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Geohydrology of Southwestern Kansas

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Quality of Water for Irrigation

The chemical quality of water in southwestern Kansas generally is the result of conditions within the hydrologic system. The quality of surface-water inflow, as shown by the analyses listed in table 2, is largely controlled by the effects of stream regulation and return flow from irrigation use occurring outside the study area. The quality of surface-water outflow, which is contributed mostly from ground-water storage, is dependent on geohydrologic conditions within the area. The quality of ground water in the various geologic formations, as shown by the analyses listed in table 3, is a result of the quantity and quality of recharge and the interaction with chemical constituents in each aquifer system.

In this report, water is classified by type according to the principal constituents and by general categories in terms of dissolved-solids concentrations in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Freshwater is defined as having less than 1,000 mg/L dissolved solids; saline water, as having 1,000 to 10,000 mg/L; brackish water, as having 10,000 to 35,000 mg/L; and saltwater or brine, as having more than 35,000 mg/L dissolved solids.

Table 2--Chemical analyses of surface water in southwestern Kansas. [Concentrations in milligrams per liter]

Location Site
number		 Date of
collection		 Discharge
(ft3/s)		 Temp.
(°C)		 Dissolved
silica
(SiO2)		 Dissolved
calcium
(Ca)		 Dissolved
magnesium
(Mg)		 Dissolved
sodium
(Na)		 Dissolved
potassium
(K)		 Carbonate
(CO3)		 Bicarbonate
(HCO3)
Arkansas River gaging stations
Near Coolidge   01/08/1976 21 1.0 15 440 180 640 12 0 329
At Dodge City   01/06/1976 2.2 1.0 14 130 42 96 6.8 0 320
Cimarron River sampling sites
32 33W 21CCA 2 11/14/1974 .01 3.0 20 94 31 61 5.0 0 390
32 33W 36BDA 3 11/14/1974 .35 6.0 15 78 30 36 5.5 0 300
33 32W 20ACD 4 11/14/1974 11.5 8.5 20 77 24 43 3.8 0 260
33 32W 25ACC 5 11/14/1974 19.1 10.0 20 83 23 50 4.0 0 240
34 30W 31BBC 7 11/14/1974 41.9 11.5 20 93 34 120   0 240
34 31W 15CBA 6 11/14/1974 39.6 10.5 19 88 27 86 4.5 0 260
35 29W 08DDC 10 11/14/1974 57.7 11.0 20 93 37 380 5.8 0 230
35 29W 10BCD 11 11/14/1974 56.5 6.0 20 94 42 410 5.8 0 240
35 30W 09CCB 8 11/14/1974 56.3 6.0 21 86 32 140 5.2 0 240
35 30W 13BBB 9 11/14/1974 55.7 9.0 21 96 38 370 5.2 0 250
Location Site
number		 Dissolved
sulfate
(SO4)		 Dissolved
chloride
(Cl)		 Dissolved
fluoride
(F)		 Dissolved
nitrate
(NO3)		 Dissolved
solids
(residue
at 180° C)		 Hardness Sodium
adsorption
ratio		 Specific
conductance
(µmhos/cm
at 25°C)		 pH
(Ca,Mg) Non-
carbonate
Arkansas River gaging stations
Near Coolidge   2,500 200 0.6 10.2 4,510 1,800 1,600 6.5 5,000 8.8
At Dodge City   370 43 .8 30.5 903 500 240 1.9 1,320 7.6
Cimarron River sampling sites
32 33W 21CCA 2 140 23 .8 0.2 566 360 42 1.4 900 7.8
32 33W 36BDA 3 120 19 .8 0.4 452 320 72 0.9 720 7.9
33 32W 20ACD 4 140 21 .8 5.4 461 290 74 1.1 730 7.9
33 32W 25ACC 5 150 40 .8 6.2 492 300 110 1.3 780 7.6
34 30W 31BBC 7 150 190 .8 5.2 739 370 170 2.7 1,260 8.1
34 31W 15CBA 6 150 98 .8 4.8 608 330 120 2.1 1,010 7.9
35 29W 08DDC 10 180 620 .8 4.6 1,460 380 190 8.4 2,590 7.9
35 29W 10BCD 11 180 650 .8 4.2 1,520 410 210 8.9 2,650 7.9
35 30W 09CCB 8 150 220 .8 4.4 772 350 150 3.3 1,340 7.8
35 30W 13BBB 9 170 580 .8 4.0 1,400 400 190 8.1 2,460 8.0

Table 3--Chemical analyses of ground water in southwestern Kansas. [Concentrations in milligrams per liter] [(1) Geologic source: QA, Quaternary alluvium; QU, undifferentiated Pleistocene deposits; TO, Ogallala Formation; KN, Niobrara Chalk; KD, Dakota Formation; KJ, Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous rocks; PW, Whitehorse Formation; PO, Day Creek Dolomite.]

