Connor Patrick Newman
Connor is a Research Hydrologist - Groundwater Specialist with the Colorado Water Science Center (COWSC), in Lakewood, CO.
As groundwater specialist for the Colorado Water Science Center, Connor focuses on investigations including evaluation of groundwater/surface-water interactions, groundwater geochemistry, groundwater modeling, and studies of acid mine drainage. Connor applies an integrated suite of methods including physical, geochemical, and statistical tools in an effort to better understand water resources of Colorado, and to provide this information to stakeholders and water managers. Connor also assists other USGS staff with the design of groundwater investigations and participates in public outreach.
Professional Experience
2015-2016 – Staff Hydrogeologist, Itasca Denver, Inc.
2016-2018 – Environmental Scientist, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
2018-2024 – Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey
2024-Present – Research Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey
Education and Certifications
PhD, Geochemistry, 2025. Colorado School of Mines
Master of Science, Geology, 2014. University of Nevada, Reno
Bachelor of Arts, Geology, 2011. University of Colorado, Boulder
Affiliations and Memberships*
Professional Geologist - Wyoming (PG-4139)
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 14
Environmental-tracer modeling to support hydrogeochemical evaluation of the Fountain Creek Alluvial Aquifer, El Paso County, Colorado, 2018-2019 Environmental-tracer modeling to support hydrogeochemical evaluation of the Fountain Creek Alluvial Aquifer, El Paso County, Colorado, 2018-2019
This data release contains environmental tracer concentrations, modeled recharge conditions (water temperature, excess air), and resulting estimated groundwater residence times. This dataset supports an integrated hydrogeochemical investigation of solute sources, groundwater recharge processes, and groundwater flow in the Fountain Creek alluvial aquifer. The data release contains five...
Water-level and well-discharge data related to aquifer testing in Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado, 2019 Water-level and well-discharge data related to aquifer testing in Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado, 2019
Short-term aquifer tests were conducted to estimate hydraulic properties in an alluvial aquifer. Tests included eight single-hole pumping and recovery tests and three slug tests (in a single well). These investigations were conducted in the Wet Mountain Valley, in Custer and Fremont Counties, Colorado. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducted aquifer tests in May, 2019. These aquifer...
Filter Total Items: 17
Opportunities to improve water quality during abandoned mine-tunnel reclamation Opportunities to improve water quality during abandoned mine-tunnel reclamation
In the western United States, bulkheads are constructed to limit drainage from abandoned, draining mine adits and to protect downstream resources from uncontrolled releases of degraded adit water. Although bulkheads improve safety and water-quality conditions at the mouth of the adit, elevated hydraulic pressure behind the bulkhead often causes continuing water-quality problems in new...
Authors
Katherine Walton-Day, James Gusek, Connor Newman
Assessing specific-capacity data and short-term aquifer testing to estimate hydraulic properties in alluvial aquifers of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA Assessing specific-capacity data and short-term aquifer testing to estimate hydraulic properties in alluvial aquifers of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA
Study Region: Rocky Mountains, United States Study Focus: Groundwater-flow modeling requires estimates of hydraulic properties, namely hydraulic conductivity. Hydraulic conductivity values commonly vary over orders of magnitudes however and estimation may require extensive field campaigns applying slug or pumping tests. As an alternative, specific-capacity tests can be used to estimate...
Authors
Connor Newman, Zachary Kisfalusi, Michael Holmberg
Using an unmanned aerial vehicle water sampler to gather data in a pit-lake mining environment to assess closure and monitoring Using an unmanned aerial vehicle water sampler to gather data in a pit-lake mining environment to assess closure and monitoring
Residual pit lakes from mining are often dangerous to sample for water quality. Thus, pit lakes may be rarely (or never) sampled. This study developed new technology in which water-sampling devices, mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), were used to sample three pit lakes in Nevada, USA, during 1 week in 2017. Water-quality datasets from two of the three pit lakes on public lands...
Authors
Brian Straight, Devin Castendyk, Diane McKnight, Connor Newman, Pierre Filiatreault, Americo Pino
Natural and anthropogenic geochemical tracers to investigate residence times and groundwater–surface-water interactions in an urban alluvial aquifer Natural and anthropogenic geochemical tracers to investigate residence times and groundwater–surface-water interactions in an urban alluvial aquifer
A multi-component geochemical dataset was collected from groundwater and surface-water bodies associated with the urban Fountain Creek alluvial aquifer, Colorado, USA, to facilitate analysis of recharge sources, geochemical interactions, and groundwater-residence times. Results indicate that groundwater can be separated into three distinct geochemical zones based on location within the...
