An aquifer is defined as a geologic formation that is sufficiently water-saturated and permeable to yield a significant quantity of water to wells or springs. The aquifer systems of the South Platte River subbasin are shown on the map below. Aquifer systems currently used and/or available for future development within the South Platte River subbasin include the following:
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Quaternary Aquifer System (Alluvial deposits);
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Quaternary Aquifer System (Non-alluvial deposits);
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Late Tertiary Aquifer System (Ogallala, Arikaree, and White River Formations, and White River Group – Brule and Chadron Formations);
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Late Cretaceous Aquifer System (Lance Formation, Fox Hills Sandstone, and Niobrara Formation);
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Early Cretaceous Aquifer System (Muddy Sandstone, Cloverly Formation/Fall River Sandstone, and Cloverly Formation/Lakota Conglomerate);
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Triassic-Jurassic Aquifer System (Sundance and Chugwater Formations);
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Late Paleozoic Aquifer System ( Casper Formation); and
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Precambrian Aquifer System (Precambrian crystalline bedrock units).
The Quaternary, Late Tertiary, and Precambrian Aquifer Systems are the primary aquifer systems that have been developed for high capacity wells within the South Platte River subbasin.
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