Hydrogeology of the sand and gravel aquifer in the vicinity of the Wild Rose State Fish Hatchery, north-central Waushara County, Wisconsin

The sand and gravel aquifer in the vicinity of the Wild Rose State Fish Hatchery is approximately 200 feet thick. The aquifer consists mostly of sand that was deposited as glacial till and outwash approximately 15,000 years ago. Hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer at the hatchery, calculated from slug tests, is approximately 18 feet per day. Ground water recharges west of the hatch ery, flows from northwest to southeast, and discharges to streams, lakes, springs, and flowing wells.

Springs and flowing wells are common at the hatchery because of upward hydraulic gradients in the sand and gravel aquifer. Total flow from springs and wells at the hatchery is approximately 3 million gallons per day. The recharge area for the ground water discharging at the hatchery extends at least 5 miles to the west. Ground water may flow from or under the Pine River to wells and springs at the hatchery.