A hydrogeologic resource assessment of the lower Babocomari Watershed, Arizona

Abstract

Perennial streamflow and a rich riparian habitat along portions of the Babocomari River is supported by the regional ground-water system. A hydrologic resource assessment of the lower Babocomari Watershed (upper San Pedro Basin, Arizona) was performed to characterize the system which supports the current flow regime of the river, and estimate the effects of future pumping on hydrologic conditions along the river. Descriptions of the physiography, climate, vegetation, and geology of the study area were primarily derived from literature review. Descriptions of the ground-water system, surface-water system, surface-water/ground-water interaction, riparian vegetation, and water quality were chiefly derived from field work and laboratory analysis. Descriptions were substantiated with flow-net, water-budget, and aquifer-test analyses. Current and predicted future rates of pumping were quantified, and were used to make preliminary analytical estimations of drawdown effects on hydrologic conditions along the Babocomari River.