ANALYSIS OF GROUND-WATER DATA FOR SELECTED 

WELLS NEAR HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, 

NEW MEXICO, 1950-95 

By G.F. Huff

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

Water-Resources Investigations Report 96-4116

Prepared in cooperation with 

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE

Albuquerque, New Mexico 

1996
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

BRUCE BABBITT, Secretary

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

Gordon P. Eaton, Director

The use of firm, trade, and brand names in this report is for identification purposes 

only and does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey.

For addtional information write to:

District Chief

U.S. Geological Survey

Water Resources Division

4501 Indian School Road NE, Suite 200

Albuquerque, NM 87110-3929

Copies of this report can be purchased 

from:

U.S. Geological Survey 

Branch of Information Services 

Box 25286 

Denver, CO 80225-0286
CONTENTS

Page

Abstract...................................................................................................................................^ 1

Introduction........................................................................................................................................... 2

Purpose and scope...................................................................................................................... 2

Well-numbering system............................................................................................................. 6

Previous investigations.............................................................................................................. 7

Geohydrology of the study area............................................................................................... 7

Analysis of ground-water-level data................................................................................................. 8

Analysis of ground-water-withdrawal data..................................................................................... 16

Analysis of ground-water-quality data............................................................................................. 21

Summary................................................................................................................................................ 31

Selected references................................................................................................................................ 32

FIGURES

1-3. Maps showing:

1. Location of the study area............................................................................................. 3

2. Location of the Boles wells, San Andres and Douglas wells, Frenchy wells,

Escondido well, and major canyons......................................................................... 4

3. Location of selected public-supply and observation wells near Holloman

Air Force Base, New Mexico...................................................................................... 5

4. Diagram showing system of numbering wells in New Mexico...................................... 6

5. Graphs showing measured water levels and estimated temporal trends in

water levels (if present) for well 17S.10E.31.411 (Douglas 4) for 1972-90

and for well 17S.10E.32.113 (San Andres 1) for 1972-93........................................ 9

6. Graphs showing measured water levels and estimated temporal trends in

water levels (if present) for well 17S.10E.32.122 (San Andres 5) for 1972-94

and for well 17S.10E.32.143 (San Andres 6) for 1972-89........................................ 10

m
FIGURES-Continued

Page 

7-15. Graphs showing:

7. Measured water levels and estimated temporal trends in water levels 

(if present) for well 17S.10E.19.123 (Boles 2) for 1972-94 and 

for well 17S.10E.19.144 (Boles 5) for 1972-94........................................................... 11

8. Measured water levels and estimated temporal trends in water levels 

(if present) for well 17S.09E.25.213 (Boles 17) for 1972-93 and for 

well 17S.09E.24.343 (Boles 34) for 1955-88............................................................... 12

9. Measured water levels and estimated temporal trends in water levels 

(if present) for well 17S.10E.18.432A for 1954-86 and for well 

17S.10E.19.323A for 1954-86...................................................................................... 13

10. Measured water levels and estimated temporal trends in water levels 

(if present) for well 17S.09E.25.343 for 1986-94 and for well 

18S.10E.32.143 (Escondido 1) for 1987-94............................................................... 14

11. Measured water levels and estimated temporal trends in water levels 

(if present) for well 18S.10E.09.332 (Frenchy 1) for 1986-93 

and for well 18S.10E.16.414 (Frenchy 2) for 1987-93.............................................. 15

12. Ground-water withdrawal from the San Andres and Douglas wells and 

estimated ground-water recharge from San Andres Canyon minus 

ground-water withdrawal from the San Andres and Douglas wells 

for 1961-93.................................................................................................................... 17

13. Ground-water withdrawal from the Boles wells and estimated groundwater recharge from Mule, Arrow, and Lead Canyons minus ground-water 

withdrawal from the Boles wells for 1950-93.......................................................... 18

14. Ground-water withdrawal from the Escondido well and estimated

ground-water recharge from Escondido Canyon minus ground-water 

withdrawal from the Escondido well for 1987-93.................................................. 19

15. Ground-water withdrawal from the Frenchy wells and estimated 

ground-water recharge from Dog and Deadman Canyons minus 

ground-water withdrawal from the Frenchy wells for 1986-93........................... 20

IV
FIGURES-Concluded

Page 

16-24. Graphs showing:

16. Concentrations of dissolved nitrate, dissolved chloride, dissolved sulfate,

and dissolved solids as a function of time for well 17S.10E.31.411 (Douglas 4) 

for 1963-95.................................................................................................................... 22

17. Concentrations of dissolved nitrate, dissolved chloride, dissolved sulfate, 

and dissolved solids as a function of time for well 17S.10E.32.113 (San 

Andres 1) for 1964-94.................................................................................................. 23

18. Concentrations of dissolved nitrate, dissolved chloride, dissolved sulfate, 

and dissolved solids as a function of time for well 17S.10E.31.244 (San 

Andres 3) for 1966-94.................................................................................................. 24

19. Concentrations of dissolved nitrate, dissolved chloride, dissolved sulfate, 

and dissolved solids as a function of time for well 17S.10E.19.123 (Boles 2) 

for 1953-95.................................................................................................................... 25

20. Concentrations of dissolved nitrate, dissolved sulfate, and dissolved solids

as a function of time for well 17S.10E.19.144 (Boles 5) for 1952-90,,,,,,,,,,.. 26

21. Concentrations of dissolved nitrate, dissolved sulfate, and dissolved

solids as a function of time for well 17S.09E.25.213 (Boles 17) for 1953-93,,,,. 27

22. Concentrations of dissolved nitrate, dissolved chloride, dissolved sulfate,

and dissolved solids as a function of time for well 17S.10E.18.442A (Boles 26) 

for 1961-94.................................................................................................................... 28

