Ground-water-level trends in Idaho, 1971-82

Water-level trends, net water-level changes, and major causes governing these water-level fluctuations are presented for 366 wells in the Idaho statewide observation-well network. Water-level trends were determined for 293 wells. Downward trends in 176 of these wells ranged from less than 1 foot per year to a maximum of 7 feet per year; upward trends in 90 wells ranged from less than 1 foot per year to a maximum of 6 feet per year. Trends were level (no change) in 27 wells. Net water-level changes were determined for 361 wells. Net declines in 269 of these wells ranged from less than 1 foot to a maximum of 52.65 feet; net rises in 92 wells ranged from less than 1 foot to a maximum of 25.12 feet. Significant net water-level declines and downward trends were most apparent in or near areas designated as critical ground-water areas by the Idaho Department of Water Resources. (USGS)