USGS Isotope Study

Investigation into Contributions of Nitrate-Nitrogen to Plum Creek, Geronimo Creek and the Underlying Leona Aquifer

USGS, in partnership with the GBRA and TSSWCB, and funded by a Clean Water Act Section 319 grant will analyze water sources in the Plum Creek and Geronimo Creek watersheds, including groundwater from the Leona Aquifer, surface water from Plum Creek and Geronimo Creek, precipitation and wastewater effluent, for nitrate-nitrogen and its isotopes of nitrogen and oxygen to determine possible sources of nitrate-nitrogen, i.e. human, animal or fertilizer. The goals of the project are to increase the understanding of the interaction between surface water and underlying groundwater, to evaluate strategies and practices for reducing nitrate levels in the surface water and groundwater and to provide results and recommendations to agricultural and water resource managers in two watersheds.

Project Workplan

Scientific Investigations Report 2017-5121