23. Concentrations of dissolved nitrate, dissolved chloride, dissolved sulfate, 

and dissolved solids as a function of time for well 17S.09E.24.343 (Boles 34) 

for 1955-95.................................................................................................................... 29

24. Concentrations of dissolved nitrate as a function of time for well 17S.10E.19.141 

(Boles 15) for 1950-94 and for well 17S.09E.25.212 (Boles 35) for 1961-93.,,,,, 30
TABLES

Page

1. Results of statistical analyses of water-level data for selected Douglas, San Andres, 

Boles, Escondido, and Frenchy public-supply wells and observation wells near 

the Boles wells........................................................................................................................ 33

2. Chemical analyses of water from selected Douglas, San Andres, Boles, Frenchy,

and Escondido public-supply wells in the Holloman Air Force Base area................... 34

3. Comparisons between historical (1955-70) and current (1990-95) water-quality data

for selected Douglas, San Andres, and Boles public-supply wells................................. 37

CONVERSION FACTORS AND VERTICAL DATUM

Multiply By To obtain

foot 0.3048 meter

mile 1.609 kilometer

acre 4,047 square meter

gallons per minute 0.06309 liters per second

million gallons per year 3,785 cubic meter per year

Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) can be converted to degrees Fahrenheit (°F) as follows:

°F = (1.8x°O + 32

Sea level: In this report "sea level" refers to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929~a 

geodetic datum derived from a general adjustment of the first-order level nets of the United 

States and Canada, formerly called Sea Level Datum of 1929.

VI
ANALYSIS OF GROUND-WATER DATA FOR SELECTED WELLS NEAR 

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO, 1950-95

By G.F. Huff 

ABSTRACT

Ground-water-level, ground-water-withdrawal, and ground-water-quality data were 

evaluated for trends. Holloman Air Force Base is located in the west-central part of Otero 

County, New Mexico. Ground-water-data analyses include assembly and inspection of U.S. 

Geological Survey and Holloman Air Force Base data, including ground-water-level data for 

public-supply and observation wells and withdrawal and water-quality data for public-supply 

wells in the area.

Well Douglas 4 shows a statistically significant decreasing trend in water levels for 1972-86 

and a statistically significant increasing trend in water levels for 1986-90. Water levels in wells 

San Andres 5 and San Andres 6 show statistically significant decreasing trends for 1972-93 and 

1981-89, respectively. A mixture of statistically significant increasing trends, statistically 

significant decreasing trends, and lack of statistically significant trends over periods ranging 

from the early 1970's to the early 1990's are indicated for the Boles wells and wells near the Boles 

wells. Well Boles 5 shows a statistically significant increasing trend in water levels for 1981-90. 

Well Boles 5 and well 17S.09E.25.343 show no statistically significant trends in water levels for 

1990-93 and 1988-93, respectively. For 1986-93, well Frenchy 1 shows a statistically significant 

decreasing trend in water levels.

Ground-water withdrawal from the San Andres and Douglas wells regularly exceeded 

estimated ground-water recharge from San Andres Canyon for 1963-87. For 1951-57 and 1960-86, 

ground-water withdrawal from the Boles wells regularly exceeded total estimated ground-water 

recharge from Mule, Arrow, and Lead Canyons. Ground-water withdrawal from the San Andres 

and Douglas wells and from the Boles wells nearly equaled estimated ground-water recharge for 

1989-93 and 1986-93, respectively. For 1987-93, ground-water withdrawal from the Escondido 

well regularly exceeded estimated ground-water recharge from Escondido Canyon, and groundwater withdrawal from the Frenchy wells regularly exceeded total estimated ground-water 

recharge from Dog and Deadman Canyons.
Water-quality samples were collected from selected Douglas, San Andres, and Boles 

public-supply wells from December 1994 to February 1995. Concentrations of dissolved nitrate 

show the most consistent increases between current and historical data. Current concentrations 

of dissolved nitrate are greater than historical concentrations in 7 of 10 wells.

INTRODUCTION

Holloman Air Force Base is located in the Tularosa Basin in the west-central part of Otero 

County near Alamogordo, New Mexico (fig. 1). The base withdraws water from the Boles, San 

Andres, Douglas, Escondido, and Frenchy wells for domestic supply (figs. 2 and 3). Holloman 

Air Force Base is concerned about the future supply of potable ground water for domestic 

supply and other uses. The U.S. Geological Survey analyzed ground-water-level, ground-waterwithdrawal, and ground-water-quality data for trends. This report was prepared in cooperation 

with Holloman Air Force Base.

Purpose and Scope

This report presents the analyses of ground-water-level, ground-water-withdrawal, and 

ground-water-quality data for trends that may affect the future availability of potable water for 

Holloman Air Force Base. The evaluation included assembly and inspection of data obtained 

from published reports and files of the U.S. Geological Survey and files of Holloman Air Force 

Base detailing ground-water levels in public-supply and observation wells and ground-waterwithdrawal and ground-water-quality data for public-supply wells in the area of ground-water 

withdrawals by Holloman Air Force Base. Ground-water levels and selected ground-waterquality data were examined for temporal trends.
107*00'

r

106*00'

34* 

00'

33° 

00'

32* 

00'

LINCOLN 

COUNTY

SOCORRO! 

COUNTY !

SIERRA j 

COUNTY,

ELEPHANT

BUTTE 

RESERVOIR

TRUThLOR 

ONSEQUENCES OLLOMAN

BASE/-

ALAMOGQ

SANDS

MISSILE

RANGE

STUDYX. 

