Iron bridge over the Pecos River at Sheffield. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Pecos River Basin Salinity Assessment
Completed
By Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
July 16, 2018
The USGS Texas Water Science Center assesssed salinity of the Pecos River Basin from Santa Rosa Lake, New Mexico to the confluence of Pecos River and Rio Grande, Texas. This assessment included an extensive literature review, compilation of previously published salinity related data, data gap analysis, additional data collection to fill data gaps, and identification of potential areas of elevated salinity in the Pecos River Basin.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
High salinity concentrations in the Pecos River Basin are affecting water quality, water quantity, and ecosystems in the basin. Salinity is defined as the total concentration of dissolved minerals in the water; for the Pecos River Basin these are primarily salts of sodium chloride and calcium sulfate The problems associated with elevated salinity include decreased availability of clean drinking water and water for agricultural and livestock uses. High salinity concentrations have reduced the amount of usable surface water to meet water demands in this arid region; which has increased demands on groundwater. In addition, high salinity concentrations in the basin have resulted in low dissolved oxygen in the river which impairs aquatic biota resources.
The study began in May of 2014.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Continuous Water Quality Monitoring on the Pecos River in Southern New Mexico
High levels of salinity in the Pecos River render it less useful for various purposes. It is believed that underground salt deposits in the Malaga area contribute to the increase in the salinity in the Pecos River as it flows through this area.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 40
Iron Bridge over Pecos River at Sheffield, Texas
Iron bridge over the Pecos River at Sheffield. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Pecos River at low water crossing CR 306 upstream view
Pecos River at a lower water crossing near Iraan, upstream view. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Pecos River at a lower water crossing near Iraan, upstream view. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Pecos River at low water crossing near Iraan, Texas
Pecos River Basin tour in Texas. This is the Pecos River at a low water crossing off of CR 306 near Iraan Texas. The Yates Field surrounds this area. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Pecos River Basin tour in Texas. This is the Pecos River at a low water crossing off of CR 306 near Iraan Texas. The Yates Field surrounds this area. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Salt Creek upstream view
Salt Creek, only Perennial stream feeding the Pecos River upstream of Grivin, Texas. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Salt Creek, only Perennial stream feeding the Pecos River upstream of Grivin, Texas. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Salt Creek - Group Photo
Pecos River Basin Tour - Salt Creek with Alyson McDonald. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Pecos River Basin Tour - Salt Creek with Alyson McDonald. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Salt Creek - downstream view
This is the only perennial tributary that feeds the Pecos River upstream of Girvin Texas. The source of water is thought to be from the Rustler Springs, Screw bean springs, and runoff from the Castille Formation in Culberson County, Texas. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
This is the only perennial tributary that feeds the Pecos River upstream of Girvin Texas. The source of water is thought to be from the Rustler Springs, Screw bean springs, and runoff from the Castille Formation in Culberson County, Texas. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Pecos River at Pecos Texas - Upstream view
Pecos River at Pecos, Texas - upstream view. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Pecos River at Pecos, Texas - upstream view. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Salt Cedar debris - Pecos River at Pecos, Tx
Post-flooding Salt Cedar debris along the Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Post-flooding Salt Cedar debris along the Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Pecos River at Pecos Texas - Salt Cedar debris
Post-flooding Salt Cedar debris along the Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Post-flooding Salt Cedar debris along the Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Pecos River at Pecos Texas - Salt Cedar debris
Post-flooding Salt Cedar debris along the Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Post-flooding Salt Cedar debris along the Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Pecos River at Pecos Texas - Salt Cedar debris
Post-flooding Salt Cedar debris along the Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Post-flooding Salt Cedar debris along the Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Pecos River at Pecos, Texas
Railroad trestle over Pecos River at Pecos, TX. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Railroad trestle over Pecos River at Pecos, TX. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Pecos River at Pecos, Tx. - Downstream view
Downstream view showing railroad trestle over Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Downstream view showing railroad trestle over Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Lea Lake
Lea Lake taken from the turn out area. Bottomless Lakes State Park. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Lea Lake taken from the turn out area. Bottomless Lakes State Park. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Lea Lake
Overlook at Lea Lake, Bottomless State Park. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Overlook at Lea Lake, Bottomless State Park. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Cottonwood Lake
Bottomless Lakes State Park. Cottonwood Lake is near the visitors Center. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Bottomless Lakes State Park. Cottonwood Lake is near the visitors Center. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Santa Rosa Dam
Santa Rosa Dam and bridge to dam control . Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Santa Rosa Dam and bridge to dam control . Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Santa Rosa Dam Control Building
Bridge to the Santa Rosa Dam Control. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Bridge to the Santa Rosa Dam Control. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Bridge to Santa Rosa Dam control room
Bridge across Santa Rosa Lake to the Dam control Room. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Bridge across Santa Rosa Lake to the Dam control Room. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Santa Rosa Lake
Santa Rosa Lake showing bridge to dam control. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Santa Rosa Lake showing bridge to dam control. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Santa Rosa Lake
Santa Rosa Lake - Picture taken near the dam control. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Santa Rosa Lake - Picture taken near the dam control. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
The USGS Texas Water Science Center assesssed salinity of the Pecos River Basin from Santa Rosa Lake, New Mexico to the confluence of Pecos River and Rio Grande, Texas. This assessment included an extensive literature review, compilation of previously published salinity related data, data gap analysis, additional data collection to fill data gaps, and identification of potential areas of elevated salinity in the Pecos River Basin.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
High salinity concentrations in the Pecos River Basin are affecting water quality, water quantity, and ecosystems in the basin. Salinity is defined as the total concentration of dissolved minerals in the water; for the Pecos River Basin these are primarily salts of sodium chloride and calcium sulfate The problems associated with elevated salinity include decreased availability of clean drinking water and water for agricultural and livestock uses. High salinity concentrations have reduced the amount of usable surface water to meet water demands in this arid region; which has increased demands on groundwater. In addition, high salinity concentrations in the basin have resulted in low dissolved oxygen in the river which impairs aquatic biota resources.
