Earth Notes: Portrait of the Coconino Aquifer
Earth Notes: Portrait of the Coconino Aquifer KNAU Arizona Public Radio
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The Coconino Aquifer and Its Importance in Northern Arizona
The Coconino Sandstone, which is the main water-bearing rock unit, is responsible for the most productive aquifer in northern Arizona. Known as the Coconino or ‘C’ aquifer, it spans across 27,000 square miles from Parks to New Mexico and southern Utah.
Aquifer Recharge and Water Sources
Significant recharge of the Coconino aquifer occurs along the Mogollon Rim, where snowmelt and rainwater flow downward due to the rock strata dipping towards the northeast. Additionally, streams like Clear Creek and Chevelon Creek contribute to the aquifer’s recharge.
Water Usage and Pumping Operations
The City of Flagstaff is one of the largest consumers of water from the C-aquifer. Wells, typically around 1,200 feet deep, are used to pump water. However, new “urban wells” being developed may require drilling up to 1,500 feet below ground to reach water sources.
Water Quality and Monitoring
In general, the C-aquifer delivers high-quality water south of Interstate 40. However, north of the interstate and along a line west of Snowflake through Winslow, the water flows through salt beds in the Schnebly Hill Formation, leading to an increased concentration of sodium chloride.
Winslow is located near the boundary of this saltier water. To prevent contamination of municipal water supplies, pumping operations in Winslow, as well as future withdrawals for the Navajo Nation and Flagstaff, will be closely monitored. Wells will be shut off if necessary to avoid drawing the saltier water into the municipal supplies.
Aquifer Recharge Time
The time it takes for water to recharge in the C-aquifer varies greatly. Recharge can occur in less than 200 years near Lake Mary, while it may take many thousands of years towards the Utah-Arizona border.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The Coconino aquifer plays a crucial role in providing clean water to communities in northern Arizona.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The City of Flagstaff’s water usage from the C-aquifer aligns with the goal of ensuring sustainable cities and communities.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Monitoring and managing the Coconino aquifer’s water sources contribute to climate action efforts by promoting sustainable water management.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
The article discusses the use and management of the Coconino Sandstone aquifer in northern Arizona, which is a major source of water for the region. This issue is directly connected to SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.
- Target 6.5: By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.
The article highlights the need for careful monitoring and management of water withdrawals from the Coconino aquifer to avoid drawing saltier water into municipal supplies. This relates to Target 6.4, which focuses on ensuring sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater. Additionally, the article mentions the recharge of the aquifer along streams and the need for monitoring and cooperation in managing water resources, which aligns with Target 6.5.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 6.4.2: Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources.
- Indicator 6.5.2: Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation.
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but it provides information that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The concentration of sodium chloride in the aquifer and the need to avoid drawing saltier water into municipal supplies can be used as an indicator of water stress (Indicator 6.4.2). The mention of monitoring and cooperation in managing water resources implies the need for operational arrangements for water cooperation in transboundary basins (Indicator 6.5.2).
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity. | Indicator 6.4.2: Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources. |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.5: By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate. | Indicator 6.5.2: Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation. |
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Source: knau.org
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