Finney County
Local well
number		 Well
depth
(ft)		 Geologic
source
(1)		 Date of
collection		 Temp.
(°C)		 Dissolved
silica
(SiO2)		 Total
iron
(Fe)		 Dissolved
manganese
(Mn)		 Dissolved
calcium
(Ca)		 Dissolved
magnesium
(Mg)		 Sodium
(Na)		 Potassium
(K)
21 32W 20CB 203 QU,TO 10/12/1960   31 0.01 0.00 38 36 61  
22 27W 14BD 485 KD 07/15/1970 18.0 6.1 .06 .02 11 1.1 176 5.4
23 32W 20DC 261 QU,TO 11/19/1960   24 .01 .00 73 34 34  
23 34W 26CCC 309 QU,TO 05/19/1969 14.5   .10 .00 248 91 121 12
24 32W 18CC 280 TO 03/10/1961   17 .01   83 21 46  
24 33W 12CB 45 QA 05/07/1964 14.5 17 .00 .00 360 134 351 17
25 31W 02A 300 QU,TO 07/31/1970 15.5   1.5 .05 107 34 73 7.1
26 32W 26CD 205 QU,TO 04/29/1963   17 .09 .00 50 9.0 12 3.2
26 33W 19DAC 22 QU,TO 04/10/1968 16.0 19 .02 .00 61 6.8 9.3 3.2
Local well
number		 Carbonate
(CO3)		 Bicarbonate
(HCO3)		 Dissolved
sulfate
(SO4)		 Dissolved
chloride
(Cl)		 Dissolved
fluoride
(F)		 Dissolved
nitrate
(NO3)		 Dissolved
solids
(residue
at 180° C)		 Hardness Sodium
adsorption
ratio		 Specific
conductance
(µmhos/cm
at 25°C)		 pH
(Ca,Mg) Non-
carbonate
21 32W 20CB 0 261 109 27 3.6 0.0 434 243 29 1.7 760  
22 27W 14BD 0 244 106 77 2.3 1.8 508 32 0 14 820 7.8
23 32W 20DC 0 239 138 31 1.0 12 465 322 126 .8 790  
23 34W 26CCC 0 181 912 117 .8 10 1,680 993 845 1.7 2,100 7.5
24 32W 18CC 0 183 199 20 .7 6.6 484 294 144 1.2 790 7.9
24 33W 12CB 0 334 1,620 168 1.8 38 2,870 1,450 1,170 4.0 3,530  
25 31W 02A 0 224 308 38 1.0 15 728 406 222 1.6 1,030 7.7
26 32W 26CD 0 185 20 7.0 .3 4.9 214 162 10 .4 370  
26 33W 19DAC 0 200 16 11 .3 7.1 232 180 16 .3 380 7.6
Grant County
Local well
number		 Well
depth
(ft)		 Geologic
source
(1)		 Date of
collection		 Temp.
(°C)		 Dissolved
silica
(SiO2)		 Total
iron
(Fe)		 Dissolved
manganese
(Mn)		 Dissolved
calcium
(Ca)		 Dissolved
magnesium
(Mg)		 Sodium
(Na)		 Potassium
(K)
27 37W 11AB 340 QU,TO 05/07/1964   23 0.00 0.00 70 35 75 5.5
28 35W 15BB 220 QU,TO 10/28/1941 16.5   .68 .00 55 12 45  
28 36W 13AC 438 QU,TO 05/04/1964   19 .00 .00 67 28 46 4.4
28 37W 21DAA 300 QU,TO 03/20/1968   22 .16 .00 67 30 54 4.8
28 38W 04CC 285 QU,TO 07/20/1959 15.5 25 .09 .00 89 58 86  
29 35W 15AB 460 QU,TO 05/25/1960 18.5 23 .03 .00 75 27 51  
29 36W 04BAB 645 TO,KJ 08/14/1975   25 .13 .00 51 23 102 4.8
29 36W 04BCC 380 QU,TO 08/14/1975   22 .19 .00 74 27 32 4.0
30 38W 05BB 310 QU,TO 05/14/1964   15 .01 .00 60 19 35 3.3
30 38W 13CC 560 QU,TO 05/14/1964   17 .00 .00 54 24 46 3.8
Local well
number		 Carbonate
(CO3)		 Bicarbonate
(HCO3)		 Dissolved
sulfate
(SO4)		 Dissolved
chloride
(Cl)		 Dissolved
fluoride
(F)		 Dissolved
nitrate
(NO3)		 Dissolved
solids
(residue
at 180° C)		 Hardness Sodium
adsorption
ratio		 Specific
conductance
(µmhos/cm
at 25°C)		 pH
(Ca,Mg) Non-
carbonate
27 37W 11AB 0 288 193 24 2.0 26 596 318 82 1.8 850 7.5
28 35W 15BB 0 190 104 11 .5 4.1 327 186 30 1.4    
28 36W 13AC 0 254 137 15 1.2 18 461 282 74 1.2 670 7.6
28 37W 21DAA 0 205 191 24 1.5 19 514 290 122 1.4 780 7.8
28 38W 04CC 0 227 349 57 2.1 15 793 460 274 1.7 1,220  
29 35W 15AB 0 242 171 16 1.2 8.0 491 298 100 1.3 790  
29 36W 04BAB 0 217 210 30 1.2 3.3 557 222 44 3.0 870 7.6
29 36W 04BCC 0 193 107 67 1.1 9.2 438 296 138 .8 760 7.6
30 38W 05BB 0 190 110 26 .9 7.5 371 228 72 1.0 570 7.7
30 38W 13CC 0 217 129 13 1.0 13 408 233 55 1.3 600 7.7
Gray County
Local well
number		 Well
depth
(ft)		 Geologic
source
(1)		 Date of
collection		 Temp.
(°C)		 Dissolved
silica
(SiO2)		 Total
iron
(Fe)		 Dissolved
manganese
(Mn)		 Dissolved
