SPRINGS OF THE ARGUS MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA AND THEIR USE IN A DESERT COMMUNITY

Abstract

Abstract A group of 35 perennial and intermittent, non-thermal, fracture controlled groundwater springs developed in Mesozoic granitic rocks within the Argus Mountains of the Mojave Desert, supply 10–12 percent of the potable water for the town of Trona, California. This is accomplished by 36 miles of gathering and transmission pipelines, from 1–6 inches in diameter. These non-mineral and non-radioactive springs of sixth and seventh magnitude (Meinzer classification), have been developed by use of tunnels, concrete surface sumps and dams; and by open cuts. They lie between 2300 and 2800 ft. above sea level. Water quality is excellent, with 336 ppm of total dissolved solids, and a B. Coli index of zero. It is odorless, colorless, and has a pleasant taste. Although each individual spring is small, with minimum discharges varying from 0.1 to 8.5 gpm, the aggregate total discharge ranging from 36 to 106 gpm, was sufficient until 1942 to supply the entire population. The springs originate from water wholly der...