AREA

DONA 

COUNTY

FORT BLISS

MILITARY 

RESERVATION

HUECO r- l NEW MEXICO

f BOLSON/ _ _

CITY OF 

EL PASO

TEXAS

EL PASO COUNTY

0 10 20 MILES 

0 10 20 KILOMETERS

Figure 1.--Location of the study area.
106° 106W 105°50' 105°40'

EXPLANATION 

Boles wells 

San Andres and Douglas wells 

Frenchy wells 

Escondido well 

Sacramento Mountain Escarpment

10 KILOMETERS

T. 

16 

S.

T. 

17 

S.

T. 

18 

S.

T. 

19 

S.

Figure 2.-Location of the Boles wells, San Andres and Douglas wells, Frenchy wells, Escondido 

well, and major canyons.
106'05' 106W

32' 

50'

32' 

45'

WHITE SANDS

MILITARY 

RESERVATION

32' 

40'

105'55'

I

ALAMOGORDO

17S.09E.24.343 (Boles 34) > 

17S.09E.25.213 (Boles 17) 

17S.10E.31.411

.10E.19.123 (Boles 2)

^.17S.10E.18.442A (Boles 26)

17S.10E.18.432A 

I7S.10E.19.141 (Boles 15) 

17S.10E.19.144 (Boles 5) 

-17S.10E.19.323A 

(Boles 35) 

17S.10E.32.113 (San Andres 1)

O Q 17S.10E.32.122 (San Andres 5) 

O 17S.10E.32.143 (San Andres 6) 

Ol7S.10E.31.244 (San Andres 3)

17S.C9E.25.212

17S.OSE.25.343

O

18S.10E. 16.414 (Frenchy 2)

18S.10E.09.332 (Frenchy 1)

O

18S.10E.32.143 (Escondido 1) 

O

T. 

16 

S.

T. 

17 

S.

T. 

18 

S.

T. 

19 

S.

R.8E.

1.5 3 MILES

1.5 3 KILOMETERS

R.9E. R.10E.

EXPLANATION 

O PUBLIC-SUPPLY WELL 

 OBSERVATION WELL 

18S.10E.32.143 (Escondido 1) WELL NUMBER AND NAME

Figure 3.--Location of selected public-supply and observation wells near Holloman Air Force Base, 

New Mexico.
TRACTS

Well 17S.10E.19.123 

Figure 4.--System of numbering wells in New Mexico.

Well-Numbering System

Wells are located according to the system of common subdivision of sectionized land used 

throughout the State by the U.S. Geological Survey. The number of each well consists of four 

segments, separated by periods, that locate the well's position to the nearest 10-acre tract of land 

(fig. 4). The segments denote, respectively, the township south of the New Mexico base line, the 

range east of the New Mexico principal meridian, the section, and the particular 10-acre tract 

within the section.

The fourth segment of the number consists of three digits denoting, respectively, the 

quarter section or approximate 160-acre tract, the quadrant (approximately 40 acres in size) of 

the quarter section, and the quadrant (approximately 10 acres in size) of the 40-acre tract in 

which the well is located. For example, well 17S.10E.19.123 is located in the SW1/4 of the NE1 / 

4 of the NW1 /4, section 19, Township 17 South, Range 10 East. If more than one well within the 

10-acre tract has the same location number, the letter "A" is assigned to the second well, the letter 

"B" to the third well, and so on.
Previous Investigations

Ballance (1976) studied ground-water resources in the Holloman Air Force Base well-field 

area and discussed saline water that is present to the north and west of, as well as in a thin zone 

overlying, the area of freshwater in which the Boles, San Andres, and Douglas wells are located. 

Burns and Hart (1988) numerically simulated ground-water flow in a part of the southeastern 

Tularosa Basin, including the area of ground-water withdrawal by Holloman Air Force Base, and 

indicated water-level declines ranging from 26 to 60 feet from 1982 levels by the year 2001. Burns 

and Hart assumed ground-water withdrawal to be constant at 1981 rates. Estimated groundwater recharge from Mule, Arrow, Lead, San Andres, Dog, Deadman, and Escondido Canyons 

also was tabulated by Burns and Hart (1988).

Geohydrology of the Study Area

Unconsolidated sedimentary deposits of middle Tertiary to Holocene age, including 

alluvial-fan and basin-fill deposits, form the bolson aquifer in the central Tularosa Basin (fig. 1). 

The thickness of these unconsolidated sedimentary deposits ranges from 0 to 3,000 feet (Burns 

and Hart, 1988). Ground-water flow in the Tularosa Basin is generally to the south or southwest 

with the exception of westward to southwestward flow near the mouths of canyons cutting into 

the Sacramento Mountains. The Sacramento Mountains form the eastern boundary of the 

Tularosa Basin in the area of Holloman Air Force Base (fig. 1), and infiltration of runoff from the 

Sacramento Mountains is the primary source of recharge to the bolson aquifer. As a result, an 

area of freshwater in the bolson aquifer extends for 8 to 12 miles westward into the basin from 

the foot of the Sacramento Mountains, reaching depths as much as 1,200 feet below land surface 

(McLean, 1970). It is from this area of freshwater that Holloman Air Force Base withdraws water 

for domestic supply and other uses. More detailed information on the geology and hydrology of 

the central Tularosa Basin is presented in Hood (1958), McLean (1970), and Garza and McLean 

(1977).
ANALYSIS OF GROUND-WATER-LEVEL DATA

The results of statistical analyses of water-level data for selected Douglas, San Andres, 

Boles, Escondido, and Frenchy public-supply wells and observation wells near the Boles wells 

are listed in table 1 (all tables are in the back of the report). Water-level data were examined for 

temporal trends using techniques described by Hirsch and others (1982) and Hirsch and Slack 

(1984). A p-value shown in table 1 less than 0.1 indicates a statistically significant temporal trend 

in water-level data at the 90-percent confidence level. The magnitude of temporal trends was 

estimated for water-level data where p-values were less than this 0.1 value. A positive estimated 

trend indicates increasing water levels, and a negative estimated trend indicates decreasing 

water levels. KendalTs tau value is a measure of how well the estimated trend represents the 

measured data near the mid-point of the data set. Increasing agreement between the estimated 

trend and the measured data is indicated as the value of KendalTs tau approaches 1.0 for a 

positive trend and -1.0 for a negative trend.

