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County receives groundwater study showing declining water tables; researchers urge ongoing monitoring
Summary
A geologic and groundwater monitoring report to Colfax County shows continued declines in water tables across complex local aquifers amid prolonged drought; the consultant recommended continuing a monitoring program and flagged potential water‑quality impacts.
Colfax County received a final report and presentation from Ziegler Geologic Consulting LLC summarizing groundwater data collection, static water levels, chemistry and recharge potential, and mapping work across the county. Kate Ziegler, Ph.D., told commissioners the county's geology is complex and that sustained drought has placed pressure on both shallow and deep aquifer systems.
"It is the bad news of water tables continuing to decline because of drought," Ziegler said, noting concerns that aquifer declines could alter water quality in some wells and that wildfire‑scar effects from nearby counties (Hermit's Peak/Capitan‑Canyon fire scars) could further threaten groundwater resources. The project included establishing a long‑term monitoring feature at a private ranch and producing geologic maps; the last three geologic maps were expected to be delivered within a week of the meeting.
Ziegler and stakeholders recommended continuing groundwater monitoring in the county, particularly where declines were accelerating, such as the Moreno Valley. Commissioners thanked the consultant and noted the work was funded by legislators through a grant; the county voted to approve the consultant's invoice to close out the grant project.
Staff said the report will be made publicly available and that county officials and stakeholders would discuss options for ongoing monitoring and potential next steps.
