EVALUATING KARST GROUNDWATER CONNECTIONS FOR ENHANCED AQUIFER RECHARGE

The karstic groundwater basin for Byrds Mill Spring near Ada, Oklahoma is an area that warrants further study as a potential location for enhanced aquifer recharge (EAR). The spring supplies some 12 million gallons of water per day to the City of Ada, and is the largest spring in Oklahoma. This study will utilize a series of tracer tests to assess the area of Byrds Mill Spring EAR site. There is a major sinkhole in the EAR test area which will serve as the tracer introduction point. 5,000 gallons of potable water from Ada’s municipal source will be pumped and discharged into the major sinkhole. The tracer test will help determine flow paths and aquifer connectivity, and will be monitored via wells. The primary tracer that will be utilized is NaCl with an initial concentration of 250 mg/L. Fluorescent-magnetic nano particles may be used as a secondary tracer. Tracers will be monitored in both the short (hours to days) and long (2-12 weeks) term.