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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