Living On the Edge in the Denver Basin: Fact of Fiction?

Residents in the southern metropolitan Denver area rely on one or more of the Denver Basin aquifers as part of their domestic supply.  The droughts from earlier in this century, the media, and researchers have focused on often inadequate or inaccurate water level information to draw conclusions and attention to the adequacy of this water supply.  Numerous studies have focused on determining longevity of the aquifers and predicting the timeframe for obtaining renewable supplies for supplementation or complete replacement. Many of these studies have focused on the Arapahoe aquifer only, as it is the most used; however, the effects of pumping the Dawson and Denver aquifers must also be evaluated. The western edge of the Denver Basin in Douglas County has been determined to be of the highest concern due to extensive use and the configuration of the aquifer formations in that area.

Water levels from the western edge of the Denver Basin in Douglas County were interpreted and complied in GIS for a more detailed determination of reactions of the aquifers due to pumping over time.  Depending on the measurement interval, time since rehabilitation, and the amount of pumping, significantly different conclusions may be reached by different individuals.  The analysis has led to the development of “judgment matrices” for evaluating the quality of water level data prior to being included in longevity and maintenance evaluations.  The result is a more reliable mechanism for water supply planning.