Skip Navigation

Special Report on Mineral Waters (1902)

Prev Page--Waters of Kansas--Chlor-Sulfate || Next Page--Waters of Kansas--Chlor-Carbonate


Part II--The Mineral Waters of Kansas, Arranged and Classified, with Analyses, continued

Chapter XIII--The Carbonate Group

Carbonated waters are perhaps the most numerous of any class. These include some very heavily charged with mineral matter which has been dissolved from the rocks or soil by the carbon dioxid dissolved in the water, and others that contain only small quantities of the bicarbonates, as they are called. Most of the ordinary spring waters which have a local reputation for great therapeutic virtues are of this class; those having an excess of sodium carbonate are also included in this group. These are called by many authors the" alkaline" class, because they include the alkaline carbonates, potassium, sodium, and lithium, as well as carbonates of the alkaline earths, calcium, magnesium, and strontium. These waters usually contain an excess of carbon-dioxid (carbonic-acid) gas, more than enough to keep the bases in solution. Lime and magnesia, it should be said, are dissolved by water surcharged with this gas, in accordance with the well-known reaction:

CaCO3 + H2O + CO2 = CaH2(CO3)2.

When a water of this composition evaporates spontaneously, as in the roof of a cave, or when it is heated, the water and carbon dioxid are expelled, and the calcium carbonate is precipitated or separates out in accordance with the reaction:

CaH2(CO3)2 = CaCO3 + H2O + CO2

This accounts for the formation of stalactites and many similar deposits.

These waters usually have an alkaline or neutral reaction. If sodium carbonate is present, the reaction is strongly alkaline, since carbonic acid is a very weak acid.

The amount of carbon-dioxid gas dissolved in the Kansas waters is small; in fact, there are none of this class that correspond with the waters of many localities that yield a sparkling and effervescent product. Some have attributed this excess of carbonic acid to the volcanic origin of a water.

This group is represented by the following waters:

Dixon's Spring

In the city of Atchison, on South Sixth street, between Park and Spring streets, is a strongly flowing spring, which has had considerable local reputation for medicinal properties. From the time of the earliest settlers it has never been known to become dry, though it has a stronger flow after rains, but the water is never turbid. It flows from beneath the Oread limestone, with a flow of at least seven gallons per minute.

This water was formerly sold throughout the city, but on account of the fact that the spring is in a thickly populated locality it was thought probable that the water might be impure. The sanitary analysis seems to confirm this suspicion, and, furthermore, the determination of chlorin, made at different times, shows that the quantity is quite variable, thus indicating surface contamination.

The Dixon Sprtng
Grams per liter
Ions   Radicals
Sodium (Na) .1110   Sodium oxid (Na2O) .1496
Potassium (K) .0060   Potassium oxid (K2O) .0072
Ammonium (NH4) trace   Ammonia trace
Calcium (Ca) .1560   Calcium oxid (CaO) .2184
Magnesium (Mg) .0250   Magnesium oxid (MgO) .0417
Iron (Fe) .0060   Iron oxid (FeO) .0077
Aluminum (Al) trace   Aluminum oxid (Al2O3) trace
Chlorin (Cl) .0580   Chlorin (Cl) .0580
Sulfuric acid ion (SO4) .1164   Sulfuric anhydrid (SO3) .0970
Phosphate ion (PO4) .0054   Phosphoric anhydrid (P2O5) .0040
Nitrate ion (NO3) .1065   Nitric anhydrid (N2O5) .0927
Nitrite ion (NO2) trace   Nitrous anhydrid (N2O3) trace
Silicic acid ion (SiO3) .0376   Silica (SiO2) .0300
    Water (H2O) .0831
    Carbonic anhydrid (CO2) .4044
    Oxygen equivalent .0130
  Total 1.1808

Hypothetically combined as follows:

  Grams
per liter
Grains
per gallon
Sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) .1076 6.2760
Potassium nitrate (KNO3) .0155 .9041
Sodium phosphate (NaHPO4) .0080 .4666
Sodium chlorid (NaCl) .0956 5.5760
Sodium nitrate (NaNO3) .1329 7.7520
Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) .0618 3.6050
Calcium bicarbonate (CaH2(CO3)2) .5582 32.5600
Magnesium bicarbonate (MgH2(CO3)2) .1522 8.8775
Iron bicarbonate (FeH2(CO3)2) .0190 1.1080
Silica (SiO2) .0300 1.7500
Total mineral matter 1.1808 68.8752
Temperature, 13.3° C. (56° F.)
Specific gravity, 1.00078
Analysis by E. B. Knerr.

Baxter Springs

The Baxter chalybeate springs, in Cherokee county, on the St. Louis & San Francisco railroad, were for many years among the most noted of any in the state. The place is of great interest geologically on account of the fact that it is just in the edge of the Mississippian formation that extends from Missouri across the extreme southeastern corner of Kansas. The region is well watered by abundant springs, and drained by Spring river, that flows about eighteen miles through the state and thence southward into the territory. The city of Baxter Springs is six miles from the Missouri line and a mile and a half north of Indian Territory. On account of its peculiar situation, Baxter Springs has attained considerable commercial importance and carries on trade with the Indians in the vicinity.

The springs were developed in 1883, but the hotel is of an earlier date, belonging to the time when the city was known only as an important trading point. The streams of this section of the state are very clear, and the banks are well wooded, so that, since the surface of the country is very much broken by hills and valleys, it presents a marked difference in appearance from most other parts of the state. On both sides of the small branch that flows easterly through the city, as many as thirty springs have been discovered, many of which have an abundant flow of clear, sparkling water. Within a few hundred yards no less than ten excellent springs are to be seen.