The study began in May of 2014.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Continuous Water Quality Monitoring on the Pecos River in Southern New Mexico
High levels of salinity in the Pecos River render it less useful for various purposes. It is believed that underground salt deposits in the Malaga area contribute to the increase in the salinity in the Pecos River as it flows through this area.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 40
Iron Bridge over Pecos River at Sheffield, Texas
Iron bridge over the Pecos River at Sheffield. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Iron bridge over the Pecos River at Sheffield. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Pecos River at low water crossing CR 306 upstream view
Pecos River at a lower water crossing near Iraan, upstream view. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Pecos River at a lower water crossing near Iraan, upstream view. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Pecos River at low water crossing near Iraan, Texas
Pecos River Basin tour in Texas. This is the Pecos River at a low water crossing off of CR 306 near Iraan Texas. The Yates Field surrounds this area. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Pecos River Basin tour in Texas. This is the Pecos River at a low water crossing off of CR 306 near Iraan Texas. The Yates Field surrounds this area. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Salt Creek upstream view
Salt Creek, only Perennial stream feeding the Pecos River upstream of Grivin, Texas. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Salt Creek, only Perennial stream feeding the Pecos River upstream of Grivin, Texas. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Salt Creek - Group Photo
Pecos River Basin Tour - Salt Creek with Alyson McDonald. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Pecos River Basin Tour - Salt Creek with Alyson McDonald. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Salt Creek - downstream view
This is the only perennial tributary that feeds the Pecos River upstream of Girvin Texas. The source of water is thought to be from the Rustler Springs, Screw bean springs, and runoff from the Castille Formation in Culberson County, Texas. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
This is the only perennial tributary that feeds the Pecos River upstream of Girvin Texas. The source of water is thought to be from the Rustler Springs, Screw bean springs, and runoff from the Castille Formation in Culberson County, Texas. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. April 14-16, 2015 field trip, Texas.
Pecos River at Pecos Texas - Upstream view
Pecos River at Pecos, Texas - upstream view. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Pecos River at Pecos, Texas - upstream view. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Salt Cedar debris - Pecos River at Pecos, Tx
Post-flooding Salt Cedar debris along the Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Post-flooding Salt Cedar debris along the Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Pecos River at Pecos Texas - Salt Cedar debris
Post-flooding Salt Cedar debris along the Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Post-flooding Salt Cedar debris along the Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Pecos River at Pecos Texas - Salt Cedar debris
Post-flooding Salt Cedar debris along the Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Post-flooding Salt Cedar debris along the Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Pecos River at Pecos Texas - Salt Cedar debris
Post-flooding Salt Cedar debris along the Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Post-flooding Salt Cedar debris along the Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Pecos River at Pecos, Texas
Railroad trestle over Pecos River at Pecos, TX. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Railroad trestle over Pecos River at Pecos, TX. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Pecos River at Pecos, Tx. - Downstream view
Downstream view showing railroad trestle over Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Downstream view showing railroad trestle over Pecos River. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. December 14-15, 2014 site recon, Texas.
Lea Lake
Lea Lake taken from the turn out area. Bottomless Lakes State Park. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Lea Lake taken from the turn out area. Bottomless Lakes State Park. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Lea Lake
Overlook at Lea Lake, Bottomless State Park. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Overlook at Lea Lake, Bottomless State Park. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Cottonwood Lake
Bottomless Lakes State Park. Cottonwood Lake is near the visitors Center. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Bottomless Lakes State Park. Cottonwood Lake is near the visitors Center. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Santa Rosa Dam
Santa Rosa Dam and bridge to dam control . Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Santa Rosa Dam and bridge to dam control . Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Santa Rosa Dam Control Building
Bridge to the Santa Rosa Dam Control. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Bridge to the Santa Rosa Dam Control. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Bridge to Santa Rosa Dam control room
Bridge across Santa Rosa Lake to the Dam control Room. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Bridge across Santa Rosa Lake to the Dam control Room. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Santa Rosa Lake
Santa Rosa Lake showing bridge to dam control. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Santa Rosa Lake showing bridge to dam control. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Santa Rosa Lake
Santa Rosa Lake - Picture taken near the dam control. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.
Santa Rosa Lake - Picture taken near the dam control. Pecos River Watershed Salinity Study. 2014 field trip, New Mexico.