Ground-water levels and direction of ground-water flow in the central part of Bernalillo County, New Mexico, summer 1983

In 1980, toxic chemicals were detected in water samples from wells in and near Albuquerque 's San Jose well field. At the request of the Environmental Improvement Division of the New Mexico Health and Environment Department, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted a study to determine groundwater levels and flow direction. Water levels were measured in 44 wells in a 64 sq mi area along the Rio Grande and adjacent areas during a period of near maximum municipal pumpage. Based on the altitude of screened interval, wells were grouped into shallow (screened internal above an altitude of 4,800 ft) or deep (screened internal below an altitude of 4,800 ft) zones. Groundwater in the shallow zone generally moves from north to south parallel to flow in the Rio Grande. Groundwater in the deep zone generally moves from the northwest to the east and southeast. A poorly developed cone of depression within the deep zone was present in the northeast. Water levels in wells were as much as 18 feet higher in the shallow zone than in the deep zone in the vicinity of the San Jose well field, indicating a downward gradient. (Author 's abstract)