Ground-water appraisal for the community of Kiryas Joel, Orange County, New York

Abstract

A major fracture system in indurated sedimentary rocks forms a moderately extensive aquifer yielding 100-300 gallons per minute to wells 160 to 420 feet deep. Pumping-test data show that the fracture system is interconnected to distances more than 1,000 feet from the wells. Recharge occurs through overlying clayey till, and continuous pumping may induce recharge from surface-water sources. Partial chemical analyses indicate no water-quality problems. Systematic collection of data on pumpage, water level, and chemical quality could help to determine the long-term adequacy of the aquifer system.

Effects of increased pumpage on a fractured-bedrock aquifer system in central Orange County, New York

“…This depth may be too great because the water level at the time of measurement may not have fully recovered from recent pumping. The static water level in 1977 was about 65 ft (Waller, 1979) and, on October 18, 1982, was 87 ft. The pump intake is reported to be at 322 ft.…”

“…Water from additional wells drilled in the area east of Bakertown Road could possibly increase total purapage to about 1 Mgal/d. If the estimates of aquifer recharge that were previously used by Waller (1979) are accurate, the maximum daily withdrawal for this study area under optimum conditions may be no more than 900,000 gal/d. This estimate also accounts for recharge from seepage through the till.…”

“…It is important to note, however, that when well 4 was tested in 1977 (Waller, 1979), the pumping rate was increased in steps until drawdown was observed in the observation wells. In other words, a "pumpage threshold" level was found which, once exceeded, resulted in an observable drawdown in formerly unresponsive wells.…”

“…In 1977, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Village of Kiryas Joel, made a preliminary appraisal of well yields in fractured bedrock in central Orange County (Waller, 1979) and, in 1983, began a 9-month followup study to evaluate the hydrologic effects of increased pumpage for public supply in the Town of Monroe.…”

“…Earlier studies (Frimpter, 1972;Waller, 1979) a highly fractured zone postulated by Waller (1979). Consequently, an observation-well network was established, pumpage records compiled, and controlled aquifer tests run to evaluate the effects of stress on the system.…”