Laserfiche WebLink
• overlain by, underlain by, or situated between saline aquifers. Reduction of the hydrostatic pressure <br />in the fresh water aquifer by pumping allows saline water from adjacent aquifers to move into the <br />pumped aquifer. This potential problem exists throughout the region because of the widespread <br />occurrence of saline ground water. One area of greatest impact resulting from the above processes <br />is in the Paradox Valley located downstream from the New Horizon Mine. The Paradox Formation, <br />which underlies this valley is composed largely of salt, gypsum, and other salines which appear to <br />be in hydraulic connection with the overlying unconsolidated valley deposits. In contrast, the <br />chemical quality of ground water in some aquifers, such as in the Vinta Basin, has improved <br />because irrigation developments have augmented natural ground water recharge with fresherwater <br />diverted from surface sources. <br />Significance of Ground Water. The significance of ground water on a regional basis is small when <br />compared to the use of surface water (Price and Arnow, 1974). Ground water is primarily used for <br />domestic consumption, stock watering, and to a much lesser extent, municipal supply; whereas <br />surface water is the primary source for flood irrigation and the majority of municipal water supplies. <br />Ground water and surface water use for the year 1970 in the upper Colorado River Basin are <br />compared in Table 2.04.5-2 (Price and Arnow, 1974). This table shows that consumptive use of <br />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 />• (REVISED JULY 2006) 2.[14.5-9 <br />