Groundwater Data To Inform the Clark Fork Plan

John LaFaveGround Water Assessment Program

MT Bureau of Mines and Geology

Clark Fork Task ForceOctober 23, 2012

“The science of hydrologywould be relatively simple if

water were unable to penetratebelow the earth’s surface.”

Montana Bureau of Mines and Geologya department of Montana Tech

• Established in 1919 to provide reliable and unbiased earth science information

• Non regulatory, applied research– Geologic Mapping– Earthquake Studies– Small Miners– Environmental Assessment– Ground Water

• Web: http://www.mbmg.mtech.edu/

Montana Bureau of Mines and Geologya department of Montana Tech

• Established in 1919 to provide reliable and unbiased earth science information

• Non regulatory, applied research– Geologic Mapping– Earthquake Studies– Small Miners– Environmental Assessment– Ground Water

• Web: http://www.mbmg.mtech.edu/

Montana Bureau of Mines and Geologya department of Montana Tech

• Established in 1919 to provide reliable and unbiased earth science information

• Non regulatory, applied research– Geologic Mapping– Earthquake Studies– Small Miners– Environmental Assessment– Ground Water

• Web: http://www.mbmg.mtech.edu/

Montana Ground Water Assessment Program

• Ground-Water Characterization– systematic data collection and interpretation.

• Ground-Water Monitoring– long term records of water levels and quality.

• Ground-Water Information Center– data dissemination.

“…systematically assess and monitor the state’s

ground water and to disseminate the information…” 85-2-902(2) MCA

Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Montana Ground-Water Assessment Program

Ground Water Characterization28 Areas

Field workComplete

Field workComplete

Field workComplete

Field workComplete

Field workComplete

Field workComplete

Field workComplete

Field workWrapping up

Scheduled

Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Montana Ground-Water Assessment Program

Field workstarting

Ground Water CharacterizationMain product -- the data

More than:~ 3,000 inventories~ 900 full analyses

Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Montana Ground-Water Assessment Program

Ground Water Characterization

Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Montana Ground-Water Assessment Program

ReportsGroundwater Quality Maps

Geologic Framework Maps

24 maps, 5 reports

Groundwater Flow Maps

Ground Water Monitoring

215 wells in the State-Wide NetworkMontana Bureau of Mines and Geology Montana Ground-Water Assessment Program

Ground Water Information Center

Products:Well Logs Water Quality Hydrographs Maps & Repts Project data

Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Montana Ground-Water Assessment Program

mbmggwic.mtech.edu

Ground Water Information Center

Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Montana Ground-Water Assessment Program

Montana Ground Water Investigation Program

“…gather data, compile existing information, conduct field studies, and prepare a detailed hydrogeologic assessment report …and a hydrogeologic model… ” 85-2-525 (1) MCA

• Investigates critical and specific groundwater questions• Results provide scientific basis for water-management

– Stream depletion related to groundwater development– Impacts to aquifers: increasing demand; changing land use– Protection of senior water rights (groundwater and surface water)– Water quality impacts such as septic effluent– Cumulative effects of water development– Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) in Montana– Any Other Subjects that may be identified

Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Montana Ground-Water Investigation Program

Ground Water Investigation Program

Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Montana Ground-Water Assessment Program

Florence – Depletion rates and timing from groundwater development in Eightmile and

Threemile drainages

Stevensville-Conversion of surface

To groundwater

Hamilton-Conversion of

Irrigated ag land to residential

Flathead Valley - Recharge/discharge relationships and long-term sustainability of the deep aquifer.

Ongoing and proposed (unscheduled) projects

Florence – Eightmile Creek

Ground-Water Information Center:http://mbmggwic.mtech.edu/

Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology:http://www.mbmg.mtech.edu/

Contact Information:

Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Montana Ground-Water Assessment Program

John LaFave496-4306

jlafave@mtech.edu