USGS/USDOE Cooperative Studies in Nevada
Hydrologic Resources Management Program, Nevada Test Site
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) requires hydrologic data and information of groundwater supplies to support ongoing activities and to assist in planning new uses for the Nevada Test Site (NTS).
The objectives of this program are to: 1) maintain capabilities in radiochemistry in support of testing readiness and stockpile stewardship, 2) provide a sound technical basis for NTS use decisions regarding the quality and quantity of water resources available for defense and economic development activities, 3) determine the potential impact of rapidly increasing demand for groundwater around the NTS on the long-term availability of water, 4) provide a framework for determining optimum groundwater quality and quantity monitoring locations, and 5) maintain the inventory of boreholes in a safe and environmentally sound condition.
As part of this program, the USGS participates in studies that support modeling of the Death Valley regional groundwater flow system. Other primary activities include the compilation of water-use data and the calibration of flow meters for the major supply wells at the NTS.
