Chemical analyses of ground-water samples from the Rio Grande Valley in the vicinity of Albuquerque, New Mexico, October 1993 through January 1994

A study was conducted to investigate general ground-water-
quality conditions and contaminant locations in the Rio Grande
Valley in the vicinity of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Water samples
from 36 observation wells in 12 well nests were analyzed. The
well nests are located along three roads near the Rio Grande--two
well nests near Paseo del Norte, five well nests near Monta?o
Road, and five well nests near Rio Bravo Boulevard.

The water samples were collected from October 19, 1993,
through January 18, 1994. Water-quality types by major-ion
composition were calcium bicarbonate (found in most samples),
sodium sulfate, calcium sulfate, and calcium sulfate chloride.
Nutrients were detected in all but one sample. Ammonia was
detected in 34 samples, nitrite in 4 samples, and nitrate in 17
samples. Orthophosphate was detected in 31 samples. Organic
carbon was detected in all samples collected. The trace elements
arsenic and barium were detected in all samples and zinc in 31
samples. Fourteen samples contained detectable copper. Cadmium
was detected in one sample, chromium in two samples, lead in four
samples, and selenium in two samples. Mercury and silver were not
detected.