In fact, these connections are an explanation for the "runoff." The water does not pour across the land, like the spring runoff in the Wasatch Mountains flowing toward local rivers. It soaks into the ground, recharging aquifers. And then it flows along to other aquifers in the linked system.

"The Egan and Schell Creek ranges are the primary source areas for groundwater in Steptoe Valley (Nevada), where the highest water-level altitudes in the basin fill are found in the study area," says the study.

"Groundwater flows northward through Steptoe Valley and southeast through northern Steptoe, Lake, Spring and Snake Valleys.

"The Schell Creek and Snake Ranges are the primary source areas for northeastward groundwater flow through northern Spring, Tippett and Snake Valleys.

"Groundwater exits the study area from Snake and Tippett valleys and flows northeastward toward a terminal discharge area in the Great Salt Lake Desert."

In other words, groundwater flows originating in mountains of Nevada end up nourishing springs and ranches in the Great Salt Lake Desert. Apparently that includes water from Spring Valley, too.

"Which seems to me it ought to be a little bit alarming, not only to us," Hill said.

The study also notes that an evaluation of aquifer storage "does not consider the potential impacts to changes in storage caused by groundwater extractions, such as declining water levels in wells, decreasing spring discharge, diminished water quality or native vegetation."

A summary of the study is posted on the Internet at pubs.usgs.gov/of/2007/1156, where comments may be left before Aug. 1.

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E-mail: bau@desnews.com