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This study explores the challenges in capturing and measuring spring water discharge at Rueger Springs, focusing on collection methods, historical impoundment, and contemporary meter performance issues. The complex "French drain" system, culvert transfer to the hatchery, and discovery of a de-watering pipe highlight the limitations in capturing all spring water. The presence of a single access point and uncertainties in meter functionality further affect data accuracy and calibration reliability.
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Spring water is collected in a “French drain” complex. • Perforated collection pipes drain into a 36-inch culvert. • Culvert transfers water to hatchery. • Spring discharge is measured in the culvert prior to entering the hatchery.
Prior to 1983, spring water was impounded behind an earthen dam. • Water was transmitted via gravity overflow. • Measuring point prior to 1983 is unknown.
Two problems with calibrating to spring discharge at Rueger Springs Spring Capture Discharge Measurement
Capturing Spring Water • Springs emanate from American Falls Lake Beds, with the most probable source being fractures in the underlying volcanics (Stearns et al., 1938). • Results in a spring discharge area, not a discrete spring location.
Capturing Spring Water • During excavation to install a new flow meter, a de-watering pipe was “discovered.” • This pipe is assumed to discharge to the settling pond.
An unknown amount of spring water is not captured, and is not measured. • Direct discharge of ground water. • De-watering pipe. • Abandoned raceway. • Flows appear to be seasonal.
Measuring Spring Discharge • Measuring device performance may be problematic. • The previous impeller meter was observed in various states of malfunction including nitrogen build-up and moss growth. • New meter installed in 2009 may not be functioning. • The measuring point location may be problematic. • A single access port necessitates the use of measuring devices that employ several assumptions (friction loss, average velocity, full pipe flow) - none of which are known.
Conclusions • All spring water is not captured. • Inability to capture all spring water may obscure seasonal discharge variation at the measuring point. • Meter performance may not be suitable for calibration data. • Measuring point location may not allow for better data collection.
