Paradox Valley Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Regression Equations
Paradox Valley, CO
The primary objective of the project is to evaluate and update previous regression equations, developed for the USGS streamgages and continuous water-quality records, that describe the relation between specific conductance measured in the Dolores River and calculated total dissolved solids TDS. A secondary objective is to evaluate brine discharge to the river using a previously developed groundwater flow and transport model.
The Bureau of Reclamation operates the Paradox Valley Unit (PVU) in the Paradox Valley of southwestern Colorado. At the Paradox Valley Unit, naturally occurring brine discharges to Dolores River as it crosses the Paradox Valley. A series of extraction wells pumps brine from an area near the river and the extracted brine is disposed of by deep-well injection. The USGS maintains streamgages and continous water-quality monitors up and downstream from the PVU to assess the effects of brine discharge and the PVU. There is a need to update regression equations used to estimate total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations and loads in the Dolores River using data from the USGS streamgages and results from USGS groundwater model of brine discharge in the vicinity of the PVU.
The primary objective of the project is to evaluate and update previous regression equations, developed for the USGS streamgages and continuous water-quality records, that describe the relation between specific conductance measured in the Dolores River and calculated total dissolved solids TDS. A secondary objective is to evaluate brine discharge to the river using a previously developed groundwater flow and transport model.
The Bureau of Reclamation operates the Paradox Valley Unit (PVU) in the Paradox Valley of southwestern Colorado. At the Paradox Valley Unit, naturally occurring brine discharges to Dolores River as it crosses the Paradox Valley. A series of extraction wells pumps brine from an area near the river and the extracted brine is disposed of by deep-well injection. The USGS maintains streamgages and continous water-quality monitors up and downstream from the PVU to assess the effects of brine discharge and the PVU. There is a need to update regression equations used to estimate total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations and loads in the Dolores River using data from the USGS streamgages and results from USGS groundwater model of brine discharge in the vicinity of the PVU.