A list of these springs, with the temperature as shown on September 4, 1898, is as follows:

  1. West pavilion, Iron spring, 16° C. (60.8° F.)
  2. East pavilion, Medical spring, 17° C. (62.6° F.)
  3. Spring in high way east of latter.
  4. Mann spring, on right bank of creek, 17° C. (62.6° F.)
  5. Doty spring, near residence of Mr. Doty, 19° C. (66.2°F.)
  6. Spring in pier of bridge.
  7. Spring in highway, north of No. 1.
  8. Spring in rock near residence of Mr. Newhouse, 19° C. (66.2° F.)
  9. Sulfur spring near the Scott property, 19° C. (66.2° F.)
  10. Spring beside bridge pier northwest of schoolhouse, 20° C. (68° F.)

Plate 21--West Pavilion, Baxter Springs.

Black and white photo of West Pavilion, Baxter Springs.

Plate 21--Bath-house, Baxter Springs.

Black and white photo of Bath-house, Baxter Springs.

Improvements

Springs Nos. 1 and 2, as above noted, are situated in a small park. They are about 100 feet apart, and each is covered by a pavilion (Plate XXI). The springs are walled up and cemented, and furnish an abundance of water, which is utilized very extensively by the people of the city. The flow of spring No. 1 is estimated at about 480 gallons per hour, and that of No. 2 about 160 gallons per hour. At the northeast corner of the park is a bath-house with several bath-rooms, arranged for the use of hot and cold water. The water is pumped from either of the springs, and stored in a tank in the upper part of the bath-house.

On account of a change of proprietors, this resort was not in operation during the summer of 1898, nor has it been since that time. At some seasons of the year, especially during the summer, these springs are used by the people of the vicinity, and in fact spring No. 1 may be regarded as the source of city supply for good, wholesome drinking water. Spring No. 2 furnishes water that has been shipped quite extensively, but the water of No. 1 is said to contain so much iron that it deposits after standing a short time, so that, without special arrangements for carbonating, it cannot be conveniently shipped. The following analyses are from samples taken personally in June, 1901:

Baxter Springs No. 2, "Medical Spring"
Grams per liter
Ions   Radicals
Sodium (Na) .0120   Sodium oxid (Na2O) .0161
Potassium (K) .0042   Potassium oxid (K2O) .0050
Lithium (Li) trace   Lithium oxid (Li2O) trace
Calcium (Ca) .1260   Calcium oxid (CaO) .1763
Magnesium (Mg) .0054   Magnesium oxid (MgO) .0090
Iron (Fe) .0036   Iron oxid (FeO) .0046
Chlorin (Cl) .0162   Chlorin (Cl) .0162
Sulfuric acid ion (SO4) .1416   Sulfuric anhydrid (SO3) .1180
Silicic acid ion (SiO3) .0149   Silica (SiO2) .0132
    Water (H2O) .0868
    Carbonic anhydrid (CO2) .1803
    Oxygen equivalent .0036
  Total .5719

Hypothetically combined as follows:

  Grams
per liter
Grains
per gallon
Sodium chlorid (NaCl) .0203 1.1857
Sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) .0122 .7126
Potassium chlorid (KCl) .0080 .4673
Lithium bicarbonate (LiHCO3) trace trace
Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) .1584 9.2522
Calcium bicarbonate (CaH2(CO3)2) .3214 18.7730
Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) .0270 1.5770
Iron bicarbonate (FeH2(CO3)2) .0115 .6717
Silica (SiO2) .0132 .7710
Totals .5720 33.4105
Analysis by E. B. Knerr.

Baxter Springs, No. 3, Doty's Spring
Grams per liter
Ions   Radicals
Sodium (Na) .0078   Sodium oxid (Na2O) .0105
Potassium (K) .0063   Potassium oxid (K2O) .0076
Lithium (Li) .0002   Lithium oxid (Li2O) .0003
Calcium (Ca) .1118   Calcium oxid (CaO) .1568
Magnesium (Mg) .0060   Magnesium oxid (MgO) .0101
Iron (Fe) .0027   Iron oxid (FeO) .0034
Chlorin (Cl) .0101   Chlorin (Cl) .0101
Nitrous acid ion (NO2) .0003   Nitrous anhydrid (N2O5) .0002
Sulfuric acid ion (SO4) .1345   Sulfuric anhydrid (SO3) .1121
Silicic acid ion (SiO3) .0147   Silica (SiO2) .0131
    Water (H2O) .0323
    Carbonic anhydrid(CO2) .1590
    Oxygen equivalent .0023
  Total .5132

Hypothetically combined as follows:

  Grams
per liter
Grains
per gallon
Sodium chlorid (NaCl) .0076 .4422
Sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) .0147 .8587
Potassium chlorid (KCl) .0116 .6743
Potassium nitrite (KNO2) .0006 .0355
Lithium bicarbonate (LiHCO3) .0015 .0875
Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) .1422 8.2950
Calcium bicarbonate (CaH2(CO3)2) .2832 16.5100
Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) .0302 1.7620
Iron bicarbonate (FeH2(CO3)2) .0084 .4900
Silica (SiO2) .0132 .7700
Totals .5132 29.9252
Analysis by E. B. Knerr.

