Rialto-Colton Basin Aquifer Susceptibility to Low-level Contamination

Project Chief: Linda R. Woolfenden

The quality of drinking-water resources is potentially susceptible to contamination from point- and nonpoint-source contaminants released into the urban environment. Low-level anthropogenic contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and perchlorate, may be released into the urban environment during their production, distribution, storage, and use. Low-level concentrations of VOCs and perchlorate, combined with ground-water age dating, can be used to assess the potential susceptibility of drinking-water supplies to contamination. Because the presence of these contaminants in ground water can indicate potential aquifer susceptibility, there is a need to understand the factors that control the occurrence, distribution, and transport of these contaminants in urban ground-water systems.

Hydrologic controls that affect perchlorate migration within Rialto-Colton and adjacent basins will be evaluated with flow and transport models. The objectives of the ongoing work in the Rialto-Colton Basin will determine the distribution and migration of low-level aquifer contamination. Refinement of the conceptual model of the basin will continue through additional data collection. An existing ground-water flow model will be revised to reflect any modifications of the conceptual model. Distribution and migration of perchlorate will be investigated with a transport model.

Contact Information

Linda R. Woolfenden
Office phone: 916-278-3000

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