Aquifer recharge project in Southwest decreases nitrates, finds study

Nov. 4, 2013
Artificial replenishment of CA groundwater aquifer system resulted in decrease of nitrate concentrations in groundwater samples, rise in water levels.


SAN DIEGO, CA, Nov. 4, 2013 -- A new study indicates that the artificial replenishment of the groundwater aquifer system in the west hydrogeologic unit of the Warren groundwater basin in San Bernardino County’s Yucca Valley in California resulted in a decrease of nitrate concentrations in groundwater samples and a rise in water levels.

Conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Hi-Desert Water District, the cooperative study, titled "The Effects of Artificial Recharge on Groundwater Levels and Water Quality in the West Hydrogeologic Unit of the Warren Subbasin, San Bernardino County, California," also detected low levels of dissolved organic carbon in the groundwater. Lower dissolved organic carbon concentrations reduce the potential for the formation of carcinogenic trihalomethanes that can form when chlorine or other disinfectants react with organic matter during the water-treatment process.

"The nitrate concentrations of the replenishment water were lower than the native groundwater," says Christina Stamos, a hydrologist with the USGS and lead author of the study. "We did not see an increase in nitrates at the water table below the ponds because the water did not spread far enough laterally to intercept any high-nitrate sources."

The study was initiated in 2004 by the HDWD to address concerns after a previous USGS study found that artificial recharge applied to sites in the midwest and mideast hydrogeologic units of the Warren subbasin entrained septic-tank effluent, resulting in an increase in nitrate concentrations in the groundwater. For the current study, the USGS monitored the effects of adding 9,800 acre-feet of water from the California State Water Project into three recharge ponds in the west hydrogeologic unit starting in June 2006. Stamos' team found that by September 2009, the recharge water had not reached a monitoring site placed near septic sources, one-third of a mile from the recharge ponds.

Despite the findings of the report, the potential for rising water levels entraining septic-tank effluent remains a concern for groundwater quality in the area.

"Continued monitoring is needed by the Hi-Desert Water District to manage and protect water resources in the area" says Stamos. "Septic-tank effluent is still a threat to groundwater quality in the area."

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