Evaluating Geothermal Groundwater Levels to Support Bruneau Hot Springsnail Recovery Completed
The endangered Bruneau hot springsnail (Pyrgulopsis bruneauensis) exists only in a geographically limited habitat of thermal springs and seeps in southwestern Idaho. As a part of its 2002 recovery plan for the springsnail, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) targeted conservation efforts to increase groundwater levels in the Bruneau area to protect the geothermal spring discharges necessary for the springsnail to survive.
In cooperation with the USFWS, we conducted a series of studies between 1987 and 1992 to better understand groundwater movement and groundwater levels within the area’s aquifers. In 2010, the USFWS asked us to reevaluate the effect of withdrawals from the geothermal aquifer system.
For this effort, we conducted a two-part study to 1) analyze trends in groundwater levels from 1990 to 2010, and to 2) simulate drawdown effects, using the Theis equation, of long-term groundwater pumping.
The USFWS will use the results of this study to determine if purchasing and retiring groundwater rights is effective in helping to protect and restore the critical springsnail habitat.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Historical and potential groundwater drawdown in the Bruneau area, Owyhee County, southwestern Idaho
Effects of well discharges on hydraulic heads in and spring discharges from the geothermal aquifer system in the Bruneau area, Owyhee County, southwestern Idaho
Below are partners associated with this project.
- Overview
The endangered Bruneau hot springsnail (Pyrgulopsis bruneauensis) exists only in a geographically limited habitat of thermal springs and seeps in southwestern Idaho. As a part of its 2002 recovery plan for the springsnail, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) targeted conservation efforts to increase groundwater levels in the Bruneau area to protect the geothermal spring discharges necessary for the springsnail to survive.
In cooperation with the USFWS, we conducted a series of studies between 1987 and 1992 to better understand groundwater movement and groundwater levels within the area’s aquifers. In 2010, the USFWS asked us to reevaluate the effect of withdrawals from the geothermal aquifer system.
For this effort, we conducted a two-part study to 1) analyze trends in groundwater levels from 1990 to 2010, and to 2) simulate drawdown effects, using the Theis equation, of long-term groundwater pumping.
The USFWS will use the results of this study to determine if purchasing and retiring groundwater rights is effective in helping to protect and restore the critical springsnail habitat.
- Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Historical and potential groundwater drawdown in the Bruneau area, Owyhee County, southwestern Idaho
Geothermal seeps and springs in the Bruneau area in southwestern Idaho provide a vital but disappearing habitat for the Bruneau hot springsnail (Pyrgulopsis bruneauensis). In order to aid in conservation efforts, a two-part study was conducted (1) to determine trends in groundwater levels over time and (2) to simulate drawdown in aquifers that contribute to the geothermal seeps and springs along tAuthorsCandice B. Adkins, James R. BartolinoEffects of well discharges on hydraulic heads in and spring discharges from the geothermal aquifer system in the Bruneau area, Owyhee County, southwestern Idaho
Demand for ground water in the 600- square-mile Bruneau study area has increased since 1954 because of agricultural development. Declining flow at Indian Bathtub Spring is adversely affecting a unique species of snail that inhabits the spring. The Bruneau study area is underlain by sedimentary and volcanic rocks that form a regional geothermal aquifer. Sedimentary rocks range in thickness fAuthorsCharles Berenbrock - Partners
Below are partners associated with this project.