Geology and ground water of the Red Lake area, Navajo Indian Reservation, Arizona and New Mexico

The Red Lake area in the Navajo Indian Reservation, Arizona and New
Mexico, was studied by the U.S. Geological Survey to determine if 1 mgd (mil-
lion gallons per day) of water could be obtained for the requirements of a
proposed sawmill. Geologic mapping and stratigraphic studies indicated three
favorable areas where ground water may be developed. Test holes were drilled
under contract in the areas, and pumping tests indicate that 500,000 gpd (gal-
lons per day) is available from alluvium along Tohdildonih Wash near Frog
Rock, 100,000 gpd is available from the Shinarump member of the Chinle forma-
tion and the De Chelly sandstone near Red Lake, and 800,000 gpd is available
from alluvium and cinder beds in lapiUi tuff in Buell Park, an eroded diatreme.
The diatreme at Buell Park is about 2% miles in diameter. It was formed
by several explosions in which lapilli tuff and cinders were erupted. These
materials, together with later basaltic intrusive and extrusive rock, now fill
the diatreme. The tuff and cinders are water bearing, 'and they receive re-
charge from rainwater and snowmelt moving through overlying alluvium and
from storage in the De Chelly sandstone which encloses the east half of the
diatreme.
The quality of water from all areas is suitable for domestic use. However,
special treatment may be necessary to make the water suitable for pulp
processing.