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Water Resources Research

The Distribution and Potential Sources of Perchlorate

The High Plains Aquifer System includes the saturated portion of the Ogallala Formation, and locally may include underlying Cretaceous strata of the Trinity (Antlers) and Frederickburg (Edwards) Groups. Groundwater is produced from any or all of these formations depending on the well location and screened interval. Due to the health concerns for perchlorate consumption and the potential impact on a major drinking water sources, it is critical to understand the extent and nature of the perchlorate contamination in this area.

Phase I:

Perchlorate in Groundwater in the Southern High Plains of Texas

Phase II:

 Presentation: Occurrence of Perchlorate in Groundwater in the Southern High Plains Of Texas

Final Report Submitted to TCEQ

Appendix for Final Report

Impact to the Region and the State
Concern for the long-term water supply for the region and the state is high, and the Water Resources Center is frequently sought for assistance, expertise and involvement in projects addressing a wide range of water resources issues. Experience gained through past research programs, along with the capabilities developed by the Environmental Science Laboratory, have enabled the WRC and its research faculty affiliates to assist community, regional, state and federal agencies in accomplishing their goals and objectives through cooperative studies addressing issues of mutual concern. Specific projects with significant impact to the region and the state include the following:

Regional Water Planning

Working closely with the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1, the WRC assisted in securing support from the Texas Water Development Board for a $1.2 million study to develop the High Plains Ogallala Area Regional Water Management Plan. The contract was executed with the District, and the WRC director served as co-chairman for the multi-year study. TTU researchers developed computer models of the Ogallala for use in agricultural and municipal water planning. Progress on the planning effort was exemplary, and the project played a significant role in shaping the future of water resources planning statewide as evidenced by the requirements of Senate Bill 1, recently enacted by the state legislature. The WRC director is currently a member of the Llano Estacado Regional Water Planning Group, and TTU researchers are conducting follow-up computer model development and other studies in support of the regional planning effort.

Groundwater & Soil Remediation & Protection

Contamination of soil and groundwater by industrial solvents, fuel components, hazardous and municipal waste disposal, explosives from weapons fabrication, and agricultural chemicals have all been documented in the High Plains of Texas. TTUWRC researchers are recognized leaders in physical, chemical and biological methods for dealing with these problems. Recent projects have included the first application of insitu biological treatment of soil contaminated with high explosives at the Pantex Plant, laboratory study of enhanced perchlorate (a rocket fuel component) removal from soil and groundwater by electro-osmosis, evaluation of shallow groundwater resources near the new hazardous waste landfill in western Andrews County, and investigation of the movement of the trichloroethylene contamination in the Ogallala aquifer from the former Reese Air Force Base.

Reuse of Wastewater for Irrigation
Through extensive research in cooperative studies with the City of Lubbock, both Texas Tech and the City of Lubbock are recognized leaders in the research, development & utilization of land application systems for reuse of municipal wastewater.

Innovations in Wastewater Treatments
Significant breakthroughs in wastewater treatment technology have been accomplished by TTU researchers. Based on these and other studies, Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission wastewater treatment design guidelines are being revised to reflect use of engineered wetlands, revised evapotranspiration data, and design of aerobic, anaerobic, and integrated facultative ponds, and on-site wastewater treatment facilities. Revised guidelines will provide Texas municipalities with a wider variety of cost-effective options in wastewater treatment and disposal.

Municipal Water Conservation

The WRC developed procedures for conducting municipal water audits. These procedures were adopted and disseminated nationwide through the American Water Works Association. Materials were incorporated in workshops for Texas municipalities conducted by the Texas Water Development Board. Enhanced Recovery of Water from the Unsaturated Zone  WRC researchers cooperated with the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1 in the development and evaluation of a "secondary recovery" process applicable to groundwater. This augmentation technology has the capability of extending water production from the Ogallala and helping ensure the future water supply in the Texas High Plains.