calcium
(Ca)		 Dissolved
magnesium
(Mg)		 Sodium
(Na)		 Potassium
(K)
24 29W 23BAA2 200 QU,TO 06/07/1967 16.5 36 0.05 0.00 53 25 22 5.2
24 30W 01BCB 170 QU,TO 05/07/1970 15.0 45 .11 .00 58 25 30 6.3
26 28W 060 80 QA 07/06/1970 14.5 21 .02 .00 130 40 45 7.6
26 29W 08B 246 QU,TO 05/12/1970 15.5 16 .05 .00 56 11 19 3.8
27 27W 10DCB 100 QU,TO 07/28/1964   20 .00 .00 60 9.8 17 4.1
29 28W 28CDC 204 QU,TO 05/08/1964   19 .04 .00 57 11 16 3.0
29 30W 36C   QU,TO 05/21/1970 16.0 18 .04 .00 45 7.7 14 3.0
Local well
number		 Carbonate
(CO3)		 Bicarbonate
(HCO3)		 Dissolved
sulfate
(SO4)		 Dissolved
chloride
(Cl)		 Dissolved
fluoride
(F)		 Dissolved
nitrate
(NO3)		 Dissolved
solids
(residue
at 180° C)		 Hardness Sodium
adsorption
ratio		 Specific
conductance
(µmhos/cm
at 25°C)		 pH
(Ca,Mg) Non-
carbonate
24 29W 23BAA2 0 217 65 22 1.2 20 356 235 57 0.6 550 7.6
24 30W 01BCB 0 215 84 22 2.7 15 396 248 72 .8 600 7.7
26 28W 060 0 278 284 35 .8 26 740 489 261 .9 1,060 7.5
26 29W 08B 0 215 26 9.0 .4 12 270 184 8 .6 430 7.6
27 27W 10DCB 0 232 17 7.0 .3 9.3 259 190 0 .6 410 7.4
29 28W 28CDC 0 210 26 10 .5 10 256 187 15 .5 172 7.7
29 30W 36C 0 183 14 4.0 .3 11 206 144 0 .5 340 7.7
Hamilton County
Local well
number		 Well
depth
(ft)		 Geologic
source
(1)		 Date of
collection		 Temp.
(°C)		 Dissolved
silica
(SiO2)		 Total
iron
(Fe)		 Dissolved
manganese
(Mn)		 Dissolved
calcium
(Ca)		 Dissolved
magnesium
(Mg)		 Sodium
(Na)		 Potassium
(K)
21 42W 03CB   KD 06/21/1972   15 1.1 0.00 4.8 2.0 220 5.2
23 42W 26DCA 70 QA 04/30/1964   25 .00 .00 472 127 505 21
23 43W 26BCC 22 QA 09/02/1960   22 .20 .00 276 116 352  
24 43W 10DD 60 QU,TO 11/26/1940 14.5   .7   167 48 37  
26 41W 36CCD   QU,TO 04/29/1964 16.0 25 .13 .00 105 39 54 7.7
24 39W 35CBA 90 QU,TO 04/23/1962   25 .01 .00 200 35 140 7.2
Local well
number		 Carbonate
(CO3)		 Bicarbonate
(HCO3)		 Dissolved
sulfate
(SO4)		 Dissolved
chloride
(Cl)		 Dissolved
fluoride
(F)		 Dissolved
nitrate
(NO3)		 Dissolved
solids
(residue
at 180° C)		 Hardness Sodium
adsorption
ratio		 Specific
conductance
(µmhos/cm
at 25°C)		 pH
(Ca,Mg) Non-
carbonate
21 42W 03CB 0 398 121 38 2.8 0.4 598 20 0 21 960 8.2
23 42W 26DCA 0 295 2,040 311 1.0 10 3,660 1,700 1,460 5.3 4,500 7.4
23 43W 26BCC 0 254 1,480 122 1.4 16 2,510 1,170 958 4.5 3,310  
24 43W 10DD 0 320 215 56 .7 159 843 616 354 .7    
26 41W 36CCD 0 234 291 25 1.5 14 678 422 230 1.1 970  
24 39W 35CBA 0 220 620 84 .5 19 1,250 650 470 2.4 1,800  
Haskell County
Local well
number		 Well
depth
(ft)		 Geologic
source
(1)		 Date of
collection		 Temp.
(°C)		 Dissolved
silica
(SiO2)		 Total
iron
(Fe)		 Dissolved
manganese
(Mn)		 Dissolved
calcium
(Ca)		 Dissolved
magnesium
(Mg)		 Sodium
(Na)		 Potassium
(K)
27 31W 11CBB 250 QU,TO 05/04/1966 16.0 18 0.00 0.00 53 7.8 20 3.4
28 33W 04A 620 QU,TO 04/30/1970 17.0 18 .08 .00 53 5.9 16 2.4
28 33W 36D 590 QU,TO 04/30/1970   18 .09 .00 43 11 24 2.8
28 34W 15DAB 408 QU,TO 04/30/1970 17.0 19 .12 .00 51 13 19 2.8
29 32W 26CB2 384 QU,TO 08/04/1964   16 .00 .00 48 11 27 3.2
30 31W 140B 270 QU,TO 05/05/1964   17 .00 .00 51 11 20 2.7
30 34W 28ABB 532 QU,TO 04/30/1970 18.0 25 .13 .00 62 30 41 5.2
Local well
number		 Carbonate
(CO3)		 Bicarbonate
(HCO3)		 Dissolved
sulfate
(SO4)		 Dissolved
chloride
(Cl)		 Dissolved
fluoride
(F)		 Dissolved
nitrate
(NO3)		 Dissolved
solids
(residue
at 180° C)		 Hardness Sodium
adsorption
ratio		 Specific
conductance
(µmhos/cm
at 25°C)		 pH
(Ca,Mg) Non-
carbonate
27 31W 11CBB 0 205 23 8.0 0.4 14 249 164 0 0.7 400 7.7
