Evaluating Spring Flow Trends at Pipe Spring National Monument and Vicinity, Arizona

by Richard Inglis, Natl Park Service, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Watershed Planning and Analysis in Action

Abstract:

A study conducted by the National Park Service Water Resources Division is resolving if ground water pumping is causing spring flow declines at Pipe Spring National Monument (PISP). Ground water and spring flow data collected at PISP and vicinity from 1977-1989 indicate that total spring flow has steadily declined, while 3.6 and 6.4 km outside of the Monument, respectively, ground water levels and spring flow appear to remain stable. Two factors suggest that local physical changes in spring characteristics may account for the recent trends. First, of the four springs which comprise Pipe Spring, two are experiencing significant declines in yield. Second, a new monitoring well, completed in 1989, suggests that the aquifer supplying Pipe Spring is artesian, whereas the aquifer two miles upgradient is reported to be unconfined. Additional aspects of the study are discussed.

Subject Headings: Water pipelines | Pipes | Monuments | Groundwater flow | Wells (water) | Water resources | Water flow | Arizona | United States

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