An investigation of ground-water recharge by injection in the Palo Alto Baylands, California: Hydraulic and chemical interactions — Final report

Water-Resources Investigations Report 84-4152
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Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Santa Clara Valley Water District, has completed a study of ground-water recharge by injection in the Palo Alto baylands along San Francisco Bay, California. Selected wells within the Water District 's injection-extraction network were monitored to determine hydraulic and chemical interactions affecting well-field operation. The well field was installed to prevent and eliminate saline contamination in the local shallow aquifer system. The primary focus of this study is on factors that affect injection efficiency, specifically well and aquifer clogging. Mixing and break-through curves for major chemical constituents indicate ion exchange, adsorption, and dissolution reactions. Freshwater breakthrough was detected in water-level data, which reflected fluid-density change as well as head buildup. Dissolution of calcium carbonate caused by dilution of saline ground water probably accounts for an apparent increase in specific capacity possibly related to improved aquifer permeability. Adsorption evidently removed trace elements during passage of injected water through the aquifer. In terms of hydraulic and chemical compatibility, the well field is a viable system for ground-water recharge. Aquifer heterogeneity and operational constraints reduce the efficiency of the system. Efficiency may be maximized by careful attention to extraction distribution and quantity and to injection distribution, quantity, and water quality. (USGS)

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title An investigation of ground-water recharge by injection in the Palo Alto Baylands, California: Hydraulic and chemical interactions — Final report
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 84-4152
DOI 10.3133/wri844152
Year Published 1985
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description vi, 61 p.
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial Palo Alto Baylands
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