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• overlain by, underlain by, or situated between saline aquifers. Reduction of the hydrostatic <br />pressure in the fresh water aquifer by pumping allows saline water from adjacent aquifers to move <br />into the pumped aquifer. This potential problem exists throughout the region because of the <br />widespread occurrence of saline ground water. One area of greatest impact resulting from the <br />above processes is in the Paradox Valley located downstream from the New Horizon Mine. The <br />Paradox Formation, which underlies this valley is composed largely of salt, gypsum, and other <br />salines which appear to be in hydraulic connection with the overlying unconsolidated valley <br />deposits. In contrast, the chemical quality of ground water in some aquifers, such as in the Vinta <br />Basin, has improved because irrigation developments have augmented natural ground water <br />recharge with fresher water diverted from surface sources. <br />Significance of Ground Water. The significance of ground water on a regional basis is small <br />when compared to the use of surface water (Price and Arnow, 1974). Ground water is primarily <br />used for domestic consumption, stock watering, and to a much lesser extent, municipal supply; <br />whereas surface water is the primary source for flood irrigation and the majority of municipal water <br />supplies. Ground water and surface water use for the year 1970 in the upper Colorado River Basin <br />are compared in Table 2.04.5-2 (Price and Arnow, 1974). This table shows that consumptive use <br />of ground water is much less than surface water. This may be attributed to the relatively poor <br />aquifers and the more plentiful supply of surface water. <br />• Ground water is important for augmenting streamflow in the region. However, this significance is <br />more important at the headwaters in the mountains. The surface water quality, especially during <br />low flow, is affected by ground water; but due to ground water's high concentrations of dissolved <br />solids, it has a deteriorating effect. <br />Site specific hydrology information is presented in Section 2.04.7. This section was included only <br />as an overview. <br />• 2.04.5 - 7 <br />