PURPOSE, SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY A reconnaissance study was designed to collect, compile, and analyze data to determine if ground-water use would interfere with surface water sources near Big Bonanza Springs. The study was to last one year from July 1992 to June 1993. Periodic water level measurements and stream flow measurements have been made since June 1993, to create a more complete data set. Water level measurements in selected wells were made periodically to determine groundwater level fluctuations over time. A continuous water level recorder was installed in one well in September 1992 and is currently scheduled to run until spring 1994, when its status will be evaluated. The emphasis on work in the local area around Bonanza included monthly water level measurements, Lost River stream flow measurements, and Bonanza Springs weir measurements. This area has the highest concentration of wells, both domestic and irrigation, and is of particular interest because of the large aggregate discharge of groundwater in a short reach of the Lost River. To quantify the discharge of the Bonanza Springs, wading stream flow measurements were made above and below the section of the Lost River where groundwater is known to discharge. The difference between the two measurements was assumed to give the discharge of the springs in that reach. To correlate the overall flow of Bonanza Springs to the direct measurement of some of the discharge points, various-sized rectangular weirs were placed in the northern channel of the springs in the Big Bonanza Springs Park. The comparison could then be made by making sets of measurements at all locations in a single day. The total potential use was determined by summing the number of cubic feet per second (cfs) on the pending applications filed with OWRD for the appropriation of groundwater in the area within the study boundaries. This area coincides with the valley lowland areas. The total maximum rate of appropriation under terms of existing permits was determined by valley only in Langell Valley for the 1992 irrigation season. This was done by summing the individual rates in permits for irrigation, stock and domestic purposes, if any. This total included all issued permits and emergency drought permits exclusively from groundwater. Sample drill cuttings were collected from wells under construction during the study period within the study boundaries. The samples were examined in an effort to correlate geology defined in past studies with present knowledge. They were also used to conceptualize the subsurface geology. A video log of the well bore in which the continuous water level recorder was installed was done in early October 1992. Since this well was constructed prior to the requirement of a well drilling report, a video log of the rock types throughout the well bore was recorded. This information was important in evaluating static water level information also collected by the recorder.
Cover title "May, 1994."