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LAND AND WATER USE EFFECTS ON GROUND-WATER QUALITY IN LAS VEGAS VALLEY
Citation:
Kaufmann, R. LAND AND WATER USE EFFECTS ON GROUND-WATER QUALITY IN LAS VEGAS VALLEY. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-78/179.
Description:
The hydrogeologic study of the shallow ground-water zone in Las Vegas Valley, Nevada determined the sources and extent of ground-water contamination to develop management alternatives and minimize adverse effects. An extensive, computerized data base utilizing water analyses, well logs, head measurements, and surface flows was developed. Flow system analysis, gross chemical data and tritium analyses were used in combination with trend surface techniques to ascertain natural and contaminated ground-water quality to depths of 0 to 50, 50 to 100, and 101 to 300 feet. At depths below 100 feet, the distribution of all constituents reflects natural controls. Nitrate and chloride in the zone from 0 to 50 feet are closely related to waste disposal activities, chief of which are industrial effluent, treated sewage, and septic tanks. In addition, tritium is highly indicative of return flows associated with distribution of Colorado River water in the Valley.