28 33W 04A 0 176 26 10 .4 12 230 156 12 .6 360 7.7
28 33W 36D 0 185 36 8.0 .6 6.2 245 152 0 .9 380 7.7
28 34W 15DAB 0 181 31 20 .8 11 258 180 32 .6 420 7.8
29 32W 26CB2 0 198 47 14 .6 1.8 266 165 3 .9 430 7.4
30 31W 140B 0 200 '36 7.0 .6 4.3 248 172 8 .7 390 7.8
30 34W 28ABB 0 210 154 20 1.1 9.7 465 278 106 1.1 690 7.7
Kearny County
Local well
number		 Well
depth
(ft)		 Geologic
source
(1)		 Date of
collection		 Temp.
(°C)		 Dissolved
silica
(SiO2)		 Total
iron
(Fe)		 Dissolved
manganese
(Mn)		 Dissolved
calcium
(Ca)		 Dissolved
magnesium
(Mg)		 Sodium
(Na)		 Potassium
(K)
21 35W 27CCA 163 KN 05/22/1967   28 1.4 0.00 51 27 42 6.8
22 37W 34DD 154 QU,TO 11/07/1940 15.0   2.4   64 22 43  
23 35W 25BBB2 320 QU,TO 05/08/1964 15.0 18 .01 .00 251 4Q Q5 11
24 35W 22CCC 65 QA 05/07/1964 14.5 13 .0 .00 354 101 362 17
24 36W 23CBB2 280 QA,TO 04/26/1963 16.0 19 .07 .18 210 100 164 13
25 36W 03CCD 40 QA 09/21/1960 14.5 12 .02 .00 346 115 416  
25 36W 18ACC 150 QU,TO 09/21/1960 14.5 10 .01 .00 367 94 401  
26 37W 21DDD 330 QU,TO 04/26/1963 16.5 19 .07   56 24 35 5.0
26 38W 06BCC 300 KD 04/26/1963 18.0 18 .12 .00 29 26 41 5.5
Local well
number		 Carbonate
(CO3)		 Bicarbonate
(HCO3)		 Dissolved
sulfate
(SO4)		 Dissolved
chloride
(Cl)		 Dissolved
fluoride
(F)		 Dissolved
nitrate
(NO3)		 Dissolved
solids
(residue
at 180° C)		 Hardness Sodium
adsorption
ratio		 Specific
conductance
(µmhos/cm
at 25°C)		 pH
(Ca,Mg) Non-
carbonate
21 35W 27CCA 0 234 76 28 1.4 23 399 238 46 1.2 610 8.0
22 37W 34DD 0 185 144 20 .9 13 402 255 103 1.2    
23 35W 25BBB2 0 200 678 110 .5 15 1,330 828 664 1.5 1,800 7.2
24 35W 22CCC 0 256 1,660 116 1.1 17 2,770 1,300 1,090 4.4 3,330 7.2
24 36W 23CBB2 0 246 022 92 1.0 8.4 1,650 935 733 2.3 2,180  
25 36W 03CCD 0 268 1,750 131 1.4 11 2,920 1,340 1,120 5.0 3,810 7.3
25 36W 18ACC 0 166 1,760 139 .8 10 2,870 1,300 1,170 4.8 3,810 7.2
26 37W 21DDD 0 251 74 16 .9 10 363 238 32 1.0 590  
26 38W 06BCC 22 200 35 15 2.4 5.3 298 180 0 1.3 480  
Meade County
Local well
number		 Well
depth
(ft)		 Geologic
source
(1)		 Date of
collection		 Temp.
(°C)		 Dissolved
silica
(SiO2)		 Total
iron
(Fe)		 Dissolved
manganese
(Mn)		 Dissolved
calcium
(Ca)		 Dissolved
magnesium
(Mg)		 Sodium
(Na)		 Potassium
(K)
31 28W 23AC 290 QU,TO 09/10/1964   19 0.00 0.00 58 14 15 3.2
32 29W 27AAB 583 PW 12/17/1974   8.3 .86 .22 320 120 87 10
32 29W 27AAB2 468 TO 11/22/1974   22 1.6 .00 59 15 27 4.8
33 28W 29BC 120 TO 07/28/1964   21 .00 .00 58 15 63 4.2
34 30W 27BBB 720 PW 11/21/1974   10 .88 .00 1,500 470 10,800 38
34 30W 27BBB2 504 TO 11/20/1974   20 .36 .00 83 21 48 4.5
35 30W 09ABC 260 QU,TO 05/11/1966 17.0 22 .01 .00 50 20 38 4.2
Local well
number		 Carbonate
(CO3)		 Bicarbonate
(HCO3)		 Dissolved
sulfate
(SO4)		 Dissolved
chloride
(Cl)		 Dissolved
fluoride
(F)		 Dissolved
nitrate
(NO3)		 Dissolved
solids
(residue
at 180° C)		 Hardness Sodium
adsorption
ratio		 Specific
conductance
(µmhos/cm
at 25°C)		 pH
(Ca,Mg) Non-
carbonate
31 28W 23AC 0 222 30 9.0 0.8 12 271 202 20 0.5 430 7.4
32 29W 27AAB 0 66 1,400 16 .9 1.4 1,960 1,300 54 1.1 2,300 7.4
32 29W 27AAB2 0 200 73 18 .8 3.5 319 210 48 .8 500 8.0
33 28W 29BC 0 220 52 79 .8 3.5 405 206 26 1.9 670 7.4
34 30W 27BBB 0 78 2,800 18,200 1.0 .3 33,800 5,800 5,600 62 57,300 7.6
34 30W 27BBB2 0 190 200 21 .9 6.3 494 290 140 1.2 750 7.9
35 30W 09ABC 0 212 85 29 1.0 5.8 369 229 55 1.1 580 7.7
Morton County
Local well
number		 Well
depth
(ft)		 Geologic
source
(1)		 Date of
collection		 Temp.
(°C)		 Dissolved
silica
