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Show 6 - MARCH TIMES . MARCH 1993 the Town of Castle Valley. The total Valley Ground Water Part II 0 water depends primarily on the permeability of the material the well predict from observing the surface. Usually the most cost effecivet approach for an individual considering developing one shallow well is to obtain all the information available on existing wells in the area and select a site that appears to be most similar to the most successful wells nearby, and then drill a well. If the first well does 1 2 0 TOTAL WSOLVED SOUDS (MKLGRAMS PER UTER) penetrates below the water table. In Castle Valley is not always easy to dissolved solids for these wells is shown NUMBER OF WELLS The success of wells in producing 500 3 4 “:\ ‘ (“MEETS STATE PUBUC omnmne WATER STANDARDS ‘ MEETS STATE PUBLIC DRINKING WATER STANDARDS. BUT USERS MAY COMPLAIN 1000 »1/ MAY BE USED AS PUBLIC DRINKING WATER ONLY IF WATER OF BETTER QUALITY IS NOT AVAILABLE 2000 “”" NOT TO BE USED AS PUBLIC DRINKING WATER 1 in the graph. In * general the quality of water is best in the central and upper part of Castle Valley and poorer in the lower part of the valley and along the margins of the valley. The development of surface and ground water is regulated by a complex system of 3000 g laws and rules administered by the not produce the volume and quality of water needed and there is evidence that WATER QUAUTY N TEN CASTLE VALLEY WELLS more favorable strata might be encountered at a different location, drill another well. Geophysical sounding made on surface, similar to those made in the exploration for oil and gas, can be used to determine favorable locations for wells, but the cost of the geophysical soundings cannot be justified relative to the cost of drilling a shallow well. Some Castle Valley residents feel they lack the knowledge to select well sites, and some have consulted a water witch or, as some prefer to be called, dowser, to ease the trauma of selecting a site. Other than perpetuating some misconceptions about the occurrence and movement of groundwater, and perhaps preventing the use of a more rational method to make the decision, the consultation with a water witch usually does no harm. If the witch/ dowser has a knowledge of the wells that have been drilled in the area, he/ State Division of Groundwater quality varies widely over Castle Valley. The water that falls as precipitation on the valley and in the La Sal Mountains is nearly pure, but as it comes into contact with sand, gravel, Water Rights. The rules to protect water from contamination are primarily the responsibility of the State Department of Environmental Health, Division of Water Quality. However, many of these health-related rules are administered by local or and rocks, small quantities of minerals are dissolved into it. Water that comes regional health departments. The rules into contact with rocks underlying of greatest concern to the residents of Castle Valley that contain salt, gypsum, Castle Valley relate to wastewater and limestone dissolves significant amounts of sodium, chloride, sulfate, disposal systems. These rules regulate calcium, and carbonate. The amount of these constituents dissolved in the water is the primary factor that deter- suitable soil and groundwater condi- mines the quality of the ground water in Castle Valley. should be constructed. The State of Utah sets standards for water that can be used as “public drinking water” but does not set standards for private wells. Most of the water produced from wells in Castle Valley meets the State standards for the location of waste water disposal systems relative to water wells, define tions, and outline how the system Castle Valley’s Mayor John Groo has done an outstanding job in assuring that the rights to adequate water will be available for the development of home sites in the Town of Castle Valley. He has also worked with the Utah Division of Water Rights to begin a study of the water resources of the valley that, she may be a good source of advice. public water supplies, but some does (Water Witching is an ancient craft, and an interesting study in psychology and not. Generally a good measure of water quality is the total dissolved solids the sociology that has little to do with water contains. Chemical analysis is and develop this critical hydrogeology.) available for ten representative wells in resource. —Don Mabey when complete, will provide the information needed to protect {fa/I. , _, 3%). The Castle Valley River Ranchos HISTORY SOCIETY would like to see The Way It Was. We are in the process of organizing and cataloging pictures, stories, pamphlets, etc. If you would like to be involved or have anything to donate, wrlte CVSR 2211 or call 259-8252. For Our Future, Let’s Remember Our Past. T |