Baxter Springs, No. 4, Mann Spring
Grams per liter
Ions   Radicals
Sodium (Na) .0069   Sodium oxid (Na2O) .0093
Potassium (K) .0026   Potassium oxid (K2O) .0032
Lithium (Li) .0008   Lithium oxid (Li2O) .0018
Calcium (Ca) .1244   Calcium oxid (CaO) .1741
Magnesium (Mg) .0005   Magnesium oxid (MgO) .0008
Iron (Fe) .0017   Iron oxid (FeO) .0022
Chlorin (Cl) .0222   Chlorin (Cl) .0222
Nitric acid ion (NO3) .0089   Nitric anhydrid (N2O5) .0066
Nitrous acid ion (NO2) trace   Nitrous anhydrid (N2O3) trace
Sulfuric acid ion (SO4) .1139   Sulfuric anhydrid (SO3) .0949
Silicic acid ion (SiO3) .0192   Silica (SiO2) .0152
    Water (H2O) .0338
    Carbonic anhydrid (CO2) .1608
    Oxygen equivalent .0050
  Total .5199

Hypothetically combined as follows:

  Grams
per liter
Grains
per gallon
Sodium chlorid (NaCl) .0176 1.0280
Potassium nitrite (KNO2) trace trace
Potassium nitrate (KNO3) .0068 .3972
Lithium bicarbonate (LiHCO3) .0080 .4673
Calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) .0062 .3621
Calcium chlorid (CaCl2) .0180 1.0514
Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) .1587 9.2696
Calcium bicarbonate (CaH2(CO3)2) .2817 16.4541
Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) .0024 .1402
Iron bicarbonate (FeH2(CO3)2) .0053 .3096
Silica .0152 .8878
Totals .5199 30.3673
Analysis by E. B. Knerr.

Plate 22--The Springs Hotel, Baxter Springs.

Black and white photo of The Springs Hotel, Baxter Springs.

Plate 22--Group of Springs, Bonner Springs.

Black and white photo of Group of Springs, Bonner Springs.

Bonner Springs

In Wyandotte county, at the northern end of the beautiful stretch of the Kaw river running northeast, is situated the Bonner Springs resort. This has been well known for many years. As originally settled it was called Tiblow, after an Indian chief, but when the proposition was made to make of it an important suburban resort for Kansas City, the present name, from Robert Bonner, was given it. Bonner Springs is seventeen miles west of Kansas City, on the Union Pacific railroad at the crossing of a branch of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railway running from Kansas City to Leavenworth; so it is very accessible from all directions. On account of the well-kept park in which the springs are situated, Bonner Springs has become a favorite camp-meeting resort. The park is not public property, but is owned by J. W. McDanield.

In the valley of the small creek that flows into the Kaw river just above the town, there are found as many as twenty springs, and at the head of these there is a lake, also fed by springs. Four of them are picturesquely grouped in the upper park, just below the camping-ground, and there are several in the lower park.

Improvements

The improvements are of considerable importance. In addition to the lake, which furnishes abundant facilities for boating, there are a large pavilion and several permanent buildings designed for the use of camp-meeting associations, and others who may tent upon these grounds. The trees are large, and many belong to the first growth. In the lower park a building has been erected for the protection of visitors from the weather, and in connection with this there is a large stand for the sale of refreshments. Near this building is a pavilion built over two of the most valuable springs. The water of one of these is carried by a pipe-line to the pump-house in the valley below the "Lodge," where a pump run by a windmill to a gasoline-engine elevates the water to the top of the "Lodge."

The sanitarium is some distance south of the park, and, situated as it is, upon something of aa elevation, it commands a beautiful view to the south across the Kaw river. The building contains fifty rooms, with 400 feet of verandas. It has steam heat, and is furnished with all modern conveniences. No special bath-houses are provided for using the spring water. The sanitarium is owned and managed by Dr. M. P. Sexton, and is at present devoted especially to the treatment of nervous and mental diseases. On account of the proximity of the sanitarium to Kansas City, it affords a convenient suburban home 'where patients may be kept. quiet, and away from the noise and bustle of the city. No attempt has been made to ship the water from Bonner Springs, although at some seasons of the year the quantity is ample for this purpose. The analyses of seven of the springs, made in 1884, and published in bulletin of the United States Geological Survey No. 32, is as follows:

Bonner Springs, No. 1
Ions Grams
per liter
Calcium (Ca) .0926
Magnesium (Mg) .0268
Iron (Fe) .0112
Chlorin (Cl) .0082
Sulfuric acid ion (SO4) .0315
Silicic acid ion (SiO3) .0107
Phosphorie acid ion (PO4) trace

Hypothetically combined as follows:

  Grams
per liter
Grains
per gallon
Calcium chlorid (CaCl2) .0129 .751
Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) .0447 2.612
Calcium bicarbonate (CaH2(CO3)2) .3126 18.261
Magnesium bicarbonate (MgH2(CO3)2) .1630 9.525
Iron bicarbonate (FeH2(CO3)2) .0361 2.107
Silica (SiO2) .0085 .496
Phosphoric acid trace trace
Organic matter small amt. small amt.
Totals .5778 33.752
Analysis by Wm. Jones, M. D.

Plate 23--Pavilion, Bonner Springs Park.

Black and white photo of Pavilion, Bonner Springs Park.

Plate 23--Bonner Springs Lake.

Black and white photo of Bonner Springs Lake.

