Ground-water resources and simulated effects of withdrawals in the Bountiful area, Utah

Technical Publication 95
Prepared by the United State Geological Survey in cooperation with the Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Water Rights
By:
Compiled by: David W. Clark

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Abstract

Ground-water resources in the Bountiful area, Utah, were studied to document changes in ground-water conditions and to simulate the effects of increased ground-water withdrawals and changes in recharge. The aquifer system is in basin-fill deposits and is primarily a confined system with unconfined parts along the mountain front.

Recharge to the aquifer system was estimated to range from about 22,000 to 32,000 acre-feet per year during 1947-85.  Discharge was estimated to range from 26,000 to 30,000 acre-feet per year during 1947-85.

Long-term trends of ground-water levels indicate a steady decline at most observation wells from 1952 to 1962. Importation of surface water for irrigation in 1962 resulted in decreased ground-water withdrawals, causing water levels to rise. Water levels fluctuated from 1962 to 1985, depending on changes in withdrawals and precipitation.

A computer model of the aquifer system was constructed and calibrated using water-level data from 1946 and changes in ground-water withdrawals from 1947-86. Simulations of aquifer responses to projected withdrawals were based on a 50-percent increase in the 1981-85 rate of municipal and industrial withdrawals for 20 years using both average and less-than-average recharge rates. The simulations indicated water-level declines between 5 and 50 feet; a decrease in natural discharge to drains, by evapotranspiration, and to Great Salt Lake; and a decrease of ground water in storage after 20 years between 25,000 acre-feet using the average recharge rate, and 70,000 acre-feet using the less-than-average recharge rate.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype Other Government Series
Title Ground-water resources and simulated effects of withdrawals in the Bountiful area, Utah
Series title Technical Publication
Series number 95
Year Published 1991
Language English
Publisher Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights
Publisher location Salt Lake City, UT
Contributing office(s) Utah Water Science Center
Description vi, 56 p.
Country United States
State Utah
Other Geospatial Bountiful Area
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