Statistical analyses were performed on raw and log transformed data sets. In one data set 

(well 17S.09E.25.213, Boles 17), the p-values calculated on raw and log transformed data sets 

differed. However, both p-values were greater than 0.1, indicating the absence of a temporal 

trend at the 90-percent confidence level. For all other analyzed data sets, the p-values and 

KendalTs tau values calculated on raw and log transformed data sets were equal.

Statistically significant estimated temporal trends in water levels for selected wells are 

listed in table 1. Well 17S.10E.31.411 (Douglas 4) shows a statistically significant decreasing trend 

in water levels for 1972-86 and a statistically significant increasing trend for 1986-90 (fig. 5). 

Water levels in wells 17S.10E.32.122 (San Andres 5) and 17S.10E.32.143 (San Andres 6) (fig. 6) 

show statistically significant decreasing trends in water levels for 1972-93 and 1981-89, 

respectively. The calculated rate of water-level change in San Andres 5 is small (0.5 foot per year) 

and may be caused by scatter in water-level data rather than an actual long-term decrease in 

water levels. Wells 17S.10E.19.123 (Boles 2) and 17S.10E.19.144 (Boles 5) show statistically 

significant increasing trends in water levels for 1972-93 and 1981-90, respectively (fig. 7). The 

calculated rate of water-level change in well Boles 2 also is relatively small (0.7 foot per year) and 

may be caused by scatter in water-level data rather then a long-term increase in water levels. 

Water levels in well Boles 5 show no statistically significant changes for 1990-93. For 1961-85, 

well 17S.09E.24.343 (Boles 34) shows a relatively small (0.4 foot per year) statistically significant 

decreasing trend in water levels (fig. 8). The relatively low scatter in water-level data for well 

Boles 34 suggests that this decreasing trend, although relatively small, may be real. Decreasing 

trends in water levels in well 17S.10E.18.432A are shown for 1960-70 and 1970-86 (fig. 9). The rate 

of decrease for 1970-86 is relatively small (0.2 foot per year) but may be real based on the low 

scatter in water-level data for that period. For 1960-73, well 17S.10E.19.323A shows a statistically 

significant decreasing trend in water levels (fig. 9). Water levels in wells 17S.09E.25.343 and 

18S.10E.32.143 (Escondido 1) (fig. 10) show no statistically significant changes for 1988-93 and 

1987-93, respectively. Well 18S.10E.09.332 (Frenchy 1) shows a statistically significant decreasing 

trend in water levels for 1986-93 (fig. 11). Although not a statistically demonstrable trend, visual 

inspection of water levels in well 18S.10E.16.414 (Frenchy 2) shows a decline between 1990 and 

1993 (fig. 11).
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180

190

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WELL 17S.10E.31.411 (DOUGLAS 4); DATA FROM HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE

MEASURED WATER LEVEL

ESTIMATED TREND FOR 

1972-86

ESTIMATED TREND FOR 

1986-90

1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000

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MEASURED WATER LEVEL

WELL 17S.10E.32.113 (SAN ANDRES 1); DATA FROM HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE

1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000

Figure 5.-Measured water levels and estimated temporal trends in water levels (if present) for well 

17S.10E.31.411 (Douglas 4) for 1972-90 and for well 17S.10E.32.113 (San Andres 1) 

for 1972-93.
WATER LEVEL, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE

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MEASURED WATER LEVEL

ESTIMATED TREND FOR 

1972-93

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i 

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WELL 17S.10E.19.144 (BOLES 5); DATA FROM HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE

MEASURED WATER LEVEL

ESTIMATED TREND FOR 

1981-90

1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000

Figure 7.--Measured water levels and estimated temporal trends in water levels (if present) for 

well17S.10E.19.123(Boles2)for1972-94andforweN17S.10E.19.144(Boles5) 

for 1972-94.

11
WATER LEVEL, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE

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WELL 17S.10E.18.432A; DATA FROM U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

MEASURED WATER LEVEL

ESTIMATED TREND FOR 

1960-70

ESTIMATED TREND FOR 

1970-86

1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000

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WELL 17S.10E.19.323A; DATA FROM U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

MEASURED WATER LEVEL

ESTIMATED TREND FOR 

1960-73

1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990

Figure 9.--Measured water levels and estimated temporal trends in water levels (if present) for 

well 17S.10E. 18.432A for 1954-86 and for well 17S. 10E. 19.323A for 1954-86.

13
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ANALYSIS OF GROUND-WATER-WITHDRAWAL DATA

Because ground-water withdrawals are combined for groups of wells, changes in water 

levels in any particular well may be difficult to relate to ground-water withdrawal. Rather, the 

ground-water withdrawals as presented may correlate to the overall rates of water-level change 

in an area surrounding a particular group of wells. Ground-water withdrawal from the various 

wells are compared to estimated ground-water recharge from associated canyons (fig. 2) as 

tabulated by Burns and Hart (1988).