Bonner Springs, No. 2
Ions Grams
per liter
Calcium (Ca) .0923
Magnesium (Mg) trace
Iron (Fe) .0012
Chlorin (Cl) .0114
Silicic acid ion (SiO3) .0082
Phosphoric acid ion (PO4) trace
Total .1131

Hypothetically combined as follows:

  Grams
per liter
Grains
per gallon
Calcium chlorid (CaCl2) .0179 1.042
Calcium bicarbonate (CaH2(CO3)2) .3729 21.782
Magnesium bicarbonate (MgH2(CO3)2) trace trace
Iron bicarbonate (FeH2(CO3)2) .0037 .217
Phosphoric acid trace trace
Silica (SiO2) .0065 .381
Organic matter small amt. small amt.
Total .4010 23.422
Analysis by Wm. Jones. M. D.

Bonner Springs, No. 3
Ions Grams
per liter
Sodium (Na) .5636
Calcium (Ca) .0485
Magnesium (Mg) .0374
Chlorin (Cl) .1301
Sulfuric acid ion (SO4) trace
Phosphoric acid ion (PO4) trace

Hypothetically combined as follows:

  Grams
per liter
Grains
per gallon
Sodium chlorid (NaCl) .2105 12.293
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) 1.7493 102.178
Calcium chlorid (CaCl2) trace trace
Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) trace trace
Calcium bicarbonate (CaH2(CO3)2) .1952 11.403
Magnesium bicarbonate (MgH2(CO3)2) .2230 13.024
Phosphoric acid trace trace
Organic matter small amt. small amt.
Totals 2.3780 138.898
Analysis by Wm. Jones, M. D.

Plate 24--Bonner Springs Sanitarium.

Black and white photo of Bonner Springs Sanitarium.

Plate 24--Chautauqua Springs Hotel.

Black and white photo of Chautauqua Springs Hotel.

Chautauqua Springs

In Chautauqua county there is a pure spring of water which has attracted considerable attention. It flows from beneath a sandstone rock in a little valley south of the village of Chautauqua Springs. Few improvements have been made, with the exception of erecting a spring-house. This region is much diversified by hills and valleys, and the streams are clear and sparkling. In this respect the region differs from most of the Kansas mineral-spring localities. This water belongs to that class of comparatively pure waters or "soft" waters referred to in chapter XVIII. Such waters are very useful when it is of advantage to the patient to drink copiously, and when he does not desire the effect of any mineral salts. As the water is free from large quantities of salts of lime and magnesium, which are so abundant in Kansas, it may in many cases be very beneficial to patients. Chautauqua may be reached by the A. T. & S. F. railroad.

Chautauqua Springs
Grams per liter
Ions   Radicals
Sodium (Na) .0270   Sodium oxid (Na2O) .0364
Calcium (Ca ) .0367   Calcium oxid (CaO) .0514
Magnesium (Mg) .0084   Magnesium oxid (MgO) .0140
Iron (Fe) .0024   Iron oxid (FeO) .0031
Chlorin (Cl) .0342   Chlorin (Cl) .0342
Sulfuric acid ion (SO4) .0490   Sulfuric anhydrid (SO3) .0409
Silicic acid ion (SiO3) .0353   Silicic anhydrid (SiO2) .0279
    Carbonic anhydrid (CO2) .0799
    Water (H2O) .0162
    Oxygen equivalent .0077
  Total .2963

Hypothetically combined as follows:

  Grams
per liter
Grains
per gallon
Sodium chlorid (NaCl) .0565 3.300
Sodium bicarbonate (Na4HCO3) .0174 1.019
Calcium bicarbonate (CaH2(CO3)2) .0660 3.860
Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) .0695 4.051
Magnesium bicarbonate (MgH2(CO3)2) .0512 2.994
Iron bicarbonate (FeH2(CO3)2) .0078 .456
Silica (SiO2) .0279 1.628
Totals .2963 17.308
Analysis by E. H. S. Bailey and E. C. Franklin.

Coffeyville Well

This well is situated on the property of Joseph Kloehr, one and one half-miles east of Coffeyville, in the Verdigris river bottom, and a quarter of a mile from that stream. The heavy timber of the vicinity adds much to the attractiveness of the situation. The well is dug sixteen feet deep, and from the bottom a pipe is driven sixteen feet and eight inches into the sand and gravel. Coffeyville is on the lines of the Missouri Pacific, the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, and the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroads.

Improvements

The improvements are a driveway from the main road, leading to the new two-story building arranged as a water-cure establishment for the accommodation of boarders. The water is sold to the people in the vicinity. The analysis is as follows:

Coffeyville Well
Grams per liter
Ions   Radicals
Sodium (Na) .0088   Sodium oxid (Na2O) .0118
Calcium (Ca) .1661   Calcium oxid (CaO) .2325
Magnesium (Mg) .0357   Magnesium oxid (MgO) .0595
Iron (Fe) .0095   Iron oxid (FeO) .0122
Chlorin (Cl) .0135   Chlorin (Cl) .0135
Sulfuric acid ion (SO4) .0276   Sulfuric anhydrid (SO3) .0230
Silicic acid ion (SiO3) .0304   Silicic anhydrid SiO2) .0240
    Carbonic anhydrid (CO2) .4859
    Water (H2O) .0993
    Oxygen equivalent .0031
  Totals .9586

Hypothetically combined as follows:

  Grams
per liter
Grains
per gallon
Sodium chlorid (NaCl) .0223 1.304
Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) .0391 2.282
Calcium bicarbonate (CaH2(CO3)2) .6259 36.559
Magnesium bicarbonate (MgH2(CO3)2) .2172 12.686
Iron bicarbonate (FeH2(CO3)2) .0301 1.755
Silica (SiO2) .0240 1.405
Total .9586 55.991
Analysis by E. H. S. Hailey

Plate 25--Chautauqua Springs.

Black and white photo of Chautauqua Springs.

