Donald Bills
Don joined the USGS Arizona Water Science Center in 1978 and is currently a Scientist Emeritus.
Donald Bills is a Scientist Emeritus with over 34 years of experience in basic data programs and projects studying the surface water, groundwater, and water chemistry of Northern Arizona and the western US. Don’s recent works include regional groundwater flow and contaminate hydrology (uranium and trace metals) of the Grand Canyon watershed, geohydrology of large regional flow systems in Northern Arizona, and groundwater-resources assessment and development support for Tribal Lands in Northern Arizona.
Don’s special interests are in large regional groundwater-flow systems and regional springs. Don has an interest in borehole and surface geophysics.
Professional Experience
In 2009, Don was appointed to a national team developing observation well and streamflow-gaging station abandonment guidelines for the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.
In 2011, Don was selected as a team member for the Energy and Minerals Mission Area Strategic Science Planning Team.
Education and Certifications
BS, Physical Science, California State University-Chico, 1976.
Affiliations and Memberships*
USGS representative to the Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Council since 2000.
Member, International Association of Hydrogeologists, since 2001
Reviewer, Hydrogeology Journal, 2007, 2008
Member, the Groundwater Foundation, 1996-2009
Member, American Water Resources Association since 1992
Reviewer, Journal of American Water Resources, 1996-98, 2005-06, 2009-2012
Member, Association of Groundwater Scientists and Engineers, NWWA since 1992.
Reviewer, Groundwater, 1996-97, 2002, 2009, 2011
Member, Arizona Hydrological Society since 1989. Flagstaff Chapter Officer 1989- 2007. Corporate officer 1990-1991,1994-1996, and 1998 to 2005. Corporate Treasurer 1998-2002.
Member, Ground-Water Resources Association of California since 2003.
Member, American Geophysical Union since 2012.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 29
U.S. Geological Survey energy and minerals science strategy U.S. Geological Survey energy and minerals science strategy
The economy, national security, and standard of living of the United States depend heavily on adequate and reliable supplies of energy and mineral resources. Based on current population and consumption trends, the Nation's use of energy and minerals can be expected to grow, driving the demand for ever broader scientific understanding of resource formation, location, and availability. In...
Authors
Richard C. Ferrero, Jonathan J. Kolak, Donald J. Bills, Zachary H. Bowen, Daniel J. Cordier, Tanya J. Gallegos, James R. Hein, Karen D. Kelley, Philip H. Nelson, Vito F. Nuccio, Jeanine M. Schmidt, Robert R. Seal
Breccia-pipe uranium mining in northern Arizona: Estimate of resources and assessment of historical effects Breccia-pipe uranium mining in northern Arizona: Estimate of resources and assessment of historical effects
About 1 million acres of Federal land in the Grand Canyon region of Arizona were temporarily withdrawn from new mining claims in July 2009 by the Secretary of the Interior because of concern that increased uranium mining could have negative impacts on the land, water, people, and wildlife. During a 2-year interval, a Federal team led by the Bureau of Land Management is evaluating the...
Authors
Donald J. Bills, Kristin M. Brown, Andrea E. Alpine, James K. Otton, Bradley S. Van Gosen, Jo Ellen Hinck, Fred D. Tillman
Hydrogeology of the Coconino Plateau and adjacent areas, Coconino and Yavapai Counties, Arizona Hydrogeology of the Coconino Plateau and adjacent areas, Coconino and Yavapai Counties, Arizona
Two large, regional ground-water flow systems occur in the Coconino Plateau and adjacent areas: the C aquifer and the Redwall-Muav aquifer. The C aquifer occurs mainly in the eastern and southern parts of the 10,300-square-mile Coconino Plateau study area, and the Redwall-Muav aquifer underlies the entire study area. The C aquifer is a water-table aquifer for most of its occurrence with...
