Ground-water appraisal of the Fishkill-Beacon area, Dutchess County, New York

Abstract

The most productive aquifers in the Fishkill-Beacon area are the sand and gravel beds in the valleys of Fishkill and Clove Creeks. The average yield of these aquifers to wells is 190 gal/min (gallons per minute). The most productive bedrock aquifer is limestone, which yields an average of about 150 gal/min. Shale and granite each yield an average of less than 35 gal/min. About 4 billion gallons of available water is estimated to be in storage in the sand and gravel aquifers in the area. In 1977, an average of 3.3 Mgal/d (million gallons per day) of water was withdrawn in June, July, and August and 2 Mgal/d during the remainder of the year.

An atlas of eleven selected aquifers in New York

“…Potential well yields in most places cannot be derived from the present data because aquifer thickness is insufficiently known, but high yields can be expected wherever sand and gravel layers are thick or in contact with surfa~e-water bodies. Snavely (1980) reports yields from 16 wells within the Town of Fishkill to range from 4 to 660 gal/min with an average yield of 189 gal/min. High-yielding municipal-supply wells may be feasible at several sites within the area, but the suitability of each site would need to be evaluated on an individual basis through detailed aquifer analysis and pumping tests.…”

“…Because the village is not sure the supply will be adequate, the town has sponsored a ground-water investigation as to water needs. Snavely ( 1980) appraised the town's ground-water resources as a first step in determining ultimate yield of the system. A more detailed appraisal would be needed before additional suppplies could be safely obtained from the aquifer system.…”