Authors
Connor Newman, Suzanne Paschke, Gabrielle Keith
NGWA Groundwater Modeling Advisory Panel Survey on the Use of Uncertainty Analysis in Groundwater Modeling NGWA Groundwater Modeling Advisory Panel Survey on the Use of Uncertainty Analysis in Groundwater Modeling
This white paper provides the results of a survey by members of the NGWA Groundwater Modeling Advisory Panel to assess the use of uncertainty analysis in groundwater modeling. The objective of the survey was to improve understanding of the use of uncertainty analysis in practical groundwater modeling projects subject to real-world constraints, such as limited budgets and tight deadlines.
Authors
Steve Luis, Pete Schulmeyer, David Bean, Connor Newman, Dan Puddephatt, Rodney Sheets, Randall J. Hunt
Non-USGS Publications**
Newman, C.P., Poulson, S.R., and Hanna, B.T., 2020, Regional isotopic investigation of evaporation and water-rock interaction in mine pit lakes in Nevada, USA, Journal of Geochemical Exploration, vol. 210, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2019.106445.
Newman, C.P., Poulson, S.R., and McCrea, K.W., 2019, Contaminant generation and transport from mine pit lake to perennial stream system: Multidisciplinary investigations at the Big Ledge Mine, Nevada, USA, Geochemistry, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemer.2019.125552.
Newman, C.P., 2019, A quantitative framework for comparing observed and simulated pit-lake geochemistry, Mine Water and the Environment, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-019-00634-0.
Newman, C.P., Gray, T.G., 2019, Statistical and geochemical analysis of arsenic mobilization and natural background associated with artificial groundwater recharge, Environmental Earth Sciences, vol. 78, no. 298, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-019-8300-6.
Newman, C.P., 2019, Variation in groundwater recharge and surface-water quality due to climatic extremes in semi-arid mountainous watersheds, Hydrogeology Journal, vol. 27, no. 5, pp. 1627-1643, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-019-01967-4.
Newman, C.P., Cluff, T., Gray, T., and Beale, G., 2019, Aqueous geochemistry and limnology of the Sleeper pit lake, Nevada, USA: Evidence for long-term subaqueous solute generation in mine pit lakes, Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 64-81, https://doi.org/10.4236/gep.2019.73004.
Newman, C.P., McCrea, K.W., Zimmerman, J., Burke, G., and Anderson, S., 2019, Geochemistry, mineralogy and acid-generating behavior of efflorescent sulfate salts in underground mines in Nevada, U.S.A., Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis, DOI: 10.1144/geochem2018-074
Newman, C.P., 2018, Geoscience education and public outreach in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA, Rocky Mountain Geology, vol. 53, no. 1, DOI: 10.24872/rmgjournal.53.1.45.
Newman, C.P., 2017, Design and implementation of a geochemical and hydrologic database for Nevada mine sites, Journal of the Nevada Water Resources Association, Summer 2017, pp. 5-16, DOI: 10.22542/3.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 14
Environmental-tracer modeling to support hydrogeochemical evaluation of the Fountain Creek Alluvial Aquifer, El Paso County, Colorado, 2018-2019 Environmental-tracer modeling to support hydrogeochemical evaluation of the Fountain Creek Alluvial Aquifer, El Paso County, Colorado, 2018-2019
This data release contains environmental tracer concentrations, modeled recharge conditions (water temperature, excess air), and resulting estimated groundwater residence times. This dataset supports an integrated hydrogeochemical investigation of solute sources, groundwater recharge processes, and groundwater flow in the Fountain Creek alluvial aquifer. The data release contains five...
Water-level and well-discharge data related to aquifer testing in Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado, 2019 Water-level and well-discharge data related to aquifer testing in Wet Mountain Valley, Colorado, 2019
Short-term aquifer tests were conducted to estimate hydraulic properties in an alluvial aquifer. Tests included eight single-hole pumping and recovery tests and three slug tests (in a single well). These investigations were conducted in the Wet Mountain Valley, in Custer and Fremont Counties, Colorado. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducted aquifer tests in May, 2019. These aquifer...
Filter Total Items: 17
Opportunities to improve water quality during abandoned mine-tunnel reclamation Opportunities to improve water quality during abandoned mine-tunnel reclamation
In the western United States, bulkheads are constructed to limit drainage from abandoned, draining mine adits and to protect downstream resources from uncontrolled releases of degraded adit water. Although bulkheads improve safety and water-quality conditions at the mouth of the adit, elevated hydraulic pressure behind the bulkhead often causes continuing water-quality problems in new...
