Underground coal mines as sources of water for public supply in northern Upshur County, West Virginia

Book · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:5893370

Hobba, W A

Water use for the public supply in northern Upshur County, West Virginia exceeds the 1930 drought flow of its water source, the Buckhannon River. Three underground flooded coal mines near Buckhannon store about 1,170 acre-ft of water. This stored water, plus an additional 500 gal/min of groundwater infiltration into the mine, is enough to supply current public water needs of the area for 265 days, and projected needs for the year 2018 for about 135 days. This is also adequate enough for the year 2018 during droughts comparable to those in 1953 and 1930, for which 1,900 gal/min and 2,400 gal/min would be needed, respectively, to augment the surface-water source. Water from the flooded mines is chemically similar to water from nearby wells; however, nearby coal mining or pumpage from the mines may cause roof falls or subsidence, turbidity, changes in water quality, or leakage into or from the mines. More than 70 communities in West Virginia use water from coal mines for public supply. The flooded coal mines near Buckhannon could supply the public-water supply needs of northern Upshur County for about 265 days, but the water will require treatment to remove dissolved substances. 12 refs., 10 figs., 8 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 5893370
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
AQUIFERS
COAL MINES
CONTAMINATION
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
FEDERAL REGION III
MINES
MINING
NORTH AMERICA
STORAGE
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
UNDERGROUND MINING
UNDERGROUND STORAGE
USA
WATER QUALITY
WATER SUPPLY
WEST VIRGINIA