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Hydrologic Influences on Water Levels at Three Oaks Recreation Area, Crystal Lake, Illinois, April 14 through September 27, 2016

Scientific Investigations Report 2018-5105
Prepared in cooperation with the City of Crystal Lake, Illinois
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20185105

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Abstract

Hydrologic influences on water levels were investigated at Three Oaks Recreation Area (TORA), a former sand-and-gravel quarry converted into recreational lakes in Crystal Lake, Illinois. From 2009 to 2015, average water levels in the lakes declined nearly 4 feet. It was not clear if these declines were related to variations in weather (precipitation or evaporation) or other hydrologic influences such as municipal supply pumping or nearby quarry operations. Data were collected using three approaches to determine the possibility of such hydrologic influences. First, water levels were collected at 15 minute intervals at three wells equipped with pressure transducers from April 14 through September 27, 2016. The continuous data allowed assessment of lake and well water level responses to precipitation, pumping influences, and quarry operations. Second, a single-day synoptic water-level survey was completed to create a water table map to determine groundwater flow directions. Third, single-well aquifer tests (slug tests) were completed on the three data-collection wells to estimate the aquifer’s horizontal hydraulic conductivity. Collectively, these data were used to determine the velocity and volume of water entering and exiting TORA.

Suggested Citation

Gahala, A.M., 2019, Hydrologic influences on water levels at Three Oaks Recreation Area, Crystal Lake, Illinois, April 14 through September 27, 2016: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2019–5105, 22 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20185105.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Hydrologic Data Collection
  • Analysis of Influences
  • Water Levels and Quantification of Flow
  • Summary
  • References
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Hydrologic Influences on Water Levels at Three Oaks Recreation Area, Crystal Lake, Illinois, April 14 through September 27, 2016
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2018-5105
DOI 10.3133/sir20185105
Year Published 2019
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston VA
Contributing office(s) Central Midwest Water Science Center
Description Report: vii, 22 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State Illinois
City Crystal Lake
Other Geospatial Three Oaks Recreation Area
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details