Saline-water resources of Texas

Hydrogeologic framework, geochemistry, groundwater-flow system, and aquifer hydraulic properties used in the development of a conceptual model of the Ogallala, Edwards-Trinity (High Plains), and Dockum aquifers in and near Gaines, Terry, and Yoakum Counties, Texas

“…Sodium and chloride are often the primary constituents that contribute to elevated DS concentrations (Hem, 1985). In this report, DS concentrations of less than or equal to 1,000 mg/L are considered indicative of freshwater, whereas DS concentrations greater than 1,000 mg/L and less than 10,000 mg/L are considered indicative of brackish water (Winslow and Kister, 1956). DS concentrations in the groundwater samples collected in the study area range from 424 to 5,900 mg/L (Payne and others, 2020; fig.…”

“…The variable distribution of coarse, permeable sediments affects the spatial differences in the water-storage capacity and water-availability characteristics (Seni, 1980;Texas Water Development Board, 2020b). DS concentrations in the Ogallala aquifer typically are less than 1,000 milligrams per liter (mg/L) (the upper limit for what is generally considered freshwater [Winslow and Kister, 1956]) but can range from less than 600 to more than 6,000 mg/L within localized parts of the study area (Llano Estacado Underground Water Conservation District, 2020a;Llano Estacado Underground Water Conservation District, 2020b;South Plains Underground Water Conservation District, 2020b). In many areas, groundwater moves vertically between the Ogallala aquifer and the underlying Edwards-Trinity (High Plains) and Dockum aquifers (fig.…”