The new geothermal database for Arizona totals 1,251 discrete thermal wells or springs and 2,650 chemical analyses for these 1,251 sites. Witcher (1995a) noted that almost all of Arizona wells and springs found in Arizona at elevations below 1,524 m mean-sea level (5,000 feet) exceed 20°C. Accordingly, the new database is restricted to thermal wells and springs exceeding 30°C, except of a few sites at higher elevations. Witcher (1995a) also noted, that most thermal well occurrences are located along the trend of lower heat flow, where many irrigation wells tap deep-seated aquifers that are overlain by thermally-insulating, low thermal-conductivity sediments in highly-developed agricultural areas. He notes that in Arizona the thermal fluids are more valued for irrigation of field crops, municipal water supply and industrial uses than for the heat carried by the waters. Geothermal aquaculture is the only major direct-use application, and Arizona leads the nation in this use of geothermal fluids. There is considerable potential for direct-heat utilization in the agricultural sector. Recommendations include establishing a strong in-state advocate for direct-use geothermal applications.
Whitcher, J. C., 1995a. A Geothermal Resource Database, Arizona, Southwest Technology Development Institute, New Mexico State University, Technical Report to Oregon Institute of Technology, Geo-Heat Center, 18 p.