Potential for aquifer compaction, land subsidence, and earth fissures in the Tucson basin, Pima County, Arizona

In 1979 the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the city of Tucson, began an investigation of aquifer compaction and its effects in the Tucson basin, including the potential hazards of aquifer compaction and subsequent damage to engineered structures, roads, water supply systems, gaslines, and sewage systems. Groundwater is the main source of water for irrigation, public supply, and industry. Pumping has exceeded recharge for several decades, and declines in groundwater levels have occurred in parts of the basin. In places, water level declines have resulted in small amounts of aquifer compaction and land subsidence. Further water level declines in parts of the Tucson basin may result in large amounts of aquifer compaction and land subsidence. Differential land subsidence may, in places, be accompanied by the formation of earth fissures. Aquifer compaction, land subsidence, and earth fissures can damage or affect the functional capability of manmade features. Specifically, aquifer compaction may damage wells, fissures may damage engineered structures, and differential land subsidence may affect structures such as sewers and water-supply systems that are dependent on gravity for their operation. (USGS)