Ground Water Occurrence and Utilization in the Arizona-Sonora Border Region

Abstract

This article discusses ground-water resources along the Arizona-Sonora border from Yuma, Arizona to the Douglas-Rio Yaqui region in Eastern Arizona. Transfrontier physiography and geology are reviewed to understand the physical occurrence of ground water, its storage, movement, depth, and availability. The border region is divided into five zones or basins for ground-water supply; then the utilization of ground-water resources is detailed, including kinds of development and production water quality considerations, and present and future resource supply problems. Particular attention is paid to the extensive pumping proposals at San Luis, Sonora near the Colorado River. The need for better institutional arrangements to plan and manage the conjunctive use of both surface and ground-water supplies is discussed as a summary conclusion.