Ground-water withdrawal from the San Andres and Douglas wells regularly exceeded 

estimated ground-water recharge from San Andres Canyon for 1963-87 (fig. 12). For 1951-57 and 

1960-86, ground-water withdrawal from the Boles wells regularly exceeded estimated total 

ground-water recharge from Mule, Arrow, and Lead Canyons (fig. 13). Ground-water 

withdrawal from the San Andres and Douglas wells and the Boles wells nearly equaled 

estimated ground-water recharge for 1989-93 and 1986-93, respectively. For 1987-93, groundwater withdrawal from the Escondido well regularly exceeded estimated ground-water recharge 

from Escondido Canyon (fig. 14), and ground-water withdrawal from the Frenchy wells 

regularly exceeded total estimated ground-water recharge from Dog and Deadman Canyons (fig. 

15).

16
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800

700

500

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if 300

200

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1950 1960 1980 1990 2000

-700

-800

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

Figure 12.-Ground-water withdrawal from the San And res and Douglas wells and estimated ground-water 

recharge from San Andres Canyon minus ground-water withdrawal from the San Andres 

and Douglas wells for 1961-93. (Ground-water withdrawal for 1961-81 and estimated 

ground-water recharge from Burns and Hart (1988). Ground-water withdrawal for 1982-93 

compiled from records supplied by Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.)

17
400

W 350 r

300

250

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

100

50

-50

-100

£xS 

<rt z .150

Oeo 

OCD 

OZ

-250

P

< -300

-350

1950 1980 1970 1980 1990 2000

Figure 13.-Ground-water withdrawal from the Boles wells and estimated ground-water recharge from Mule, Arrow, and 

Lead Canyons minus ground-water withdrawal from the Boles wells for 1950-93. (Ground-water 

withdrawal for 1950-81 and estimated ground-water recharge from Bums and Hart (1988). Ground-water 

withdrawal for 1982-93 compiled from records supplied by Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.)

18
240

220

200

180

160

140

8 120

100

80

60

40

20

0

1950 1960 1970 1980

20

1990 2000

-20

-40

-60

-80

-100

-120

-140

-160 

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

Figure 14.-Ground-water withdrawal from the Escondido well and estimated ground-water recharge from Escondido Canyon 

minus ground-water withdrawal from the Escondido well for 1987-93. (Estimated ground-water recharge 

from Burns and Hart (1988). Ground-water withdrawal for 1987-93 compiled from records supplied by 

Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.)

19
300

250

- 200

150

100

50

0

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

80

60

40

20

0 

-20

-40

-60 

-80 

100 

120 

140 

180

180

 i i i i i i i i i | i i i i i i i i i | i i i i P i i i i | i ' r- i i i

-

.

,,,...,., 1 ......... 1 ,,.,,,,.. 1 .....

%

%

\

!

1'$ I,

oo 

I 

(£

2

Q 

in 

it. 

Q.

O

O

7

I

i

\

\

%

^_

i

\&

(

^

1!

^

1

,

.

-

-

-

-

...ill

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

Figure 15.-Ground-water withdrawal from the Frenchy wells and estimated ground-water recharge from Dog and Deadman 

Canyons minus ground-water withdrawal from the Frenchy wells for 1986-93. (Estimated ground-water 

recharge from Bums and Hart (1988). Ground-water withdrawal for 1986-93 compiled from records 

supplied by Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.)

20
ANALYSIS OF GROUND-WATER-QUALITY DATA

Water-quality samples were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey from selected Douglas, 

San Andres, Boles, Frenchy, and Escondido public-supply wells from December 1994 to February 

1995. Results of analyses on water-quality samples are listed in table 2. Concentrations of 

dissolved nitrate, dissolved chloride, dissolved sulfate, and dissolved solids in water-quality 

samples collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and data provided by Holloman Air Force Base 

were compared with historical water-quality data to evaluate the presence of temporal trends. 

No historical water-quality data were available for the Frenchy and Escondido wells. 

Concentrations of dissolved nitrate, dissolved chloride, dissolved sulfate, and dissolved solids as 

a function of time for selected Douglas, San Andres, and Boles public-supply wells are shown in 

figures 16-24.

Historical water-quality data are available for 1955-70; current data are for 1990-95. The 20- 

year (or greater) gap between historical and current water-quality data and the limited amount 

of current water-quality data would result in a tenuous statistical trend analysis. Therefore, 

water-quality data were examined by quantifying current concentrations as greater than, less 

than, or within the range of concentrations in historical data. The results of comparisons between 

historical and current water-quality data are summarized in table 3. Where concentrations of 

dissolved nitrite in current water-quality data (table 2) were less than 0.01 mg/L (milligram per 

liter), concentrations of dissolved nitrite plus nitrate (table 2) were considered equivalent to 

concentrations of dissolved nitrate for comparison with historical nitrate data. Concentrations of 

dissolved nitrite in current water-quality data greater than or equal to 0.01 mg/L were 

subtracted from concentrations of dissolved nitrite plus nitrate to calculate concentrations of 

dissolved nitrate. Calculated concentrations of dissolved nitrate were then used for comparison 

with historical nitrate data. Concentrations of dissolved nitrate have the most consistent 

increases of the constituents listed in table 3. Current concentrations of dissolved nitrate are 

greater than historical concentrations in 7 of 10 wells. In all wells considered in this study, 

current concentrations of dissolved nitrate are less than the maximum contaminant level of 10 

mg/L for drinking water established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1994).

21
DISSOLVED SOLIDS CONCENTRATION, DISSOLVED SULFATE CONCENTRATION, DISSOLVED CHLORIDE CONCENTRATION

3) IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER 

7=cncncn-j-g-ji\3i\3i\3i\3G3 

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DISSOLVED SOLIDS CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DISSOLVED SULFATE CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DISSOLVED CHLORIDE CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

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n i i i i i i i i i i i i i r

cm

n DATA FROM U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

O DATA FROM HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE

D 

D

I i I

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

70

85

fEtc

Z £C

qtu 

oo.