Authors
Katherine Walton-Day, James Gusek, Connor Newman
Assessing specific-capacity data and short-term aquifer testing to estimate hydraulic properties in alluvial aquifers of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA Assessing specific-capacity data and short-term aquifer testing to estimate hydraulic properties in alluvial aquifers of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA
Study Region: Rocky Mountains, United States Study Focus: Groundwater-flow modeling requires estimates of hydraulic properties, namely hydraulic conductivity. Hydraulic conductivity values commonly vary over orders of magnitudes however and estimation may require extensive field campaigns applying slug or pumping tests. As an alternative, specific-capacity tests can be used to estimate...
Authors
Connor Newman, Zachary Kisfalusi, Michael Holmberg
Using an unmanned aerial vehicle water sampler to gather data in a pit-lake mining environment to assess closure and monitoring Using an unmanned aerial vehicle water sampler to gather data in a pit-lake mining environment to assess closure and monitoring
Residual pit lakes from mining are often dangerous to sample for water quality. Thus, pit lakes may be rarely (or never) sampled. This study developed new technology in which water-sampling devices, mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), were used to sample three pit lakes in Nevada, USA, during 1 week in 2017. Water-quality datasets from two of the three pit lakes on public lands...
Authors
Brian Straight, Devin Castendyk, Diane McKnight, Connor Newman, Pierre Filiatreault, Americo Pino
Natural and anthropogenic geochemical tracers to investigate residence times and groundwater–surface-water interactions in an urban alluvial aquifer Natural and anthropogenic geochemical tracers to investigate residence times and groundwater–surface-water interactions in an urban alluvial aquifer
A multi-component geochemical dataset was collected from groundwater and surface-water bodies associated with the urban Fountain Creek alluvial aquifer, Colorado, USA, to facilitate analysis of recharge sources, geochemical interactions, and groundwater-residence times. Results indicate that groundwater can be separated into three distinct geochemical zones based on location within the...
Authors
Connor Newman, Suzanne Paschke, Gabrielle Keith
NGWA Groundwater Modeling Advisory Panel Survey on the Use of Uncertainty Analysis in Groundwater Modeling NGWA Groundwater Modeling Advisory Panel Survey on the Use of Uncertainty Analysis in Groundwater Modeling
This white paper provides the results of a survey by members of the NGWA Groundwater Modeling Advisory Panel to assess the use of uncertainty analysis in groundwater modeling. The objective of the survey was to improve understanding of the use of uncertainty analysis in practical groundwater modeling projects subject to real-world constraints, such as limited budgets and tight deadlines.
Authors
Steve Luis, Pete Schulmeyer, David Bean, Connor Newman, Dan Puddephatt, Rodney Sheets, Randall J. Hunt
Non-USGS Publications**
Newman, C.P., Poulson, S.R., and Hanna, B.T., 2020, Regional isotopic investigation of evaporation and water-rock interaction in mine pit lakes in Nevada, USA, Journal of Geochemical Exploration, vol. 210, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2019.106445.
Newman, C.P., Poulson, S.R., and McCrea, K.W., 2019, Contaminant generation and transport from mine pit lake to perennial stream system: Multidisciplinary investigations at the Big Ledge Mine, Nevada, USA, Geochemistry, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemer.2019.125552.
Newman, C.P., 2019, A quantitative framework for comparing observed and simulated pit-lake geochemistry, Mine Water and the Environment, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-019-00634-0.
Newman, C.P., Gray, T.G., 2019, Statistical and geochemical analysis of arsenic mobilization and natural background associated with artificial groundwater recharge, Environmental Earth Sciences, vol. 78, no. 298, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-019-8300-6.
Newman, C.P., 2019, Variation in groundwater recharge and surface-water quality due to climatic extremes in semi-arid mountainous watersheds, Hydrogeology Journal, vol. 27, no. 5, pp. 1627-1643, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-019-01967-4.
Newman, C.P., Cluff, T., Gray, T., and Beale, G., 2019, Aqueous geochemistry and limnology of the Sleeper pit lake, Nevada, USA: Evidence for long-term subaqueous solute generation in mine pit lakes, Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 64-81, https://doi.org/10.4236/gep.2019.73004.
Newman, C.P., McCrea, K.W., Zimmerman, J., Burke, G., and Anderson, S., 2019, Geochemistry, mineralogy and acid-generating behavior of efflorescent sulfate salts in underground mines in Nevada, U.S.A., Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis, DOI: 10.1144/geochem2018-074
Newman, C.P., 2018, Geoscience education and public outreach in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA, Rocky Mountain Geology, vol. 53, no. 1, DOI: 10.24872/rmgjournal.53.1.45.
Newman, C.P., 2017, Design and implementation of a geochemical and hydrologic database for Nevada mine sites, Journal of the Nevada Water Resources Association, Summer 2017, pp. 5-16, DOI: 10.22542/3.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government