(SiO2)		 Total
iron
(Fe)		 Dissolved
manganese
(Mn)		 Dissolved
calcium
(Ca)		 Dissolved
magnesium
(Mg)		 Sodium
(Na)		 Potassium
(K)
31 43W 20CBB 157 QU,TO 04/25/1963 13.0 18 0.05 0.00 62 30 30 3.6
32 39W 18AA 170 QU,TO 10/13/1939 15.5   1.5   74 47 67  
32 41W 28DB 600 PD 04/09/1962 19.0 25 .03 .00 597 97 58 5.0
32 42W 14CCC 187 QU,TO 04/24/1963 16.5 25 .05 .00 38 40 44 4.2
33 39W 16ABB 422 QU,TO 04/25/1963 14.5 25 1.8 .00 61 37 48 5.5
33 43W 15AAC 260 QU,TO 04/25/1963 18.0 25 1.5 .00 39 38 49 6.6
34 42W 05BDC 75 QU 04/04/1962   25 .02 .00 450 95 83 5.2
35 40W 03BBB 385 QU,TO 04/25/1963   25 .17 .00 114 42 56 4.2
35 43W 24AA 270 QU,TO 04/12/1965   23 .00 .00 64 28 59 5.8
Local well
number		 Carbonate
(CO3)		 Bicarbonate
(HCO3)		 Dissolved
sulfate
(SO4)		 Dissolved
chloride
(Cl)		 Dissolved
fluoride
(F)		 Dissolved
nitrate
(NO3)		 Dissolved
solids
(residue
at 180° C)		 Hardness Sodium
adsorption
ratio		 Specific
conductance
(µmhos/cm
at 25°C)		 pH
(Ca,Mg) Non-
carbonate
31 43W 20CBB 0 205 98 44 1.3 11 399 278 110 0.8 670  
32 39W 18AA 0 242 270 24 1.9 6.2 613 380 182 1.5    
32 41W 28DB 0 163 1,780 10 2.3 8.0 2,670 1,890 1,750 .6 2,920  
32 42W 14CCC 0 244 118 12 3.6 9.7 415 260 60 1.2 660  
33 39W 16ABB 0 229 183 24 .6 .4 498 304 116 1.2 790  
33 43W 15AAC 0 259 114 13 2.8 11 426 254 42 1.4 670  
34 42W 05BDC 0 159 1,480 11 2.2 8.0 2,230 1,510 1,380 .9 2,520  
35 40W 03BBB 0 217 367 16 .5 6.6 738 457 279 1.2 1,050  
35 43W 24AA 0 349 99 14 .6 5.8 471 274 0 1.6 740 7.4
Seward County
Local well
number		 Well
depth
(ft)		 Geologic
source
(1)		 Date of
collection		 Temp.
(°C)		 Dissolved
silica
(SiO2)		 Total
iron
(Fe)		 Dissolved
manganese
(Mn)		 Dissolved
calcium
(Ca)		 Dissolved
magnesium
(Mg)		 Sodium
(Na)		 Potassium
(K)
31 32W 03DAD 412 QU,TO 05/07/1974   23 0.20 0.00 66 15 33 3.8
31 33W 06CBD 347 QU,TO 05/08/1974   24 .00 .00 66 25 40 4.4
31 34W 18BBB 375 QU,TO 05/07/1974   23 .02 .00 59 31 58 5.6
32 31W 26CAA 341 QU,TO 05/07/1974   22 .05 .00 56 18 33 4.2
32 31W 31ACC 386 QU,TO 05/07/1974   24 .11 .00 69 26 52 4.6
32 34W 10DA 350 QU,TO 05/07/1974   23 .08 .00 51 26 33 4.4
32 34W 17DCC 335 QU,TO 05/07/1974   26 .03 .00 62 26 36 4.0
33 32W 28CDD 465 PW 10/10/1974   14 1.8 .00 3,600 1,800 6,100 680
33 32W 28CDD2 205 QU 10/10/1974   23 1.5 .00 80 25 82 4.5
34 31W 30BBB 705 PW 10/18/1974   33 1.0 .00 1,300 640 5,000 320
34 31W 30BBB2 460 TO 10/22/1974   11 .81 .00 150 50 670 12
34 31W 30BBB3 250 QU 07/22/1975 16.0 25 .05 .00 70 17 41 3.2
34 34W 16DAA 458 QU,TO 05/07/1974   31 .02 .00 77 17 24 3.2
34 34W 17DDD 562 JU 10/16/1974   29 1.3 .00 70 23 32 3.2
35 33W 16BCA 383 QU,TO 05/07/1974   33 .03 .00 53 24 27 3.2
Local well
number		 Carbonate
(CO3)		 Bicarbonate
(HCO3)		 Dissolved
sulfate
(SO4)		 Dissolved
chloride
(Cl)		 Dissolved
fluoride
(F)		 Dissolved
nitrate
(NO3)		 Dissolved
solids
(residue
at 180° C)		 Hardness Sodium
adsorption
ratio		 Specific
conductance
(µmhos/cm
at 25°C)		 pH
(Ca,Mg) Non-
carbonate
31 32W 03DAD 0 220 78 23 0.9 12 363 230 46 1.0 570 7.8
31 33W 06CBD 0 220 108 37 .9 21 432 270 92 1.1 690 7.6
31 34W 18BBB 0 259 158 19 1.1 5.8 488 270 62 1.5 740 7.7
32 31W 26CAA 0 210 87 15 .8 7.3 345 210 44 1.0 540 7.7
32 31W 31ACC 0 220 171 20 .8 12 48 280 99 1.4 730 7.6
32 34W 10DA 0 220 98 15 1.1 9.1 370 230 52 1.0 570 7.8
32 34W 17DCC 0 220 116 23 .8 8.0 411 260 80 1.0 630 7.6
33 32W 28CDD 0 156 1,260 20,300 .1 .2 33,800 16,380 6,300 21   7.9
33 32W 28CDD2 0 220 150 96 .7 9.3 577 300 120 2.1 950 8.0