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1 I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I

D

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1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

780

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1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

Figure 18.-Concentrations of dissolved nitrate, dissolved chloride, dissolved sulfate, and dissolved solids as a 

function of time for well 17S.10E.31.244 (San And res 3) for 1966-94.

24
0.8

z"

lz

LLJUJ

01- 

Zj

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P°- 0.4

ITS

gl Q2

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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

n DATA FROM U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

O DATA FROM HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE

-

D D D

n i-|O^ n

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CHLORIDE 

MILLIGRAMS

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ui z 30 _i~

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w

w

Q

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

: n

: n

: n

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20 ' - -- i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i - 

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620 

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W W

Q

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

n

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n

n n n

n

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1950 1960 1970 1980

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

0

o

n

-

"

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

1990 2000

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

-

-

n :

-

.

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

1990 200G

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

0

.

-

n

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~

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

1990 2000

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

0

-

n

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

1990 2000

Figure 19.-Concentrations of dissolved nitrate, dissolved chloride, dissolved sulfate, and dissolved solids as a 

function of time for well 17S.10E. 19.123 (Boles 2) for 1953-95.

25
2.0

0

g

P| 1.6

ujj 

O

§»

Pi 1.0

ffiDC

al

!>Z 0.5

O

C/J C/J

0

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I -r-TT~

P DATA FROM U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

P P P O DATA m°M HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE

'- n a :

: n ° i

-

-

: n :

: Di i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

1950 1960 1970 1960 1990 2000

600

pffi 500

Pi 400

300

200

n

r 1

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

1,200

O

§«

^

OIT

z m

OCL 

O,_

1,000

800

600

400

a

a

a

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1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

Figure 20.-Concentrations of dissolved nitrate, dissolved sulfate, and dissolved solids as a function 

of time for well 17S.10E.19.144 (Boles 5) for 1952-90.

26
DISSOLVED SOLIDS CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DISSOLVED SULFATE CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DISSOLVED N

IN MILLIGR

N>

to

c

3

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JCENTRATION, 

AS JTER N

P b> oo

Si

p"1- 0.4

il «

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g

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CHLORIDE DCMILLIGRAMS P

G> o

O 

w 

w

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1

220 

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nil]

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p"! 200

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w

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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 'I I I I I I I I I I I I

n DATA FROM U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

O DATA FROM HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE ~

- a&a

i i i i i i i i i I i i i i i

950 1960

-

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D

DD

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

950 1960

_

: n

: 0%

-

i i i i i i i i i I i i i i i

950 * i960

I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I

-

: D

; nn

-

: n

-

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

O n

"

D

D -

i i i i I i i i i i i i i i I i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i I

1970 1980 1990 2000

I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

D

D D

D

-

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

1970 1980 1990 2000

I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I

n D :

-

D j

D ~-

-

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

1970 1980 1990 2000

ri 1 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

-

n :

n :

-

-

P

-

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

Figure 22.-Concentrations of dissolved nitrate, dissolved chloride, dissolved sulfate, and dissolved solids as a 

function of time for well 17S.10E.18.442A (Boles 26) for 1961-94.

28
1.0

z"

&

^co

CC ^

uiui °t

IceUl

P°- 0.6

<co

cr5

z£(3

on

gs °-4

O-,

co£

co

Q

I I I I I 1 1 I I I I I I I

n

Q] DATA

O DATA

n

-

r.!...._

n

0.2 i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

1950 1960

65 z"

g

Is

IK 60

OCL

UICO

055=<

9|

Od 55

Q 5

8CO

Q

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

n

n

n

1 1 L

i i i i i i i i i 1 i i i i

50

1950 1960

320

z" 

g

ircr 310

I-UI

ZlUIIJ

O

zcr

§0! 300

ll

3^ 290

ol

Ul

>.z

0~ 260

co

co

Q

. i i i i i i i i i i i LJ 1 '

: D

: D

: C

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i 270

1950 1960

780 

O

5cr

H^ 760

°w 

COS 740 Q<

OC3

Q 5 

^Z 720 S~

co

Q

i i i i i i i i i i i > i i

D

-

L

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 T-" 1

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0

FROM U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Q

FROM HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE

O

n

D

"

"

n

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

1970 1980 1990 2000

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

.

D

-

-

D D

D

-

.

j *

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

1970 1980 1990 2000

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 I I I 1 I I I 1 I I 1 1 .

D :

-

_

"

D ~

-

1 ^ ~

;

D

"~

"

"

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

1970 1980 1990 2000

I I I 1 I I I I I i I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I 1 I 1 1 I I I I I

~

D

.

n n

] n

i i i i i 1 i i i i i i i i i 1 i i i i i i i i i 1 i i i i i i i i i 1

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

Figure 23.-Concentrations of dissolved nitrate, dissolved chloride, dissolved sulfate, and dissolved solids as a 

function of time for well 17S.09E.24.343 (Boles 34) for 1955-95.

29
DISSOLVED NITRATE CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER AS N

(D

c

d> (0

= 2.

