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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Utah Geological Association

Abstract


Engineering and Environmental Geology of Southwestern Utah, 1992
Pages 201-212

Physical Extent, Thickness, and Quality of Water of the Principal Aquifers, Western Kane County, Utah

L. E. Spangler

Abstract

The Navajo aquifer, Straight Cliffs aquifer, and alluvial aquifers are the principal aquifers in western Kane County, Utah. The Navajo and Straight Cliffs aquifers are unconfined where the geologic formations that include the aquifers crop out, but are confined north of the outcrop areas where the formations are overlain by younger rocks. Alluvial aquifers are unconfined.

The Navajo aquifer is separated into the upper Navajo and Lamb Point aquifers where the Tenney Canyon Tongue of the Kayenta Formation is present. Thickness of the Navajo aquifer ranges from 50 to 100 feet (15-30 m) where unconfined to as much as 2,000 feet (610 m) where confined. The Straight Cliffs aquifer consists of the Straight Cliffs, Wahweap, and Kaiparowits Formations, which are presumed to be hydraulically connected. Thickness of the Straight Cliffs aquifer ranges from less than 100 feet (30 m) near the erosional edge of the outcropping formations, to about 2,000 feet (610 m) to the north, where all formations are presumed to be saturated. Alluvial aquifers are present in the valleys of Thompson and Skutumpah Creeks, Alton Amphitheater, and Sink Valley. Thickness of aquifers in alluvium is generally less than 100 feet (30 m).

Dissolved-solids concentrations in water from the Navajo aquifer ranged from 102 to 3,100 milligrams per liter, with a median of 230 milligrams per liter. Dissolved-solids concentrations in water from the Straight Cliffs aquifer ranged from 139 to 1,250 milligrams per liter, with a median of 330 milligrams per liter. Dissolved-solids concentrations in water from alluvial aquifers ranged from 283 to 3,500 milligrams per liter, with a median of 838 milligrams per liter. Water-quality data from 44 wells and 51 springs indicated that most water in the principal aquifers can be classified according to the State of Utah Ground-Water-Quality Protection Regulations as Pristine, Irreplaceable, Ecologically Important, or Drinking-Water Quality.


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