Water Information Series

The U.S. Geological Survey prepared the Water Information Series reports in cooperation with the Michigan Geological Survey.

This product is the compilation of following reports:

Item # WIS-1: Water Information Series Report 1: Upper Rifle River Basin, R. L. Knutilla and others, 1971.

The upper Rifle River basin, an area of 117 square miles in north central Ogemaw County, has a relatively unique hydrologic system. This report describes the character of the basin's hydrologic system and provides information on the quality and quantity of water available from the system. In an average year, stream-flow from the basin totals 140 cfs (cubic feet per second). Of this amount, about 103 cfs is derived from ground-water sources and 37 cfs is derived from overland runoff. An estimated 46 cfs reaches the basin from areas north and west of the basin's topographic divide. This subsurface interbasin flow accounts for the disproportionate runoff ratio of ground water to surface water. When combined with water received locally, this flow maintains relatively high stream discharges, even during extended dry periods. Hence the streams are excellent for trout fishing and water supplies. Ground-water supplies are obtained primarily from glacial deposits.

Item # WIS-2: Water Information Series Report 2: Flowing Wells in Michigan, 1974, W. B. Allen, 1977.

Flowing wells yielding fresh water occur in both the glacial drift and the bedrock in Michigan. Most known flowing wells are in the Lower Peninsula because the greater population in that part of the State has led to more frequent drilling. A comparison of flowing-well areas in 1900 with those in 1970 shows a probable decline in head in the glacial drift and the Marshall and Saginaw bedrock formations in the central and southern parts of the Lower Peninsula. Wells having the greatest reported flows are from the Marshall and Saginaw Formations; wells having the greatest heads are from the Cambrian, Ordovician, and Silurian rock units. Flowing wells in Michigan are largely used for domestic water supplies, although a few are used for municipal and industrial supplies.

Item # WIS-3: Water Information Series Report 3: Hydrology and Recreation on the Cold-Water Rivers, G. E. Hendrickson, C. J. Doonan, 1972.

The recreational values of cold-water rivers are dependent on their streamflow characteristics, water quality, and character of channel, bed, and banks. Recreational values are generally benefited by a relatively uniform streamflow and a high sustained flow even during drought periods. A correlation of hydrologic parameters and trout populations showed a general negative relationship between mean annual maximum water temperatures and trout populations. A positive relationship between the ratio of the 90 and 10 percent duration discharges and trout populations also is suggested. Other hydrologic parameters investigated also suggested correlation to various degrees but such relationships are not conclusive. Maintenance of high flow during drought periods may involve management of ground-water pumpage, placing limitations on surface-water diversions, and management of the river basin to maintain or improve ground-water recharge.

Item # WIS-4: Water Information Series Report 4: Hydrology and Recreation on the Cold-Water Rivers, G. E. Hendrickson, 1973.

Recreational values of the cold-water rivers of Michigan's Upper Peninsula are dependent on streamflow characteristics, water-quality, and character of channel, bed, and banks. All recreational values are generally benefited by relatively uniform streamflow, clear water free from objectionable contaminants, and forested river banks protected from excessive erosion. Analyses of correlations of hydrologic parameters and trout populations in Upper Peninsula streams showed that trout populations may be limited by stream temperature, bottom vegetation, variability of streamflow, and discharge per unit drainage area. Preservation of recreational values of Upper Peninsula streams chiefly requires the control of man-made changes in the hydrologic environment.

Item # WIS-5: Water Information Series Report 05: Compilation of Miscellaneous Streamflow Measurements in Michigan.

This report compiles the results of discharge measurements made at miscellaneous sites through 1970. Availability of the data in one report ensures continued use of the measurements in streamflow studies. In compiling the data on miscellaneous measurements, all previous reports were utilized and the files were searched for additional unpublished discharge data. Only a few measurements per year were made prior to 1940. Often the location of measuring sites for these early measurements was only by reference to the nearby community. Discharge measurements made by Michigan Bureau of Water Management are also included in this compilation.

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