-Iw °-

b =

to ~

m 3

ro 2* 

2. =

o *+

" 3

t 

co

-J 

CO

o 

m

CD

o

D 

D

D

-D

D

O
SUMMARY

Ground-water-level, ground-water-withdrawal, and ground-water-quality data were 

evaluated for trends. Data for well Douglas 4 indicate a statistically significant decreasing trend 

in water levels for 1972-86 and a statistically significant increasing trend in water levels for 1986- 

90. Water levels in wells San Andres 5 and San Andres 6 show statistically significant decreasing 

trends for 1973-93 and 1981-89, respectively. A mixture of statistically significant increasing 

trends, statistically significant decreasing trends, and a lack of statistically significant trends over 

periods ranging from the early 1970's to the early 1990's is indicated for the Boles wells and 

observation wells near the Boles wells. Data for well Boles 5 show a statistically significant 

increasing trend in water levels for 1981-90. Data for well Boles 5 and observation well 

17S.09E.25.343 indicate no statistically significant trends in water levels for 1990-93 and 1988-93, 

respectively. Data for well Frenchy 1 indicate a statistically significant decreasing trend in water 

levels for 1986-93.

Ground-water withdrawal from the San Andres and Douglas wells regularly exceeded 

estimated ground-water recharge from San Andres Canyon for 1963-87. For 1951-57 and 1960-86, 

ground-water withdrawal from the Boles wells regularly exceeded total estimated ground-water 

recharge from Mule, Arrow, and Lead Canyons. Ground-water withdrawal from the San Andres 

and Douglas wells and the Boles wells nearly equaled estimated ground-water recharge for 

1989-93 and 1986-93. For 1987-93, ground-water withdrawal from the Escondido well regularly 

exceeded estimated ground-water recharge from Escondido Canyon, and from the Frenchy wells 

regularly exceeded total estimated ground-water recharge from Dog and Deadman Canyons.

Concentrations of dissolved nitrate show the most consistent increases between historical 

(1955-70) and current (1990-95) data. Current concentrations of dissolved nitrate are greater than 

historical concentrations in 7 of 10 wells. Current concentrations of dissolved nitrate in all wells 

considered in this study are below the maximum contaminant level of 10 mg/L for drinking 

water established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

31
SELECTED REFERENCES

Ballance, W.C, 1976, Ground-water resources of the Holloman Air Force Base well-field area, 

1967, New Mexico, with a section on Geophysical exploration, by Robert Mattick: U.S. 

Geological Survey Open-File Report 76-807,90 p.

Burns, A.W., and Hart, D.L., Jr., 1988, Simulated water-level declines caused by ground-water 

withdrawals near Holloman Air Force Base, Otero County, New Mexico: U.S. Geological 

Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 86-4324,44 p.

Garza, Sergio, and McLean, J.S., 1977, Fresh-water resources in the southeastern part of the 

Tularosa Basin: New Mexico State Engineer Technical Report 40,67 p.

Hirsch, R.M., and Slack, J.R., 1984, A nonparametric trend test for seasonal data with serial 

dependence: Water Resources Research, v. 20, no. 6, p. 727-732.

Hirsch, R.M., Slack, J.R., and Smith, R.A., 1982, Techniques of trend analysis for monthly water 

quality data: Water Resources Research, v. 18, no. 1, p. 107-121.

Hood, J.W, 1958, Ground-water resources and related geology in the vicinity of Holloman Air 

Force Base, Otero County, New Mexico: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report, 261 p.

McLean, J.S., 1970, Saline ground-water resources of the Tularosa Basin, New Mexico: U.S. 

Department of the Interior, Office of Saline Water Research and Development Progress 

Report 561,128 p.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1994, National primary drinking water standards: EPA 

810-F-94-001A.

32
Table 1. Results of statistical analyses of water-level data for selected Douglas, San 

Andres, Boles, Escondido, and Frenchy public-supply wells and observation wells

near the Boles wells

[Negative values of estimated trends indicate decreasing water levels; positive values indicate 

increasing water levels. Data from Holloman Air Force Base unless otherwise noted. --, no value

computed. Well locations shown in figure 3]

Well location 

number and name

17S.10E.31.411 

(Douglas 4)

17S.10E.31.411 

(Douglas 4)

17S.10E32.113 

(San Andres 1)

17S.10E.32.122 

(San Andres 5)

17S.10E.32.143 

(San Andres 6)

17S.10E.19.123 

(Boles 2)

17S.10E.19.144 

(Boles 5)

17S.10E.19.144 

(Boles 5)

17S.09E.25.213 

(Boles 17)

17S.09E.24.343* 

(Boles 34)

17S.10E.18.432A*

17S.10E.18.432A*

17S.10E.19.323A*

17S.09E.25.343*

18S.10E.32.143 

(Escondido 1)

18S.10E.09.332 

(Frenchy 1)

18S.10E.16.414 

(Frenchy 2)

Time 

period 

of data 

analyzed

1972-86

1986-90

1973-93

1972-93

1981-89

1972-93

1981-90

1990-93

1978-93

1961-85

1960-70

1970-86

1960-73

1988-93

1987-93

1986-93

1986-93

Raw data

p-value

0.0000

.0929

.1129

.0014

.0000

.0015

.0000

.1781

.2607

.0000

.0000

.0165

.0000

.1833

.1368

.0181

.1274

Kendall's 

tau value

0.77

-1.0

-.15

.28

.73

-.31

-.85

.34

-.14

.65

.88

.67

.93

-.54

.28

.43

.32

Log transformed data

p-value

0.0000

.0929

.1129

.0014

.0000

.0015

.0000

.1781

.2614

.0000

.0000

.0165

.0000

.1833

.1368

.0181

.1274

Kendall's 

tau value

0.77

-1.0

-.15

.28

.73

-.31

-.85

.34

-.14

.65

.88

.67

.93

-.54

.28

.43

.32

Estimated 

trend (feet 

per year)

-2.0

5.3

-0.5

-3.7

.7

2.6

~

-.4

-1.1

-.2

-1.0

-

--

-5.7

*U.S. Geological Survey data

33
Table 2.--Chemical analyses of water from selected Douglas, San Andres, Boles, Fren

and Escondido public-supply wells in the Holloman Air Force Base area

[deg. C, degrees Celsius; gal/min, gallons per minute; jiS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Ce

milligrams per liter; jig/L, micrograms per liter; --, no data; <, less than. All samples collected by U.S. Geolo

and analyzed by Holloman Air Force Base. Well locations shown in figure 3]

