Water resources of Lincoln County, Wyoming

Water-Resources Investigations Report 96-4246
By: , and 

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Abstract

Streamflow and ground-water quantity and quality data were collected and analyzed, 1993 through 1995, and historical data were compiled to summarize the water resources of Lincoln County.Deposits of Quaternary age, in the valleys of the Bear River and Salt River, had the most well development of any geologic unit in the county.The most productive alluvial aquifers were located in the Bear River Valley and Star Valley with pumping wells discharging up to 2,000 gallons perminute. The ground-water connection between the Overthrust Belt and the Green River Basin is restricted as a result of the folding and faulting that occurred during middle Mesozoic and early Cenozoic time. Total water use in Lincoln County during 1993 was estimated to be 405,000 million gallons. Surface water was the source for 98 percent of the water used in the county. Hydroelectric power generation and irrigation used the largest amounts of water. Dissolved-solids concentrations varied greatly for water samples collected from 35 geologic units inventoried. Dissolved-solids concentrations in all water samples from the LaneyMember of the Green River Formation were greater than the Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level of 500 milligrams per liter established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Statistical analysis of data collected from wells in the Star Valley monitoring study indicated there was no significant difference between data collected during different seasons, and no correlation between the nitrate concentrations and depth to ground water.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Water resources of Lincoln County, Wyoming
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 96-4246
DOI 10.3133/wri964246
Year Published 1996
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description Report: v, 131 p.: 3 Plates: 18.00 x 37.79 inches or smaller
Country United States
State Wyoming
County Lincoln County
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