Hydrology, water quality, and ground-water-development alternatives in the Chipuxet ground-water reservoir, Rhode Island

Johnston, H. E.; Dickerman, D. C.

Abstract:

A glacial sand and gravel aquifer in the Chipuxet River basin of Rhode Island forms a ground-water reservoir that could yield as much as 8.6 million gallons per day to wells; however, some streams would go dry for extended periods of time. The State Water Resources Board has tested five site that it proposes to develop for a public supply of 3 million gallons per day. A digital model was used to determine how withdrawal at this rate from alternative combinations of wells would affect water levels and streamflow. Results show that withdrawal of 3 million gallons per day would have a minimal effect on water levels, but that withdrawal at this rate from some well combinations could cause the Chipuxet River to have little or no flow for 90 consecutive days on the average of 1 year in 20. Quality of ground water is generally good, but leaching of fertilizers applied to croplands, which overlie much of the aquifer, has caused locally excessive concentrations of nitrate. Induced infiltration of surface water through organic sediments that line the bottoms of ponds and streams also seems to be the cause of elevated concentrations of manganese in water from some heavily pumped wells. (USGS)

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USGS Numbered Series

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27918

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Johnston, H. E.; Dickerman, D. C.

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ENGLISH

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xiv, 100 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.

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U.S. Geological Survey,

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Water-Resources Investigations Report

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WRI

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84-4254

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Hydrology, water quality, and ground-water-development alternatives in the Chipuxet ground-water reservoir, Rhode Island; 1985; WRI; 84-4254; Johnston, H. E.; Dickerman, D. C.

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1985

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citation/reference

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Hydrology, water quality, and ground-water-development alternatives in the Chipuxet ground-water reservoir, Rhode Island; 1985; WRI; 84-4254; Johnston, H. E.; Dickerman, D. C.