Authors
Donald J. Bills, Marilyn E. Flynn, Stephen A. Monroe
Electrical resistance sensors record spring flow timing, Grand Canyon, Arizona Electrical resistance sensors record spring flow timing, Grand Canyon, Arizona
Springs along the south rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, are important ecological and cultural resources in Grand Canyon National Park and are discharge points for regional and local aquifers of the Coconino Plateau. This study evaluated the applicability of electrical resistance (ER) sensors for measuring diffuse, low-stage (
Authors
E.A. Adams, S. A. Monroe, Abraham E. Springer, K.W. Blasch, D. J. Bills
Geologic, hydrologic, and chemical data from the C aquifer near Leupp, Arizona Geologic, hydrologic, and chemical data from the C aquifer near Leupp, Arizona
No abstract available.
Authors
J.P. Hoffmann, D. J. Bills, J. V. Phillips, K. J. Halford
Generalized hydrogeology and ground-water budget for the C Aquifer, Little Colorado River Basin and parts of the Verde and Salt River Basins, Arizona and New Mexico Generalized hydrogeology and ground-water budget for the C Aquifer, Little Colorado River Basin and parts of the Verde and Salt River Basins, Arizona and New Mexico
The C aquifer underlies the Little Colorado River Basin and parts of the Verde and Salt River Basins and is named for the primary water-bearing rock unit of the aquifer, the Coconino Sandstone. The areal extent of this aquifer is more than 27,000 square miles. More than 1,000 well and spring sites were identified in the U.S. Geological Survey database for the C aquifer in Arizona and New...
Authors
Robert J. Hart, John J. Ward, Donald J. Bills, Marilyn E. Flynn
Investigation of the geology and hydrology of the Coconino Plateau of northern Arizona: a project of the Arizona Rural Watershed Initiative Investigation of the geology and hydrology of the Coconino Plateau of northern Arizona: a project of the Arizona Rural Watershed Initiative
The water resources of the Coconino Plateau in northern Arizona are under increasing demand as a result of development. The population of this arid region continues to grow, and the number of visitors to the many national and state parks and monuments in the region has increased annually. The sustainability, protection, and maintenance of springs and seeps and associated riparian habitat...
Authors
Marilyn E. Flynn, Donald J. Bills
Hydrogeologic data for the Coconino Plateau and adjacent areas, Coconino and Yavapai counties, Arizona Hydrogeologic data for the Coconino Plateau and adjacent areas, Coconino and Yavapai counties, Arizona
Data on geology, topography, hydrology, climate, land use, and vegetation were compiled between October 2000 and September 2001 and assembled into a database for use by local and regional waterresource managers and for future water-resource investigations. The hydrologic data include information on wells, springs, streamflow, water chemistry, and water use. Limitations of the data and...
Authors
Donald J. Bills, Marilyn E. Flynn
Hydrogeology of the regional aquifer near Flagstaff, Arizona, 1994-97 Hydrogeology of the regional aquifer near Flagstaff, Arizona, 1994-97
Sandstones, siltstones, and limestones that are Pennsylvanian to Permian in age underlie the southern part of the Colorado Plateau near Flagstaff, Arizona, and contain a complex regional aquifer that has become increasingly important as a source of water for domestic, municipal, and recreational uses. Ground-water flow in the regional aquifer is poorly understood in this area because (1)...
Authors
Donald J. Bills, Margot Truini, Marilyn E. Flynn, Herbert A. Pierce, Rufus D. Catchings, Michael J. Rymer
USGS investigations of rural Arizona watersheds; hydrogeology of the Coconino Plateau; background and current status USGS investigations of rural Arizona watersheds; hydrogeology of the Coconino Plateau; background and current status
No abstract available.
Authors
Donald J. Bills, M.E. Flynn, Betsy Woodhouse
Hydrologic data, Colorado River and major tributaries, Glen Canyon Dam to Diamond Creek, Arizona, water years 1990-95 Hydrologic data, Colorado River and major tributaries, Glen Canyon Dam to Diamond Creek, Arizona, water years 1990-95
The U.S. Geological Survey collected hydrologic data at 12 continuous-record stations along the Colorado River and its major tributaries between Glen Canyon Dam and Diamond Creek. The data were collected from October 1989 through September 1995 as part of the Bureau of Reclamation's Glen Canyon Environmental Studies. The data include daily values for streamflow discharge, suspended...
