Water 4

Water Quality Characteristics of Ground Water in the Ozark Aquifer in 4 Corners Region (Ok., Ar., Mo., and Ks.)- Kansas closed the western end of the Ozark Aquifer to new large “appropriations” in 2004 due to evidence of increasing mineralization of water in existing wells (Pope t al., 2009). USGS and Kansas Water Office cooperated in an evaluation of drinking water quality in wells (1900-2300 gallons/min.) and flow paths throughout the 4 corners region. The concerns were the fresh water to saline transition that occurs in the groundwater towards the western end of the Ozark Aquifer. This was a thorough study (Figures 15 and 16) and some report figures are provided since it was the best data found, and also close to the Western Interior Plains mixing transition. Many of the wells were approximately 1000 ft. in depth and in the lower layer of The Ozar Aquifer.