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Groundwater data collection for the Quinault Indian Nation, Grays Harbor and Jefferson Counties, Washington

Data Series 1071
Prepared in cooperation with the Quinault Indian Nation
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ds1071

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Abstract

Groundwater data were collected on the Quinault Indian Reservation to provide the Quinualt Indian Nation (QIN) with basic knowledge of the existing wells and springs on the reservation, and to establish a water-level network to be monitored by QIN to begin building a long-term groundwater dataset. The 327 mi2 Quinault Indian Reservation is located within the heavily forested Queets-Quinault watershed along the west-central coast of Washington and includes the coastal communities of Taholah and Queets, and the inland community of Amanda Park. Groundwater data were collected or compiled for 87 sites—82 wells and 5 springs. In October 2016, a field inventory was done to locate the sites and acquire site data. Groundwater levels were measured in 15 of the field-inventoried wells and 3 of those wells were observed as flowing (artesian). A monthly groundwater‑level monitoring network of 13 wells was established by the U.S. Geological Survey in March 2017, and the network was transferred to QIN in June 2017 for continued measurements.

Several data needs were identified that would provide a more complete understanding of the groundwater system of the Quinault Indian Reservation. The collection of monthly water-level data for multiple years is an important first step in understanding seasonal and long term changes in water levels. Additionally, the collection of baseline groundwater chemistry and quality data across the reservation would help with future efforts to monitor existing and potentially changing groundwater quality conditions. Development of a water budget of the Queets-Quinault Watershed and the reservation within that area would provide water users with a better understanding of this important resource and provide needed information about the competing demands on local water sources.

Suggested Citation

Kahle, S.C., Fasser, E.T., and Olsen, T.D., 2017, Groundwater data collection for the Quinault Indian Nation, Grays Harbor and Jefferson Counties, Washington: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 1071, 13 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ds1071.

ISSN: 2327-638X (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Groundwater Collection Methods
  • Data Collection Results
  • Acknowledgments
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Groundwater data collection for the Quinault Indian Nation, Grays Harbor and Jefferson Counties, Washington
Series title Data Series
Series number 1071
DOI 10.3133/ds1071
Year Published 2017
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Washington Water Science Center
Description iv, 13 p.
Country United States
State Washington
County Grays Harbor County, Jefferson County
Other Geospatial Quinault Indian Reservation
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details