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Red Mesa Aquifer Groundwater Study — Interim Report 2002 <br /> As stated earlier, the source of recharge of the Red Mesa Aquifer is the percolation of both direct <br /> precipitation and irrigation water. Irrigation recharge comes primarily from losses in conveyance <br /> of water through ditches. Figure 9 compares the hydrographs of selected ditches and nearby <br /> wells in the monitoring program. By estimating the lag between the peaks of the ditch diversions <br /> and well hydrographs, the water table appears to reach its highest level from one to three months <br /> after maximum ditch diversions. The timing of aquifer recharge varies with changes in aquifer <br /> thickness and hydraulic conductivity. <br /> 4.2 Groundwater Flow Paths <br /> Figures 5 and 6 also show groundwater flow paths from all of the well locations in the <br /> monitoring program. Flow paths were computer-generated from water table contouring. The <br /> flow paths show where groundwater travels in the vicinity of each well. The flow paths originate <br /> at the wells and move downgradient according to the water table contours. The High Water <br /> Table Map (May 2001, Figure 5) and Low Water Table Map (December 2001, Figure 6) show a <br /> substantial convergence of groundwater paths toward Marvel Spring and Church Hollow. <br /> Irrigation recharge water discharges at these locations. Flows that eventually reach Church <br /> Hollow originate as far north as the Dan Schmitt well. <br /> Recharge from irrigation water affects some of the flow paths. For example, during the high <br /> water table conditions water in the vicinity of the Fitzpatrick well flowed directly to the La Plata <br /> River as compared to Church Hollow under low water table conditions. Water near the Hapeman <br /> well is tributary to Church Hollow/Marvel Spring during low water table conditions verses <br /> Spring Hollow during high water table conditions. The direction of groundwater flow and the <br /> travel time and location of its discharge to surface water can be modified by irrigation practices <br /> in some areas of the Red Mesa study area. <br /> 991-077/031 Wright Water Engineers, Inc. Page 10 <br /> Interim Report <br />