Plate 25--Eagle Springs House.

Black and white photo of Eagle Springs House.

Eagle Springs (Highland Station)

In the extreme eastern part of Doniphan county, surrounded on three sides by a bend of the Missouri river, is a peculiar section of country covered with high, rounded elevations, separated by deep valleys. The hills become higher in the vicinity of the river on the east, forming the so-called bluffs. These are well wooded, and it is interesting to note that there is here a greater variety of trees than is found in other sections of the state. Much of this timber has been recently cut, however, to give place to orchards which thrive so well in this section. The apple and peach especially seem to be well adapted to this soil, which is composed largely of gravel and clay, and it is even asserted by some that apples grown upon these bluffs have a better flavor than those grown upon prairie soil. From the bluffs on the east a very extensive view of the windings of the Missouri river may be obtained; this view extends from St. Joseph, Mo., northward for perhaps forty miles, and to the south and west the high prairie uplands are visible. This section of Doniphan county is drained by Wolf river, which flows northward and empties into the Missouri near White Cloud. Among the hills east of Wolf river, a short distance from the Burlington & Missouri River railroad (Highland Station), are situated Eagle Springs, which were developed in 1882.

Improvements

There is here a hotel having a capacity for forty guests, which is owned and managed by Pryor Plank, a bath-house, two cottages, and a fine artificial lake well stocked with fish. During the summer a resident physician may be usually found at the Eagle Springs hotel. The two most important springs are the upper spring, which has a flow of not over thirty gallons per hour, and the lower spring, which is quite near the bathhouse, and has a flow of 300 gallons per hour and a temperature of 13° C. (55.4° F.)

Eagle Springs, No. 1, Lower Spring
Grams per liter
Ions   Radicals
Sodium (Na) .0055   Sodium oxid (Na2O) .0084
Calcium (Ca) .1022   Calcium oxid (CaO) .1431
Magnesium (Mg) .0374   Magnesium (MgO) .0623
Iron (Fe) .0051   Ferric oxid (Fe2O3) .0072
Chlorin (Cl) .0096   Chlorin (Cl) .0096
Sulfuric acid ion (SO4) .0122   Sulfuric anhydrid (SO3) .0102
Silicic acid ion (SiO3) .0330   Silica (SiO2) .0261
    Carbonic anhydrid (CO2) .3583
    Water (H2O) .0730
    Oxygen equivalent .0022
  Total .6960

Hypothetically combined as follows:

  Grams
per liter
Grains
per gallon
Sodium chlorid (NaCl) .0158 .9229
Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) .0173 1.0105
Calcium bicarbonate (CaH2(CO3)2) .3934 22.9784
Magnesium bicarbonate (MgH2(CO3)2) .2274 13.2825
Iron bicarbonate (FeH2(CO3)2) .0160 .9346
Silica (SiO2) .0261 1.5247
Totals .6960 40.6536
Temperature, 11.8° C. (53.4° F.)
Analysis by E. H. B. Bailey and D. F. McFarland.

Eagle Springs, No. 2, Upper Spring
Ions Grams
per liter
Sodium (Na) .0232
Potassium (K) .0647
Calcium (Ca) .0617
Magnesium (Mg) .0186
Iron and aluminum (Fe and Al) .0007
Chlorin (Cl) .0006
Silicic acid ion (SiO3) .0241
Sulfuric acid ion (SO4) .0101

Hypothetically combined as follows:

  Grams
per liter
Grains
per gallon
Sodium chlorid (NaCl) .0010 .0575
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) .0530 3.1507
Potassium sulfate (K2SO4) .0181 1.0527
Potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) .1015 5.9357
Calcium bicarbonate (CaH2(CO3)2) .2523 16.0269
Magnesium bicarbonate (MgH2(CO3)2) .1135 6.6376
Iron bicarbonate (FeH2(CO3)2) .0022 .1277
Silica (SiO2) .0191 1.1197
Organic matter .0167 .9797
Totals .5774 35.0882
Analysis by Walter C. Brown, Chicago.

Eudora Mineral Springs, Douglas County

There were four springs developed here about ten years ago. The principal springs are situated on the right bank of the Wakarusa, a few rods above the crossing of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad. They are on the first terrace of the river, and are walled with brick and cement. The surrounding grounds were improved by cutting out the timber and constructing stairways, walks, and pavilions. Very little attention has recently been paid to this property, though formerly it attracted picnic and excursion parties. The analysis of spring No. 2 is given below. The water of the other springs is quite similar, although the amount of iron differs in the different waters. These might with equal propriety he classified as chalybeate springs.

Eudora Mineral Spring No. 2
Grams per liter
Ions   Radicals
Sodium (Na) .0201   Sodium oxid (Na2O) .0270
Potassium (K) .0052   Potassium oxid (K2O) .0063
Calcium (Ca) .1491   Calcium oxid (CaO) .2095
Magnesium (Mg) .0155   Magnesium oxid (MgO) .0258
Iron (Fe) .0140   Iron oxid (FeO) .0180
Manganese (Mn) trace   Manganese oxid (MnO) trace
Chlorin (Cl) .0049   Chlorin (Cl) .0049
Sulfuric acid ion (SO4) .0302   Sulfuric anhydrid (SO3) .0252
Silicic acid ion (SiO3) .0420   Silicic anhydrid (SiO2) .0332
    Organic and volatile matter .0261
    Carbonic anhydrid (CO2) .4176
    Water (H2O) .0856
    Oxygen equivalent .0011
  Total .8781

Hypothetically combined as follows:

  Grams
per liter
Grains
per gallon
Sodium chlorid (NaCl) .0081 .472
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) .0601 3.510
Potassium sulfate (K2SO4) .0117 .683
Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) .0337 1.968
Calcium bicarbonate (CaH2(CO3)2) .5664 33.083
Magnesium bicarbonate (MgH2(CO3)2) .0943 5.502
Iron bicarbonate (FeH2(CO3)2) .0445 2.600
Manganese bicarbonate (MgH2(CO3)2) trace trace
Silica (SiO2) .0332 1.941
Organic and volatile matter .0261 1.520
Totals .8781 51. 279
Analysis by E. H. S. Bailey.