Well location number 

and name

17S.10E.31.411 (Douglas 4)

17S.10E.32.113 (San Andres 1)

17S.10E.31.244 (San Andres 3)

17S.10E.32.122 (San Andres 5)

17S.10E.19.123(Boles2)

17S.10E.18.442A (Boles 26)

17S.09E.24.343 (Boles 34)

18S.10E.32.143 (Escondido 1)

18S.10E.09.332 (Frenchy 1)

Date of 

sample

02-09-95

12-21-94

12-20-94

12-20-94

02-08-95

12-21-94

02-08-95

12-22-94

12-28-94

Altitude of 

land 

surface 

(feet)

__

4,212

4,191

4,298

4,161

-

4,140

4,198

4,202

Depth of 

well, total 

(feet)

__

370.00

966.00

995.00

240.00

-

255.00

1,000

1,000

Pump or 

flow

period 

prior to 

sampling 

(minutes)

_

~

-

~

-

-

-

40

30

Well yield 

(gal/min)

_

450

900

975

-

-

-

1,250

1,700

Specific 

conductance, field 

OiS/cm)

997

1,390

1,180

1,090

835

-

1,030

771

958
Table 2.~Chemical analyses of water from selected Douglas, San Andres, Boles, Fren

and Escondido public-supply wells in the Holloman Air Force Base area Continue

en

Well location number

and name

17S.10E.31.411 (Douglas 4)

17S.10E.32.113 (San Andres 1)

17S.10E.31.244 (San Andres 3)

17S.10E.32.122 (San Andres 5)

17S.10E.19.123 (Boles 2)

17S.10E.18.442A (Boles 26)

17S.09E.24.343 (Boles 34)

18S.10E.32.143 (Escondido 1)

18S.10E.09.332 (Frenchy 1)

Date of

sample

02-09-95

12-21-94

12-20-94

12-20-94

02-08-95

12-21-94

02-08-95

12-22-94

12-28-94

pH 

water,

whole,

lab

(standard

units)

7.7

7.5

7.7

7.6

7.7

7.6

7.7

7.7

7.5

Temperature,

air

(deg.C)

24.5

18.0

16.0

16.5

18.0

20.5

16.0

17.5

15.5

Temperature,

water

(deg.C)

23.0

22.5

26.0

24.5

20.5

21.0

19.5

27.0

25.0

Alkalinity

(mg/L

as

CaCCty

167

159

175

164

180

180

171

195

200

Calcium,

dissolved

(mg/L

asCa)

98

150

100

120

89

88

110

59

100

Magnesium,

dissolved

(mg/L

asMg)

44

66

47

54

37

34

46

30

38

Sodium,

dissolved

(mg/L

asNa)

43

55

62

61

30

29

46

54

48
Table 2.~Chemical analyses of water from selected Douglas, San Andres, Bole

and Escondido public-supply wells in the Holloman Air Force Base area Co

Well location number 

and name

17S.10E.3 1.411 (Douglas 4)

17S.10E.32.113 (San Andres 1)

17S.10E.31.244 (San Andres 3)

17S.10E.32.122 (San Andres 5)

17S.10E.1 9.123 (Boles 2)

17S.10E.18.442A (Boles 26)

17S.09E.24.343 (Boles 34)

18S.10E.32.143 (Escondido 1)

18S.10E.09.332 (Frenchy 1)

Date of 

sample

02-09-95

12-21-94

12-20-94

12-20-94

02-08-95

12-21-94

02-08-95

12-22-94

12-28-94

Chloride,

dissolved

(mg/L 

asCl)

56

66

67

66

35

32

62

32

40

Sulfate,

dissolved

(mg/L 

asSO4)

270

500

320

360

210

190

280

150

250

Solids, 

residue at

180 deg. 

C, dissolved 

(mg/L)

682

1,040

778

858

566

540

718

486

660

Fluoride,

dissolved

(mg/L 

asF)

0.50

0.40

0.50

0.60

0.20

0.30

0.30

0.50

0.40

Bromide,

dissolved

(mg/L 

asBr)

0.15

0.19

0.15

0.15

0.070

0.070

0.11

0.090

0.13

S

so

(m

S
Table 3.-Comparisons between historical (1955-70) and current (1990-95) 

water-quality data for selected Douglas, San Andres, and Boles public-supply wells

[+, current concentrations greater than the range of concentrations in historical data;

-, current concentrations less than the range of concentrations in historical data;

0, current concentrations within the range of concentrations in historical data;

+/-, current concentrations both greater than and less than the range of

concentrations in historical data; +/0, current concentrations both greater

than and within the range of concentrations in historical data;

N, no data available. Well locations shown in figure 3]

Dissolved Dissolved Dissolved Dissolved 

Well location number and name nitrate chloride sulfate solids

17S.10E.31.411 (Douglas 4) + + - 0

17S.10E.32.113 (San Andres 1) +/- + + +

17S.10E.31.244 (San Andres 3) + + 0 +

17S.10E.19.123 (Boles 2) + 0 +/0 +/0

17S.10E.19.144 (Boles 5) 0 N 0 0

17S.10E.19.141 (Boles 15) 0 N N N

17S.09E.25.213 (Boles 17) + N - 0

17S.10E.18.442A (Boles 26) +0-0

17S.09E.24.343 (Boles 34) +/0 + - 0

17S.09E.25.212 (Boles 35) 0 N N N

*U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1996-776-760/45067

37