South Atlantic Water Science Center
South Atlantic Water Science Center
Population growth and changes in farming practices in southwest Georgia since 1950 have resulted in a significant increase in agricultural, industrial, and municipal ground-water use. The total number of ground-water supplied irrigation systems in southwest Georgia increased from 57 in 1955 to about 3,000 in 1979. Total ground-water use from all aquifers increased about 240 percent in Albany from 1950 to 1980, and about 190 percent in Dawson from 1958 to 1980. Pumping in these and adjacent areas caused water levels in the Clayton aquifer to decline as much as 100 ft since 1954. By 1981, water levels had declined about 150 ft at Dawson and 175 ft at Albany since the predevelopment period.
The purpose of this study was to describe the hydrogeology of the Clayton aquifer and evaluate the effects of water use on the ground-water system. The study area lies within the southwestern part of the Coastal Plain physiographic province of Georgia and is outlined in figure 1. This atlas is part of a series intended to present results of the Upper Cretaceous lower Tertiary aquifer study being conducted as part of the Georgia Accelerated Ground-Water Program.
The predevelopment, 1954, and March 1981 potentiometric surfaces of the Clayton aquifer were constructed from data listed by Stephenson and Veatch (1915), Wait (1963), and Ripy and others (1981); and from data files of the U.S. Geological Survey, the Georgia Geologic Survey, and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. Hydrogeologic sections and structure- contour and thickness maps of the Clayton aquifer were constructed based on geophysical, lithologic, and paleontologic data from wells in the study area. ,The Arrowhead test well in Pulaski County, drilled in 1981 as part of this study, provided key information for evaluation of other wells.
For additional information contact:
Director, South Atlantic Water Science Center - Georgia
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