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IRRIGATION WASTEWATER DISPOSAL WELL STUDIES--SNAKE PLAIN AQUIFER
Citation:
Graham, W., D. Clapp, AND T. Putkey. IRRIGATION WASTEWATER DISPOSAL WELL STUDIES--SNAKE PLAIN AQUIFER. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/3-77/071.
Description:
An investigation was conducted to evaluate the impact of irrigation disposal well practices on the water quality of the Snake Plain aquifer. A study site was selected where the geology was determined to be characteristic of areas in the Snake River Plain where irrigation disposal wells are extensively used. Alternating permeable and dense basalt layers underlie the discharge site. The aquifer at the project site was defined as a leaky artesian groundwater system. Initial quality of the artesian groundwater was found to be within Idaho drinking water standards. Pesticides, herbicides, and trace metal concentrations in the irrigation wastewater were within drinking water standards. Total and fecal coliform bacteria and sediment were the only contaminants found in irrigation wastewater in excess of drinking water standards.