34 31W 30BBB 0 140 1,100 11,000 .4 1.0 19,500 5,800 5,700 28   7.7
34 31W 30BBB2 0 95 200 1,300 1.1 2.9 2,420 580 510 12 4,500 8.1
34 31W 30BBB3 o 212 77 55 .4 9.6 403 244 70 1.1 700 7.7
34 34W 16DAA 0 190 120 17 .4 12 396 260 107 .6 580 7.6
34 34W 17DDD 0 190 140 15 .5 15 423 270 120 .9 660 8.4
35 33W 16BCA 0 220 67 22 .7 10 350 230 46 .8 530 7.7
Stanton County
Local well
number		 Well
depth
(ft)		 Geologic
source
(1)		 Date of
collection		 Temp.
(°C)		 Dissolved
silica
(SiO2)		 Total
iron
(Fe)		 Dissolved
manganese
(Mn)		 Dissolved
calcium
(Ca)		 Dissolved
magnesium
(Mg)		 Sodium
(Na)		 Potassium
(K)
27 39W 13AC 508 KD 04/22/1964   24 0.00 0.00 86 39 51 6.1
27 40W 26BA 343 QU,TO 04/22/1964   17 .00 .00 69 17 29 4.2
27 42W 11DBD 252 QU 07/08/1964   14 .00 .00 69 18 26 4.1
27 42W 31CCC 400 TO,KJ 04/27/1964   14 .00 .00 54 13 30 3.3
28 39W 08BC 290 QU 04/24/1960   18 .11 .00 70 19 28 4.0
29 42W 24CC 515 KJ 08/26/1960 16.5 27 .24 .00 55 23 54  
30 39W 23BB 405 QU,TO 04/26/1964   16 .00 .00 44 19 29 3.1
Local well
number		 Carbonate
(CO3)		 Bicarbonate
(HCO3)		 Dissolved
sulfate
(SO4)		 Dissolved
chloride
(Cl)		 Dissolved
fluoride
(F)		 Dissolved
nitrate
(NO3)		 Dissolved
solids
(residue
at 180° C)		 Hardness Sodium
adsorption
ratio		 Specific
conductance
(µmhos/cm
at 25°C)		 pH
(Ca,Mg) Non-
carbonate
27 39W 13AC 0 256 237 21 1.2 4.9 596 375 165 1.2 870 7.5
27 40W 26BA 0 185 132 15 .8 6.6 382 242 90 .8 570 7.7
27 42W 11DBD 0 190 124 12 .8 5.8 367 246 90 .7 550 7.2
27 42W 31CCC 0 178 84 11 .7 6.2 304 188 42 1.0 470 7.8
28 39W 08BC 0 190 130 16 1.0 9.7 389 252 96 .8 590 7.6
29 42W 24CC 0 240 118 15 1.6 7.1 419 232 35 1.5 690  
30 39W 23BB 0 207 62 13 1.3 7.5 297 188 18 .9 480 7.7
Stevens County
Local well
number		 Well
depth
(ft)		 Geologic
source
(1)		 Date of
collection		 Temp.
(°C)		 Dissolved
silica
(SiO2)		 Total
iron
(Fe)		 Dissolved
manganese
(Mn)		 Dissolved
calcium
(Ca)		 Dissolved
magnesium
(Mg)		 Sodium
(Na)		 Potassium
(K)
31 35W 26DCC 420 QU,TO 05/09/1974   23 0.08 0.00 54 29 37 4.8
31 36W 27BCB 450 QU,TO 05/09/1974   23 .02 .00 43 25 40 4.0
31 38W 17CDA 400 QU,TO 05/10/1974   28 .00 .00 70 49 54 5.2
32 35W 08DDD 495 QU,TO 05/09/1974   23 .02 .00 46 29 42 4.4
32 37W 10DCC 480 QU,TO 05/10/1974   34 .08 .00 50 19 22 3.8
33 38W 20DDB 405 QU,TO 05/09/1974   29 .02 .00 62 19 28 3.0
34 35W 07BCC 456 QU,TO 05/09/1974   30 .02 .00 77 14 19 3.2
34 35W 18BCA 470 TO 10/09/1974   8.7 1.8 .00 40 13 26 3.0
34 39W 14DDD 540 TO 08/08/1974   25 2.2 .00 74 25 28 4.3
35 36W 01AAA   QU,TO 05/08/1974   32 .00 .00 66 19 20 3.0
35 39W 10CAD 530 QU,TO 05/09/1974   31 .03 .00 83 18 26 2.8
Local well
number		 Carbonate
(CO3)		 Bicarbonate
(HCO3)		 Dissolved
sulfate
(SO4)		 Dissolved
chloride
(Cl)		 Dissolved
fluoride
(F)		 Dissolved
nitrate
(NO3)		 Dissolved
solids
(residue
at 180° C)		 Hardness Sodium
adsorption
ratio		 Specific
conductance
(µmhos/cm
at 25°C)		 pH
(Ca,Mg) Non-
carbonate
31 35W 26DCC 0 220 107 27 1.1 10 401 250 74 1.0 640 7.7
31 36W 27BCB 0 220 97 13 1.3 4.0 356 210 34 1.2 570 7.6
31 38W 17CDA 0 220 242 32 1.6 12 600 380 200 1.2 880 7.7
32 35W 08DDD 0 222 114 16 .9 10 394 230 52 1.2 620 7.7
32 37W 10DCC 0 220 46 17 .5 5.1 307 200 21 .7 480 7.7
33 38W 20DDB 0 180 100 19 .3 26 376 230 82 .8 550 7.7
34 35W 07BCC 0 193 79 32 .3 10 360 250 92 .5 560 7.6
34 35W 18BCA 0 120 65 26 .7 4.5 246 150 56 .9 400 7.9
34 39W 14DDD 0 190 170 12 .4 8.6 437 288 130 .7 660 7.5
35 36W 01AAA 0 193 90 20 .4 11 357 240 84 .6 550 7.5
35 39W 10CAD 0 180 155 17 .4 9.8 431 280 135 .7 630 7.6

