1986-03-03_REPORT - C1981013 (2)

Home Browse Search

River above the New Elk and Golden Eagle Mines. The wells along the Purgatoire River are generally less than 100 feet deep. The exception to this are ' WFC's wells 7 and 8. The water bearing strata is believed to be associated with the Purgatoire Alluvial Aquifer System and defined by Water Waste and Land, (1981) . The subsurface water in the highlands is believed to be associated with upper coal seams. Purgatoire Wells Wells 12, 13 and 14 are actually cisterns. These cisterns have been in use for over 50 years. There have been no problems in water quality or quantity. The water level in the cisterns varies slightly with seasons (Vialpando, 1984) . This variation suggests that the cisterns are tied to the available runoff and infiltration from the Purgatoire River. Wells 15, 16 and 17 were the only wells identified east of the North Fork of the Purgatoire River. Well 15 (cistern) which is currently in use is believed to be spring fed from a north easterly direction (Chavez, 1984) , because of the presence of springs to the north in Santistevan :nyon. The water quality is reported to be excellent with no problems in quantity. Well 16 is approximately 60 feet deep. This well produces poor quality water. Chavez (1984) described the water as having a terrible odor. This water is believed to have been completed in an upper coal seam with 112S contributing to the bad odor. This is based on the fact that most of the surface seepage is from coal and H 2 S production is often associated with this surface water. Well 16 has probably tapped an upper coal seam producing the same results. Well 17 is no longer used because of the availability of city water. This well also had an odor which is believed to be H2S. Well 11 is apparently tapping the Purgatoire Alluvial Aquifer System. No problems have been reported in quality or quantity. This well is the water supply source for the Picketwire Lodge and is sampled once every three months by the owner. -2-