Generally, the direction of ground-water flow in the northeast flank of the Upper Verde River basin is to the southwest, toward the Verde River. Formation contracts and faults can act as impediments or conduits to flow, causing local deviations to the direction of flow. Recharge to the regional aquifer system occurs in the plateau highlands where the precipitation and aquifer permeability are greatest. The aquifer system discharges to springs and streams near the valley floor, and wells through the region (Owen-Joyce and Bell, 1983).

The principal aquifers in the study area are the Supai Formation and the Redwall Limestone. Within these aquifers, the primary source of ground water is the lower two members of the Supai Formation, and the fractures and caverns in the Redwall Limestone.