Historical water-quality data, Puerco River Basin, Arizona and New Mexico

Abstract

In June 1988, the U.S. Geological Survey began a 5-year study of the occurrence and movement of radionuclides and other trace metals in ground water and surface water in the Puerco River basin in northeastern Arizona and northwestern New Mexico. Radionuclides and other trace metals occur naturally in water, rock, and sediments in the region; however, mining operations have enhanced their release to the Puerco River through discharges of mine effluents. Additionally, in 1979, the failure of a tailings-pond dike resulted in the largest known single release of water contaminated by uranium tailings in the United States. This report presents selected historical water-quality data and a bibliography of selected references on the geology, hydrology, and water quality of the Puerco River basin. Historical water-quality data for surface water, ground water, and uranium-mine discharges for water years 1942 through 1988 were compiled from information from Federal, State, and local agencies.