Surface Water

Most of the streamflow into the area is diverted for irrigation use or percolates to the underlying aquifer. Surface-water outflow generally represents ground-water contributions to the stream from the unconsolidated aquifer.

Arkansas River

The quality of surface water entering the area during medium to low flow commonly is saline. Analyses of samples collected from the Arkansas River at Coolidge, Kans., show that the water contains dissolved solids ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 mg/L and is a mixed type containing sodium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfate. Monthly streamflow records indicate that the water in Hamilton County "...moves from the river to the alluvium during periods of high flow and moves from the alluvium to the river during periods of low flow..." (Lobmeyer and Sauer, 1974). Thus, the chemical quality of surface water and ground water in the river valley are similar in the reach where streamflow normally occurs in Hamilton and western Kearny Counties.

During years of normal to above-normal precipitation, ground water contributes flow to the Arkansas River downstream from the Finney-Gray County line. The quantity of inflow to the stream is greatest during the nongrowing season and decreases as irrigation use and evapotranspiration increase. The analysis of samples collected from the Arkansas River at Dodge City, Kans. (about 10 miles east of the Gray County line), indicates that the quality of surface water leaving the area is fresh (dissolved solids range from about 500 to 1,000 mg/L) and is a mixed type containing calcium, magnesium, sulfate, and bicarbonate.

Cimarron River

Miscellaneous discharge and chemical-quality measurements were made, during November 1974, on a reach of the Cimarron River from a site near the point where flow began (between sites 1 and 2) to about 4 miles upstream from the Oklahoma-Kansas State line (site 11). The locations of measurement sites are shown on plate 3, and the data are listed in table 4. Site 10, included in the list of measurements, is the U.S. Geological Survey gage on the Cimarron River near Forgan, Okla. (Station No. 07156900). The measurements were made after a killing frost to reduce the effects of evapotranspiration on ground-water inflow and during a period when there was no surface-water inflow to the river between sites.

Table 4--Miscellaneous discharge and chemical-quality measurements on Cimarron River, Meade and Seward Counties, Kansas.

Location Site
number		 Date
(1974)		 Discharge
(ft3/s)		 Time
(c.s.t.)		 Temp.
(°C)		 Specific
conductance
(µmhos/cm
at 25°C)		 Dissolved
chloride
(mg/L)
32 33W 18AAA 1 Nov. 14 0 0900      
32 33W 21CCA 2 Nov. 14 .01 0925 3.0 900 23
32 33W 36BDA 3 Nov. 14 .35 1025 6.0 735 19
33 32W 20ACD 4 Nov. 14 11.5 1025 8.5 730 21
33 32W 25ACC 5 Nov. 14 19.1 1145 10.0 760 40
34 31W 15CBA 6 Nov. 14 39.6 1230 10.5 1010 98
34 30W 31BBC 7 Nov. 14 41.9 1535 11.0 1200 186
35 30W 09CCB 8 Nov. 14 56.3 1100 6.0 1340 215
35 30W 13BBB 9 Nov. 14 55.7 1330 9.0 2400 580
35 29W 08DDC 10 Nov. 14 57.7 1410 11.0 2600 620
35 29W 10BCD 11 Nov. 14 56.5 1610 10.0 2650 650

The relation of stream discharge to distance in river miles is shown graphically (fig. 6A). The discharge increases progressively from site 3 (sec. 36, T. 32 S., R. 33 W.) to site 8 (sec. 9, T. 35 S., R. 30 W.) and becomes relatively steady from site 8 to site 11 (sec. 10, T. 35 S., R. 29 W.). Thus, most of the ground-water inflow from the aquifer to the river occurs upstream from site 8.

Figure 6--Relation of distance in miles along Cimarron River to (A) discharge and (8) dissolved chloride on November 14, 1974.

Discharge and chloride concentration plotted against distance along Cimarron River.

A water sample was collected at each measurement site for analysis and for an indication of changes in the chemical quality of ground-water inflow to the river. The quality of water being discharged from the study area by the river is saline (about 1,400 mg/L) and is a sodium chloride type.

The concentration of chloride also is related to distance in river miles (fig. 6B). Chloride concentrations increased gradually from site 3 to site 8 and increased rapidly between sites 8 and 9. Thus, most of the ground-water inflow was contributed upstream from site 8, but the greatest increase in chlorides occurred between sites8 and 9. Much of the chloride increase probably is attributable to a spring that yields salty water to the river in the NE sec. 16, T. 35 S., R. 30 W. The chloride concentration of the spring water is not known, but water samples from nearby wells in the Whitehorse Formation show concentrations ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 mg/L.

Unconsolidated Aquifers

Water quality in the unconsolidated deposits differs chiefly as a result of the source, quantity, and quality of recharge and by association with water in other geologic formations in the subsurface. In general, the chemical quality of water in the unconsolidated aquifer, listed in table 3 and shown by plate 3, improves from west to east.

Quaternary Alluvium

The quality of water in the alluvium of the Arkansas River valley is the cumulative result of saline-water recharge and the concentration of dissolved solids by evapotranspiration. Most soils in the valley are saline because they have been affected by flooding, a shallow water table, and by surface- and ground-water irrigation. Thus, chemical constituents in water percolating to the aquifer are the result of selective precipitation of salts. The concentration of salts in the aquifer also are increased by evaporation from the shallow water table and transpiration by abundant vegetation, such as cottonwood and salt cedar.

Ground water in the alluvium from Coolidge to Garden City contains high concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and sulfate (pl. 3), and dissolved solids decrease downgradient from about 3,700 to 2,900 mg/L. In Gray County, water in the alluvium contains increased concentrations of calcium and bicarbonate and decreased concentrations of magnesium, sodium, and sulfate. According to McGovern and Long (1974), dissolved solids in the alluvial aquifer "...decrease from 1,600 mg/L at the western county line to about 500 mg/L at the eastern county line."

Ogallala Formation and Undifferentiated Pleistocene Deposits

The quality of water in the unconsolidated deposits commonly is fresh (dissolved solids range from 200 to 600 mg/L) and may be either a calcium bicarbonate type or a mixed type containing calcium, magnesium, sodium, bicarbonate, and sulfate. The chemical quality of water differs from area to area and may differ significantly with depth. These differences probably result from the source and quality of recharge, the depth, thickness, and character of sediments in the aquifer, and the association with water or soluble minerals in the bedrock formations.

