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GROUND WATER STUDY OF THE LOWER BOISE RIVER VALLEY, ADA AND CANYON COUNTIES, ID, 1996
Description:
From 24 Jul 95 through 24 Oct 95, a total of 335 ground water samples in the Lower Boise River Area (17050114) were collected by the USGS and the Division of Environmental Quality, Southwest Idaho Regional Office. This study is a continuation from the 1993-94 sampling in the Boise area. Field parameters were measured at each site, prior to collecting samples. All samples were analyzed for basic nutrients, volatile organic compounds, bacteria, and some sites for pesticides. Nitrate, the most prevalent nutrient, exceeded 10mg/l in 3% of the wells sampled. Volatile organic compounds were found in 6.5% of the sampled wells (most common constituents were tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene). Total coliform was found in 8% of the sampled wells and fecal coliform was found in 0.6% of the wells sampled. Pesticide samples were collected at 21 sites, 71% of the wells were impacted by pesticides (most common constituents were atrizine and simazine). Two areas of concern were found during this study. Both areas had high nitrate levels and low VOC levels, in addition to either bacteria or pesticides. These areas are located north of Eagle/Start and northeast of Meridian. Water Quality Status Report No. 118. Prepared by: Linda Boyle, DEQ-SWIRO, May 1996. Idaho Dept of Health and Welfare, Division of Environmental Quality. 37 pp plus appendices.