Characteristics of Big Sandy River Drainage Basin Water and of Salty Aquifer Water

摘要

The Bureau of Reclamation is conducting studies to find methods of disposal for high-salinity water from 16 identified sources to prevent these waters from entering the Colorado River. The Big Sandy River is one source that contributes 6.2 percent of the identified salt load, or 152,000 metric tons (167,000 tons), annually. Basic data on the physical and chemical properties of brackish waters that enter the Big Sandy River and ultimately contribute to the Colorado River salinity were needed to determine methods of disposal. Consequently, the Bureau of Reclamation contracted for the drilling of 99 wells along the entire Big Sandy River Drainage Basin. Site sampling and analytical programs were conducted from 1976 to 1984. The data obtained were evaluated for physical and dissolved chemical characteristics of water from the 99 wells.