Kickapoo Springs, Leavenworth County

These springs are situated about seven miles northwest of the city of Leavenworth, on the farm of George W. Few. They are located in a valley where the land overlooks the Missouri river bluffs, and on the south is a range of hills. There are three springs in the group, all of which are more or less chalybeate. No. 1, the analysis of which is given below, has been carefully boxed, and is five and one-half feet in depth. The waters from all these springs are clear and sparkling when first drawn, but deposit the iron hydrate in the stream below for a long distance. This is of course due to the escape of carbon-dioxid gas, as has been previously noticed.

Stone implements, such as arrow-heads and spear-heads that are often found near the springs, indicate that this locality was a favorite camping-ground for the Indians, and, as the Kickapoos were the last tribe having a reservation in this vicinity, the springs have been named after them. No improvements have been made in the property and the water is not shipped.

The composition of spring No. 1 is as follows:

Kickapoo Springs
Grams per liter
Ions   Radicals
Sodium (Na) .0096   Sodium oxid (Na2O) .0130
Potassium (K) .0009   Potassium oxid (K2O) .0012
Calcium (Ca) .0636   Calcium oxid (CaO) .0891
Magnesium (Mg) .0132   Magnesium oxid (MgO) .0220
Iron (Fe) .0007   Iron oxid (FeO) .0009
Aluminum (Al) .0006.   Aluminum oxid (Al2O3) .0011
Chlorin (Cl) .0029   Chlorin (Cl) .0029
Sulfuric acid (ion) (SO4) .0238   Sulfuric anhydrid (SO3) .0199
Nitric acid ion (NO3) trace   Nitric anhydrid (N2O5) trace
Silicic acid ion (SiO3) .0320   Silica (SiO2) .0252
    Carbonic anhydrid (CO2) .1845
    Water (H2O) .0376
    Oxygen equivalent .0004
  Total .3970

Hypothetically combined as follows:

  Grams
per liter
Grains
per gallon
Potassium sulfate (K2SO4) .0029 .1611
Sodium chlorid (NaCl) .0049 .286
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) trace trace
Sodium nitrate (NaNO3) trace trace
Sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) .0238 1.394
Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) .0088 .513
Calcium bicarbonate (CaH2(CO3)2) .2468 14.415
Magnesium bicarbonate (MgH2(CO3)2) .0813 4.748
Iron bicarbonate (FeH2(CO3)2) .0022 .128
Aluminum oxid (Al2O3) .0011 .064
Silica (SiO2) .0252 1.471
Totals .3970 23.188
Analysis by E. H. S, Bailey.

Moodyville Springs

At Moodyville, in Pottawatomie county, about four miles northeast of Westmoreland, in Rock creek bottom, on the Westmoreland branch of a road connecting with the Leavenworth, Kansas & Western railroad at Blaine, are situated several springs that have obtained a local reputation. These springs are the property of E. M. Moody, and are situated at the base of a limestone bluff surrounded by a fine grove of natural timber.

Improvements

An avenue bordered with large trees connects the springs property with the main road. Some years ago a hotel was built on the land just west of the grove, and extensive improvements, including walks, fountains, swinging bridges, etc., were made on the property. Recently, however, no attempt has been made to keep the property in repair. On the bluff to the east of the spring is a so-called Indian mound, and a lookout has been built here which commands an extensive prospect over the surrounding territory. Some rocks tumbled together on the side of the bluff near by form an interesting cave. The water of the main spring has a temperature of 12.2° C.(54° F.) and a flow of 360 gallons per hour. It has a specific gravity of 1.00395. The qualitative analysis made by J. R. Eaton, chemist of William Jewell College, Liberty, Mo., showed calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, sodium chlorid, iron carbonate, silica, alumina, and a trace of organic matter. The water contains an abundance of free carbonic-acid gas, and, when concentrated, gives an alkaline reaction.

Plate 26--Moodyville Springs.

Black and white photo of Moodyville Springs.

Plate 26--Murphy's Springs.

Black and white photo of Murphy's Springs.

Murphy's Springs, Junction City, Geary County

.

These springs, of which there are seven in the group, are situated six miles southwest of Junction City, near Kansas Falls station, on the line of the Union Pacific railroad. No improvements except the building of a spring-house have been made. The water is forced by a windmill pump to the dwelling house of Charles Murphy, about a quarter mile distant. There is an abundance of excellent water here, but it is only utilized for domestic and stock-feeding purposes.

Murphy's Springs
(Bull. U. S. Geol. Surv. No. 32, p. 113.)
Ions Grams per liter
Sodium (Na) .0163
Calcium (Ca) .0557
Magnesium (Mg) .0147
Iron (Fe) trace
Aluminum (Al) trace
Silicic acid ion (SiO3) .0213

Hypothetically combined as follows:

  Grams
per liter
Grains
per gallon
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) .0597 3.475
Calcium bicarbonate (CaH2(CO3)2) .2251 13.149
Magnesium bicarbonate (MgH2(CO3)2) .0899 5.243
Iron and aluminum oxids (Al2O3 and Fe2O3) trace trace
Silica (SiO2) .0168 .982
Totals .3915 22.849
Analysis by Barnes and Sim.

