THE REAPPEARANCE OF THE DISAPPEARING LAKE: A MAGIC ACT FOR HOUDINI OR A HYDROGEOLOGIST?

The altering of groundwater flow patterns in a karstic environment expedited the formation of large sinkholes in the southeastern end of Victory Lake causing it to drain immediately. Soon after the lake emptied in 1986, two unsuccessful attempts were made to restore the 32-acre lake. Some 21-years later, Victory Lake is holding some water in the shallow basin of the northern region, but would primarily be classified as a marshy wetland.

This research project investigated current groundwater/surfacewater interactions of Victory Lake to determine the potential for it to be restored fully or partially as a recreational focal point of Berry College campus. In order to determine if Victory Lake is being recharged by groundwater, several pump tests were conducted in previously installed monitoring wells adjacent to the lake. The goals of the pump tests were to: 1) evaluate the aquifers response through constant pumping, 2) observe the drawdown in nearby monitoring wells, and 3) observe the rebound of the groundwater after completion of pumping. In addition to pump tests, environmental isotopes were used as tracers of water and solutes in specific catchments.

The results of the pump tests indicate an aquifer system typical of that found in karst environments with high hydraulic conductivity. The maximum pump rate of 400 Hz produced little drawdown in the well being pump, and none in those 3,000 feet to the north or south. The tests will need to be reevaluated and conducted with other instrumentation in order to generate substantial drawdown and recovery results. Environmental isotopes helped to determine the lack of connectedness of the groundwater and surface water in Victory Lake via the amounts of O18/H2 found in samples collected before, during, and after pumping from the wells and lake.

From the results of the pump tests and isotope geochemistry conducted in this research project we have a better understanding of the lake's current water budget. Combining a water budget with a field survey of the local geology we will be able to make recommendations for refurbishing Victory Lake.