Authors
John J. Rote, Marilyn E. Flynn, D. J. Bills
When the blue-green waters turn red: Historical flooding in Havasu Creek, Arizona When the blue-green waters turn red: Historical flooding in Havasu Creek, Arizona
Havasu Creek, the second largest tributary of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park, attracts numerous visitors each year owing to its spectacular scenery. Perennial streamflow seldom exceeds 2 cubic meters per second (m3/s), but supports important stands of riparian vegetation, forms unique travertine pools, and spills over spectacular waterfalls. Havasu Canyon is home to the...
Authors
Theodore S. Melis, William M. Phillips, Robert H. Webb, Douglas J. Bills
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 29
U.S. Geological Survey energy and minerals science strategy U.S. Geological Survey energy and minerals science strategy
The economy, national security, and standard of living of the United States depend heavily on adequate and reliable supplies of energy and mineral resources. Based on current population and consumption trends, the Nation's use of energy and minerals can be expected to grow, driving the demand for ever broader scientific understanding of resource formation, location, and availability. In...
Authors
Richard C. Ferrero, Jonathan J. Kolak, Donald J. Bills, Zachary H. Bowen, Daniel J. Cordier, Tanya J. Gallegos, James R. Hein, Karen D. Kelley, Philip H. Nelson, Vito F. Nuccio, Jeanine M. Schmidt, Robert R. Seal
Breccia-pipe uranium mining in northern Arizona: Estimate of resources and assessment of historical effects Breccia-pipe uranium mining in northern Arizona: Estimate of resources and assessment of historical effects
About 1 million acres of Federal land in the Grand Canyon region of Arizona were temporarily withdrawn from new mining claims in July 2009 by the Secretary of the Interior because of concern that increased uranium mining could have negative impacts on the land, water, people, and wildlife. During a 2-year interval, a Federal team led by the Bureau of Land Management is evaluating the...
Authors
Donald J. Bills, Kristin M. Brown, Andrea E. Alpine, James K. Otton, Bradley S. Van Gosen, Jo Ellen Hinck, Fred D. Tillman
Hydrogeology of the Coconino Plateau and adjacent areas, Coconino and Yavapai Counties, Arizona Hydrogeology of the Coconino Plateau and adjacent areas, Coconino and Yavapai Counties, Arizona
Two large, regional ground-water flow systems occur in the Coconino Plateau and adjacent areas: the C aquifer and the Redwall-Muav aquifer. The C aquifer occurs mainly in the eastern and southern parts of the 10,300-square-mile Coconino Plateau study area, and the Redwall-Muav aquifer underlies the entire study area. The C aquifer is a water-table aquifer for most of its occurrence with...
Authors
Donald J. Bills, Marilyn E. Flynn, Stephen A. Monroe
Electrical resistance sensors record spring flow timing, Grand Canyon, Arizona Electrical resistance sensors record spring flow timing, Grand Canyon, Arizona
Springs along the south rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, are important ecological and cultural resources in Grand Canyon National Park and are discharge points for regional and local aquifers of the Coconino Plateau. This study evaluated the applicability of electrical resistance (ER) sensors for measuring diffuse, low-stage (
Authors
E.A. Adams, S. A. Monroe, Abraham E. Springer, K.W. Blasch, D. J. Bills
Geologic, hydrologic, and chemical data from the C aquifer near Leupp, Arizona Geologic, hydrologic, and chemical data from the C aquifer near Leupp, Arizona
No abstract available.
