AVAILABILITY OF GROUND WATER IN THE SURFICIAL AQUIFERS OF THE RED RIVER OF THE NORTH BASIN, MINNESOTA

Increased growth throughout the Red River of the North Basin (the Basin) has required the evaluation of potential water sources within, and adjacent to the Basin, to sustain development. Within the Minnesota portion of the Basin, eight surficial aquifers and the beach ridge deposits were evaluated for their potential ground-water resources. The eight aquifers (Wadena, Pineland Sands, Becker-Otter Tail, Pelican River, Buffalo, Bemidji-Bagley, Middle River, and Two Rivers) are variable in characteristics and properties. Information and data for each of the aquifers, including aquifer characteristics, water quality data, ground water and surface water interactions, recharge and discharge sources and quantities, and ground-water use was compiled from previously conducted studies.

Data indicated that ground-water development of the aquifers and local surface water systems are hydraulically related. Potential recharge and discharge estimations for each of the aquifers were determined and provide an estimate of the volume of water exchanged within each of the aquifer systems. Storage volumes of five of the aquifers were calculated, and published storage estimates for the other three aquifers are summarized. The total volume of potential ground water contained within the aquifers was estimated to be 3,700 bgal. The volume of ground water stored in the individual aquifers ranged from 4.6 bgal to 1,520 bgal. In 2003, approximately 28 billion gallons of ground water were withdrawn from the eight aquifers, not including water for private supply. The Becker-Otter Tail aquifer was the most pumped aquifer (33 percent of the total resources), and water from the Becker-Otter Tail, Pineland Sands, and Wadena aquifers totaled 87 percent. Agricultural and golf course irrigation totaled 87 percent of all ground water withdrawn from the aquifers in 2003, and public supply (9.5 percent) was the second greatest use.