Plate 27--Hoover's Spring, Onaga.

Black and white photo of Hoover's Spring, Onaga.

Plate 27--Interior of Spring-house, Hoover's Spring.

Black and white photo of Interior of Spring-house, Hoover's Spring.

Hoover's Spring, Onaga, Pottawatomie County

In the northern part of Pottawatomie county, about one-half mile north of the village of Onaga, which is accessible by the Kansas City, Leavenworth & Western railway, is a mineral spring owned and managed by Henry Hoover. The spring is in a depression east of the owner's residence, and in the vicinity, both north and west, are hills overlooking the valley of the Vermillion on the east. The whole region is diversified by numerous hills and valleys, and is well watered and timbered. Hoover's spring, which is 200 feet above the Vermillion, has been excavated twelve feet, to the clay. It was then walled and cemented to a point three feet above the floor of the spring-house. Clear water, which may be seen to bubble from the sand at the bottom, is conducted away to a cement reservoir about twenty feet distant. No attempt is made to utilize the water, except by local patrons and an occasional shipment of a few gallons. The flow is 180 gallons per hour. The composition of the water is as follows:

Hoover's Spring, Onaga
Grams per liter
Ions   Radicals
Sodium (Na) .0049   Sodium oxid (Na2O) .0066
Calcium (Ca) .0273   Calcium oxid (CaO) .0383
Magnesium (Mg) .0199   Magnesium oxid (MgO) .0333
Iron (Fe) .0029   Iron oxid (FeO) .0038
Chlorin (Cl) .0076   Chlorin (Cl) .0076
Sulfuric acid ion (SO4) .0141   Sulfuric anhydrid (SO3) .0118
Silicic acid ion (SiO3) .0308   Silica (SiO2) .0244
    Carbonic anhydrid (CO2) .1258
    Water (H2O) .0253
    Oxygen equivalent .0017
  Total .2752

Hypothetically combined as follows:

  Grams
per liter
Grains
per gallon
Sodium chlorid (NaCl) .0125 .7301
Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) .0200 1.1682
Calcium bicarbonate (CaH2(CO3)2) .0873 5.0992
Magnesium bicarbonate (MgH2(CO3)2) .1216 7.1027
Iron bicarbonate (FeH2(CO3)2) .0094 .5490
Silica (SiO2) .02404 1.4252
Totals .2752 16.0744
Temperature, 16.6° C. (61.9° F.)
Analysis by E. H. S. Bailey.

Plate 28--Sylvan Springs, Ottawa.

Black and white photo of Sylvan Springs, Ottawa.

Plate 28--Mineral Well, Iola.

Black and white photo of Mineral Well, Iola.

Sylvan Springs, Ottawa

These springs are situated about two miles northwest of Eight Mile creek, a branch of the Marais des Cygnes. There is a ford at this point over the creek, and a drive has been cut through the timber, so that the springs are accessible. The springs are the property of the estate of S. E. Allison, and perhaps $100 was spent in the improvements noted. The water of the main spring comes out of the rock on a level with the creek, but when confined it rises above that level, so that by carefully walling up and cementing about the spring an abundant supply is retained. In order to obtain the water conveniently a platform has been built above the spring, and the water is brought to this platform by means of a pump.

The flow is about 200 gallons per hour in the driest weather. Within a few rods are several other springs, but the one of which the analysis has been made has the greatest flow. Within the last five years the water has been hauled to Forest Park Ottawa, and placed in permanent tanks for use during the Chautauqua assembly, which meets for about two weeks in July of each year. The water has found quite an extensive use locally, but has not been shipped.

Sylvan Spring, Ottawa
Grams per liter
Ions   Radicals
Sodium (Na) .0242   Sodium oxid (Na2O) .0325
Calcium (Ca) .1238   Calcium oxid (CaO) .1730
Magnesium (Mg) .0260   Magnesium oxid (MgO) .0437
Iron (Fe) .0008   Iron oxid (FeO) .0011
Chlorin (Cl) .0371   Chlorin (Cl) .0371
Sulfuric acid ion (SO4) .0371   Sulfuric anhydrid (SO3) .0308
Silicic acid ion (SiO3) .0235   Silica (SiO2) .0186
    Carbonic anhydrid (CO2) .3362
    Water (H2O) .0679
    Oxygen equivalent .0083
  Total .7326

Hypothetically combined as follows:

  Grams
per liter
Grains
per gallon
Sodium chlorid (NaCl) .0613 3.575
Calcium bicarbonate (CaH2(CO3)2) .5003 29.221
Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) .0461 2.688
Magnesium bicarbonate (MgH2(CO3)2) .1037 6.052
Iron bicarbonate (FeH2(CO3)2) .0026 .155
Silica (SiO2) .0186 1.085
Totals .7326 42.776
Temperature, 20° C. (68° F.)
Analysis by E. H. S. Bailey.

Stanley Spring, Johnson County

The water of a spring on the farm of Freeman Shreve, at Stanley, has been used with considerable success by the local physicians. It has a flow of about twelve barrels per hour. The spring has been dug out to the depth of five feet and securely boxed. This water gives upon evaporation 18.3 grains of mineral matter per gallon. This consists of calcium, magnesium, sodium and iron carbonates, with some sulfates. It belongs to the light carbonate group of waters.

