Stream alluvium is the major aquifer in the basin but well yields are relatively low. A number of dry wells have reportedly been drilled into the sedimentary rocks but some encountered water in faults and fractures. Groundwater recharge occurs from infiltration of rainfall and snowmelt. Data on groundwater flow direction, annual natural recharge rate and groundwater in storage is not available for the basin.
There are only 18 registered wells in the basin. Department data indicate well yields ranging from 0 to 45 gpm with a median well yield of 5 gpm for 17 large diameter (>10gpm) wells. Recent water levels in wells range from 10 feet bls to over 960 feet bls (see Figure 6.5-6). Water from springs and seeps is generally of better quality than well water, although the arsenic level at one spring exceeded the drinking water standard (Table 6.5-4).
For information on surface water hydrology in the Shivwits Plateau Basin see Lower Colorado River Lees Ferry to Lake Mead Watershed
Arizona Department of Water Resources
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