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Red Mesa Aquifer Groundwater Study — Interim Report 2002 <br /> and heavy irrigation, well data were collected more frequently to record aquifer recharge. During <br /> more static periods of recharge (i.e. winter months and non-irrigation periods), data collection <br /> was done less frequently. The data collected to date are compiled in Appendix A. Hydrographs <br /> for each of the wells, as well as the ground elevation at that location, are included in Appendix B. <br /> All of the data were used for groundwater analysis with the exception of the wells named Isgar <br /> NE and Isgar SE, two of the oldest wells included in the monitoring program. Data from these <br /> wells have been omitted due to lack of confidence in the accuracy of readings. <br /> 3.2 Data Analysis <br /> Figures 7A through 7J graphically portray the change in water level for each well between two <br /> consecutive water level measurements. The wells are organized from left to right by geographic <br /> location to facilitate in the interpretation of areas being recharged by irrigation and to show <br /> trends found in the movement of groundwater over time. The wells on the left are located in the <br /> upgradient (northern) portion of Red Mesa, while the wells on the right represent the wells in the <br /> down gradient (south) portion of the study area. Generally, the graphs show increased water <br /> levels during runoff and irrigation season, and decreased levels occurring between all other <br /> subsequent dates. The graphs show no trends of groundwater recharge during the 2002 runoff <br /> period due to the fact that no Red Mesa ditches diverted from the La Plata River due to drought <br /> conditions. During the Spring of 2002, only the four most senior ditches (Hay Gulch, Big Stick, <br /> La Plata Irrigating and La Plata Cherry Creek ditches) received La Plata River water. These <br /> ditches do not irrigate lands within the study area. Some water from storage (Red Mesa Ward <br /> a/k/a Mormon Reservoir Reservoir) also was delivered to shareholders in the Joseph Freed, <br /> Warren-Vosburgh and Revival ditches. <br /> Figures 7A, 7B and 7C show the effect of irrigation on the water table. For example, Figure 7A <br /> shows that between May 1, 2001 and May 16, 2001, water levels rose in all but two wells. The <br /> 991-077/031 Wright Water Engineers, Inc. Page 7 <br /> Interim Report <br />