashion by using storage facilities and recharge basins. <br /> 2. Providing irrigators with a more dependable supply through improved water <br /> management. <br /> 3. Sustaining domestic well supplies. <br /> These goals can be achieved by recharging the Red Mesa Aquifer at appropriate locations. The <br /> aquifer could be used to temporarily store water by surcharging it when water is available. This <br /> would increase base flows in Long Hollow, which could be used to help meet future La Plata <br /> River Compact requirements. Understanding where and when to recharge the aquifer when <br /> water is available is critical to the success of groundwater management. This study will help <br /> determine timing and direction of groundwater flow. <br /> Recharge to the Red Mesa Aquifer via recharge basins could be done during periods of high flow <br /> in the La Plata River. During low flow periods improved efficiency of the irrigation delivery <br /> system could be realized by reducing ditch seepage. <br /> 2.0 GROUNDWATER AND SURFACE WATER <br /> The primary groundwater source in the study area is the terrace gravel aquifer. Most domestic <br /> water wells are completed in this aquifer. Some wells are completed in Cliff House Sandstone <br /> and Lewis Shale bedrock, but these wells generally have lower production rates and are less <br /> dependable due to the poor aquifer characteristics of the formations. <br /> 991-077/031 Wright Water Engineers, Inc. Page 4 <br /> Interim Report <br />