In the eastern part of the unconsolidated aquifer (pl. 3), water is a calcium bicarbonate type. In the western and southern parts, magnesium, sodium, and sulfate also are principal constituents. Because precipitation is the major source of recharge within the study area, the chemical constituents in ground water probably were derived from dissolution of minerals within the aquifer and from adjacent bedrock formations. The abundance of calcium carbonate in the unconsolidated deposits provides an ample source for these constituents throughout the area. Jurassic and Cretaceous rocks that underlie the western part of the aquifer, as well as some of the unconsolidated deposits derived from these formations, provide increased percentages of sodium, magnesium, and sulfate.

In parts of northern Kearny and Finney Counties, the chemical quality of water in the aquifer has been affected by the addition of dissolved minerals derived from Upper Cretaceous rocks. The water is fresh (200 to 500 mg/L) and commonly contains sodium, magnesium, and sulfate in combination with calcium bicarbonate. Water in the aquifer north of the Arkansas River valley (pl. 3) also shows the result of extensive surface-water irrigation. Because di vers ions from the river have been used for many years, this source of saline water has become a significant part of the recharge. Thus, water in the aquifer, especially at shallow depths, may contain dissolved solids as high as 1,000 to 2,000 mg/L.

In some parts of southern Meade and Seward Counties, saline water occurs near the base of the unconsolidated aquifer. Water samples from three wells, located in the same 10-acre tract of sec. 30, T. 34 S., R. 30 W., indicate that the chemical quality in the aquifer has been affected by highly mineralized water from the underlying Whitehorse Formation. As shown by the diagrams in figure 7, the chemical characteristics of the saline water in the lower part of the aquifer are different from those of the freshwater in the upper part but are similar to those of the brackish water in the bedrock formation.

Figure 7--Chemical characteristics in water from three wells in sec. 30, T. 34 S., R. 30 W. in Seward County.

Water quality plots for water from Pleistocene (best), Ogallala, and Whitehorse (worst) units.

Bedrock Aquifers

Whitehorse Formation

Near the Cimarron River in southwestern Meade County and southeastern Seward County, wells in the Whitehorse Formation yield brackish water with concentrations of dissolved solids as high as 33,900 mg/L. Analyses of samples (table 3) show the water to be a mixed sodium calcium magnesium chloride in central Seward County and a sodium chloride in southwestern Meade County. Water from wells in these areas is not usable for most purposes. Electric logs indicate that the water in the Whitehorse may not be as highly mineralized in northwestern Meade County.

Day Creek Dolomite

The oldest formation in southwestern Kansas that yields usable supplies of water is the Day Creek Dolomite. Water from permeable zones in the formation (gypsum aquifer) is saline, with dissolved solids of about 2,700 mg/L, and is a calcium sulfate. Water from the formation has been used for irrigation in Morton County, although continued use tends to accumulate gypsum in the soil and to rapidly corrode aluminum distribution pipe.

Undifferentiated Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous Rocks

Wells in southern Hamilton County and in Stanton and Morton Counties commonly are screened in all available water-producing sandstones in the undifferentiated Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous rocks and in the unconsolidated deposits. Therefore, the quality of water from those wells is similar to that from wells screened only in the unconsolidated aquifer in the same general area. Where well yields are obtained only from the sandstones, the water has a slightly higher concentration of sodium and sulfate than water from nearby wells in the unconsolidated aquifer.

In northeastern Finney County, the upper part of the sandstone aquifer (Dakota Formation) yields water that is fresh, with dissolved solids ranging from 400 to 600 mg/L, and that is a mixed sodium bicarbonate sulfate. Geophysical logs from oil tests in this area indicate that water in the lower part of the sandstone aquifer (Cheyenne Sandstone) is highly mineralized.

Niobrara Chalk

An analysis of water from the Niobrara Chalk by Latta (1944) shows that the chalk aquifer yields a mixed calcium magnesium bicarbonate water similar to that in the overlying unconsolidated aquifer. The composition of water and concentration of dissolved solids generally may be correlated with surficial conditions rather than with the mineralogical composition of the aquifer. In Finney County, Hill and others (1967) showed the constituents in water from the Fort Hays Limestone Member to be almost entirely calcium carbonate.

Suitability of Water for Irrigation

When irrigation water is applied to the land, it is necessary to consider the effects on the salinity and alkalinity of the soils. The most important chemical characteristics in evaluating the suitability of water for irrigation are the total concentration of soluble salts, expressed in terms of electrical conductivity (EC), and the relative proportion of sodium to other principal cations, expressed as the sodium-adsorption-ratio (SAR). The suitability of water from various geologic formations is shown in a diagram (fig. 8) and described according to the classification of the U.S. Salinity Laboratory Staff (1954).

Water from the Ogallala Formation and the undifferentiated Pleistocene deposits generally has a low-sodium and medium-salinity hazard. Water from undifferentiated Jurassic rocks, Lower Cretaceous rocks, and the Niobrara Chalk, which probably is derived indirectly from the unconsolidated aquifer, has similar characteristics. This type of water may be used on most soils and with crops that tolerate moderate amounts of salt.

Water from the Quaternary alluvium and from the Day Creek Dolomite have medium- and low-sodium hazards, respectively, and a very high salinity hazard. These types of water may be used on salt-tolerant crops grown in permeable, coarse-textured soils, but only by utilizing additives and special farming practices.

In the northern part of the area, water from the Dakota Formation has a high-sodium and high-salinity hazard. This water may produce harmful levels of exchangeable sodium in most soils and will require good drainage, leaching, and special additives.

Figure 8--Classification of irrigation water.

Samples mostly low sodium, with one in medium and one in high zone; samples mostly in medium salinity zone, with one in very high.

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Kansas Geological Survey, Geohydrology
Placed on web July 28, 2013; originally published 1981.
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