IDENTIFYING HIGH ELEVATION RELIABLE WATER SOURCES IN THE RINCON MOUNTAIN DISTRICT OF SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK THROUGH SYSTEMATIC MAPPING

Springs in wilderness areas of the US west are essential for both human backcountry use and wildlife, but are rarely studied. The Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park, east of Tucson, is 78% designated wilderness and contains numerous backcountry trails and campsites. Backpackers and day hikers in high elevation areas rely on seeps and streams for drinking water, but due to various factors these water sources are not always reliable. To better understand the dynamics and origins of springs in the Rincon Mountains, we systematically searched areas >7000 feet in elevation, mapping locations of all surface water sources. Sites were revisited on a biweekly or monthly basis between their discovery and the onset of summer monsoon rain in early July. At each site, we collected several key characteristics such as spring or seep type, depth, substrate, and whether the water was flowing. At selected sites, we collected water chemistry data – concentrations of bicarbonate, anions, cations, and total dissolved solids as well as pH and specific conductivity. Here, we present the results of our surveys and data collections. These findings inform park managers about the relative reliability of different springs and seeps, the area of recharge, and the origin of waters. Consequently, this information helps guide actions related to fire management as well as provide precise locations of reliable water sources for backcountry hikers and campers during the driest months of the year.