Chemical Quality of Irrigation Waters in West-central Kansas

Abstract

The principal aquifer in southern Wallace, Greeley, Wichita, Scott, and Lane Counties is the Ogallala formation. Analysis of ground water samples collected from 154 irrigation wells in this 4 1/2 county area during summer of 1974 indicate waters of this region are basically calcium-magnesium bicarbonate in nature. Higher salinities and increased sulfate contents are observed for wells in parts of the Scott Basin area, which appear to be in association with saline soils.

Compiled chemical quality data and chemical quality contour maps for the area of study are presented. This report represents the first phase of a program directed toward establishing base line chemical quality data for irrigation waters in western Kansas.