Date

2001

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Science & Environmental Policy

Abstract

ajors well, located next to Laguna Creek in Santa Cruz County, is a shallow well, drilled into alluvium. Developers have proposed to greatly expand biomedical research farm known as Stephenson Ranch. Stephenson Ranch would use Majors well for a primary source of water. California Department of Fish and Game is interested in examining if the well is pumping water from the stream and the possible impacts on the species that utilize the streams water. This project tested the hypothesis that Laguna Creek and Majors well are connected to the same unconfined aquifer, and that, Majors well is pumping water from Laguna Creek underflow during times of operation. Several complementary methods were used to test the hypothesis that Majors well is pumping water from Laguna creek. The work performed included a longitudinal profile survey, stream gauging, use of piezometers, a seepage bag meter test, and static and falling head tests. Results demonstrate that Laguna Creek is a naturally losing stream during the summer. During times of well operation, streamflow and head tests confirm that the well is drawing a greater than normal amount of water into the aquifer. Since Majors well is pumping water from Laguna Creek underflow the water extracted from the well could not exceed that of the diversion permit specifications and can not be utilized during summer months.

Comments

Capstone Project (B.S.) Earth Systems Science & Policy Institute

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