Comparison of Similar Waters

Waukesha, Wis., Bethesda Spring

Grains per gallon
Analysis by C. F. Chandler
Sodium chlorid 1.16
Sodium bicarbonate 1.26
Sodium sulfate .54
Potassium sulfate .46
Calcium bicarbonate 17.02
Magnesium bicarbonate 12.39
Iron bicarbonate .04
Aluminum oxid .12
Silica .74
Organic matter 1.98
Total 35.71

Napa Soda Springs, California, Pagoda Spring

Grains per gallon
Analysis by Winslow Anderson
Sodium chlorid 7.14
Sodium bicarbonate 12.95
Sodium carbonate 1.10
Sodium sulfate 1.62
Potassium bicarbonate trace
Calcium bicarbonate .78
Calcium carbonate 9.55
Magnesium bicarbonate 3.04
Magnesium carbonate 21.76
Ferrous carbonate 7.90
Silica .74
Alumina .57
Organic matter trace
Total 67.15
Free carbon-dioxid gas, 113.62 cubic inches.
Temperature of water, 67.7° F.

Manitou, Colo., Manitou Soda Springs

Grains per gallon
Analysis by Elwyu Waller
Sodium chlorid 23.94
Sodium carbonate 40.66
Sodium sulfate 11.14
Potassium sulfate 10.68
Lithium carbonate .71
Calcium carbonate 69.08
Magnesium carbonate 16.68
Iron oxid .02
Alumina .07
Silica 2.49
Total 174.47
Free carbon-dioxid gas, abundant

Highland Springs, California, Ems Spring

Grains per gallon
Analysis by Winslow Anderson
Sodium chlorid 1.76
Sodium bicarbonate 17.50
Sodium carbonate 2.45
Potassium bicarbonate .78
Calcium bicarbonate 57.32
Magnesium bicarbonate 66.55
Magnesium carbonate 1.63
Ferrous carbonate 1.53
Manganese bicarbonate trace
Silica 7.23
Alumina .12
Organic matter trace
Total solids 156.87
Free carbon-dioxid gas, 85.90 cubic inches
Temperature of water 77° F.

Saratoga, New York, Vichy Spring

Grains per gallon
Analysis by C. F. Chandler
Sodium chlorid 128.69
Sodium bicarbonate 82.87
Sodium bromid .99
Potassium chlorid 14.11
Lithium bicarbonate 1.76
Calcium bicarbonate 95.52
Magnesium bicarbonate 41.50
Barium bicarbonate .59
Iron bicarbonate .05
Alumina .48
Silica .76
Total 367.32
Carbon-dioxid gas, 383.07 cubic inches.

Vichy, France, Grande Grille

Grains per gallon
Analysis by Bouquet
Sodium chlorid 7.827
Sodium bicarbonate 319.442
Sodium sulfate 16.997
Sodium phosphate 7.592
Sodium arsenite .175
Potassium bicarbonate 22.594
Calcium bicarbonate 28.517
Magnesium bicarbonate 20.187
Ferrous bicarbonate .260
Silica 4.089
Total 427.680

Apollinaris, Neuenahar, Rhenish Prussia

Grains per gallon
Analysis by Professor Bischof
Sodium chlorid 28.561
Sodium carbonate 77.20
Sodium sulfate 18.40
Calcium carbonate 3.60
Magnesium carbonate 27.12
Ferric oxid 1.20
Alumina 1.20
Silica .48
Total 157.76
Free carbon-dioxid gas, 376.32 cubic inches.

A Comparison of the Waters of the Carbonate Group

Grains per gallon
Name Total
solids
Sodium
chlorid
Sodium
bicarbonate
Calcium
sulfate
Calcium
bicarbonate
Magnesium
bicarbonate
Dixon 68 5   3 32 8
Baxter No. 2 33 1   9 18  
Bonner No. 1 33     2 18 9
Bonner No. 3 138 12 102 trace 11 13
Chautauqua 17 3 1 4 3 3
Coffeyville 56 1   2 36 12
Eagle No. 1 40 1   1 23 13
Eagle No. 2 35   3   16 6
Eudora No. 2 51   3 2 33 5
Kickapoo 23   trace   14 5
Murphy 22   3   13 5
Hoover's 16     1 5 7
Sylvan 42 3     29 6
Waukesha, Wis. 35 1 1   17 12
Manitou, Colo. 174 24 40   * 69 * 16
Napa Soda, Cal. 67 7 13   * 10 * 24
Highland, Cal. 156 1 20   57 67
Apollinaris, Prussia 157 28 71   * 3 * 27
* Carbonate

These waters in Kansas contain calcium and magnesium bicarbonates and little besides. Some chemists have reported sodium sulfate in some of the waters of this general class. It is apparent that the sodium bicarbonate, the ingredient that gives an alkaline quality to such waters, is usually absent, or only present in small quantities. There are waters in the state, like the Abilena, and a water from Cherryvale that has been recently analyzed, which do contain considerable sodium carbonate, but a very large quantity of some other ingredients entirely overshadows the sodium carbonate in those waters.

The total solids are usually low, and in fact so low that some of the waters mentioned might be considered in the soft-water group.


Prev Page--Waters of Kansas--Chlor-Sulfate || Next Page--Waters of Kansas--Chlor-Carbonate

Kansas Geological Survey, Geology
Placed on web April 7, 2017; originally published 1902.
Comments to webadmin@kgs.ku.edu
The URL for this page is http://www.kgs.ku.edu/Publications/Bulletins/Vol7/15_carbon.html