Hydrochemical data will be collected to define groundwater-flow paths and provide estimates of ages of water. Synoptic sets of streamflow measurements will be made during low-flow and high-flow conditions to delineate gaining/losing stream reaches, which will be used to calibrate the groundwater flow model.

Hydrologic Data Collection – Groundwater-level and streamflow data will be collected, and a monthly groundwater-level monitoring network will be established. Rio San Jose, NM, NMWSC(Credit: Andrew Robertson, USGS New Mexico Water Science Center. Develop coupled groundwater/surface-water flow model (GSFLOW) to investigate aquifer-stream interactions, provide water budgets, and simulate effects of current and potential groundwater and surface-water management and changing climatic conditions.Construct hydrogeologic framework, potentiometric-surface maps, sources of recharge, groundwater flow paths, and groundwater/surface water exchange.Collect and compile hydrologic information, including groundwater-level measurements, streamflow data, well log information, and aqueous geochemical analysis.Upon completion of the study, the model will be transferred to the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna and other stakeholders for continued assessment of management alternatives in the basin.

During Phase 2, an integrated hydrologic flow model will be constructed and calibrated as a tool to simulate the flow system and potential effects of water-use and climate scenarios on groundwater and surface-water resources in the Rio San Jose Basin.

During Phase 1, existing and new geologic, groundwater, surface-water, and hydrochemical data will be compiled and evaluated to characterize the flow system. The objectives will be met by conducting the study in two phases. The proposed work will provide a better understanding of the nation’s water-resources, assist the stakeholders in the Rio San Jose Basin in evaluating various water-management options, and support the USGS mission of disseminating water-resources information to the public. This project will provide the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna with quantified estimates of water availability and use in the Rio San Jose Basin and the ability to simulate the hydrologic effects of water-rights settlement options. Water Level Measurement, Rio San Jose, NMWSC(Credit: Andrew Robertson, USGS New Mexico Water Science Center.

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