Mountain Front Recharge of the
Eastsound Aquifer
In 2004 the state Dept. of Ecology reviewed the reports provided by
Eastsound Water Users Inc. (EWUA) in their application to move wells
around.
The conclusion was that a significant factor in the recharge of the
aquifer was not included: mountain front recharge.
Without this there is very difficult to explain the 5 or more
documented artesian wells in the Eastsound area.
This is proof of a significant recharge of the aquifer not included in
the data partially shared by EWUA.
Here is the relevant excerpt from page 10 of rather long report:
STATE
OF WASHINGTON
DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
APPROVED
REPORT OF
EXAMINATION FOR
CHANGE
... page 10:
The ground water
fluctuations
observed in the wellfield at the base of Buck Mountain suggests that there is mountain front
recharge
occurring. Mountain front recharge is a term used to describe an area
of high
recharge at the base of bedrock hills. Precipitation falling on the
bedrock
hill does not infiltrate fully but sheds off of the bedrock hill and
then
infiltrates into the unconsolidated deposits commonly found at the
bottom of
the hill. I don’t know if this recharge mechanism was considered during
the USGS
study (Orr and others, 2002). If it was not considered, there could be
more
recharge to the aquifer than estimated above using the currently
available
data.
The entire report is available in word format. Let me know by email if
you would like a copy.
Or you can request a paper
copy from DOE for a small fee.
or call (360) 376 3815
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