Applying theHPT‐GWSfor Hydrostratigraphy, Water Quality and Aquifer Recharge Investigations

Abstract

AbstractThe primary objective of this study was to evaluate use of the hydraulic profiling tool‐groundwater sampler (HPT‐GWS) log data as an indicator of water quality (level of dissolved ionic species) in an alluvial aquifer. TheHPT‐GWSprobe is designed for direct push advancement into unconsolidated formations. The system provides both injection pressure logs and electrical conductivity (EC) logs, and groundwater may be sampled at multiple depths as the probe is advanced (profiling). The combination of these three capabilities in one probe has not previously been available. During field work it was observed that whenHPTcorrected pressure (Pc) indicates a consistent aquifer unit then bulk formationECcan be used as an indicator of water quality. A high correlation coefficient (R2= 0.93) was observed between groundwater specific conductance and bulk formationECin the sands and gravels of the alluvial aquifer studied. These results indicate that groundwater specific conductance is exerting a controlling influence on the bulk formationECof the coarse‐grained unit at this site, and probably many similar sites, consistent with Archie's Law. This simple relationship enables the use of theECand Pclogs, with targeted water samples and a minimum of core samples, to rapidly assess groundwater quality over extended areas at high vertical resolution. This method was used to identify both a brine impacted zone at the base of the aquifer investigated and a groundwater recharge lens developing below storm water holding ponds in the upper portion of the same aquifer. Sample results for trace level, naturally occurring elements (As, Ba, U) further demonstrate the use of this system to sample for low level groundwater contamination.