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The 1887 Sonoran Earthquake The 1887 Sonoran Earthquake, with an estimated magnitude between 7.6 and 8.1, profoundly impacted St. David, Arizona, particularly its water systems. Before the earthquake, St. David featured marshlands and water pools. The earthquake's seismic impact changed the surface water accumulation, especially in the St David Springs area with fresh artesian flowing water and ponds The earthquake also caused the San Pedro River to sink underground in certain areas, disrupting traditional surface water sources and necessitating the development of new water supply methods. Development of Artesian Wells
In response to the altered hydrology, local residents began drilling artesian wells. Notably, in 1894, the McRae brothers discovered a significant artesian water source at a depth of 276 feet,
yielding 30 gallons per minute.
This finding contributed to the St David Springs water source. There are 30 wells on the Lifestyle Lots of the St David Springs. One well in particular delivers 45 gallons of sweet water per minute without the aid of a pump Groundwater • Groundwater movement in the basin 6 miles south of the Town of Saint David at and within St David Springs is from
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