Authors
J.P. Hoffmann, D. J. Bills, J. V. Phillips, K. J. Halford
Generalized hydrogeology and ground-water budget for the C Aquifer, Little Colorado River Basin and parts of the Verde and Salt River Basins, Arizona and New Mexico Generalized hydrogeology and ground-water budget for the C Aquifer, Little Colorado River Basin and parts of the Verde and Salt River Basins, Arizona and New Mexico
The C aquifer underlies the Little Colorado River Basin and parts of the Verde and Salt River Basins and is named for the primary water-bearing rock unit of the aquifer, the Coconino Sandstone. The areal extent of this aquifer is more than 27,000 square miles. More than 1,000 well and spring sites were identified in the U.S. Geological Survey database for the C aquifer in Arizona and New...
Authors
Robert J. Hart, John J. Ward, Donald J. Bills, Marilyn E. Flynn
Investigation of the geology and hydrology of the Coconino Plateau of northern Arizona: a project of the Arizona Rural Watershed Initiative Investigation of the geology and hydrology of the Coconino Plateau of northern Arizona: a project of the Arizona Rural Watershed Initiative
The water resources of the Coconino Plateau in northern Arizona are under increasing demand as a result of development. The population of this arid region continues to grow, and the number of visitors to the many national and state parks and monuments in the region has increased annually. The sustainability, protection, and maintenance of springs and seeps and associated riparian habitat...
Authors
Marilyn E. Flynn, Donald J. Bills
Hydrogeologic data for the Coconino Plateau and adjacent areas, Coconino and Yavapai counties, Arizona Hydrogeologic data for the Coconino Plateau and adjacent areas, Coconino and Yavapai counties, Arizona
Data on geology, topography, hydrology, climate, land use, and vegetation were compiled between October 2000 and September 2001 and assembled into a database for use by local and regional waterresource managers and for future water-resource investigations. The hydrologic data include information on wells, springs, streamflow, water chemistry, and water use. Limitations of the data and...
Authors
Donald J. Bills, Marilyn E. Flynn
Hydrogeology of the regional aquifer near Flagstaff, Arizona, 1994-97 Hydrogeology of the regional aquifer near Flagstaff, Arizona, 1994-97
Sandstones, siltstones, and limestones that are Pennsylvanian to Permian in age underlie the southern part of the Colorado Plateau near Flagstaff, Arizona, and contain a complex regional aquifer that has become increasingly important as a source of water for domestic, municipal, and recreational uses. Ground-water flow in the regional aquifer is poorly understood in this area because (1)...
Authors
Donald J. Bills, Margot Truini, Marilyn E. Flynn, Herbert A. Pierce, Rufus D. Catchings, Michael J. Rymer
USGS investigations of rural Arizona watersheds; hydrogeology of the Coconino Plateau; background and current status USGS investigations of rural Arizona watersheds; hydrogeology of the Coconino Plateau; background and current status
No abstract available.
Authors
Donald J. Bills, M.E. Flynn, Betsy Woodhouse
Hydrologic data, Colorado River and major tributaries, Glen Canyon Dam to Diamond Creek, Arizona, water years 1990-95 Hydrologic data, Colorado River and major tributaries, Glen Canyon Dam to Diamond Creek, Arizona, water years 1990-95
The U.S. Geological Survey collected hydrologic data at 12 continuous-record stations along the Colorado River and its major tributaries between Glen Canyon Dam and Diamond Creek. The data were collected from October 1989 through September 1995 as part of the Bureau of Reclamation's Glen Canyon Environmental Studies. The data include daily values for streamflow discharge, suspended...
Authors
John J. Rote, Marilyn E. Flynn, D. J. Bills
When the blue-green waters turn red: Historical flooding in Havasu Creek, Arizona When the blue-green waters turn red: Historical flooding in Havasu Creek, Arizona
Havasu Creek, the second largest tributary of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park, attracts numerous visitors each year owing to its spectacular scenery. Perennial streamflow seldom exceeds 2 cubic meters per second (m3/s), but supports important stands of riparian vegetation, forms unique travertine pools, and spills over spectacular waterfalls. Havasu Canyon is home to the...
Authors
Theodore S. Melis, William M. Phillips, Robert H. Webb, Douglas J. Bills
*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