Regional Synthesis of Groundwater Quality in Domestic Supply Wells in Northeast and North Central Pennsylvania Completed
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Factors affecting groundwater quality used for domestic supply in Marcellus Shale region of North-Central and North-East Pennsylvania, USA
USGS synthesized groundwater quality measurements in wells to characterize regional chemical characteristics of aquifers used for domestic supply in northeast and north central Pennsylvania.
Independent county-wide groundwater quality investigations were completed during 2011-2017 by the USGS for seven counties in the northern tier of Pennsylvania where there is ongoing, or potential for, unconventional shale-gas development. The studies used consistent data collection and reporting procedures. County-level reports were published by the USGS that describe quality of water samples from home-owner wells in relation to human health and potential environmental factors affecting the groundwater composition.
The objective of this project was to complete a regional synthesis of groundwater chemical characteristics for aquifers used for domestic supply in northeast and north central Pennsylvania. Available hydrochemical data from 436 domestic wells that were sampled during 2011-2017 and reported by the USGS for seven counties in the northern tier of Pennsylvania as part of county-wide assessments were summarized and evaluated in relation to geology, land use, and other environmental factors, such as hydrogeologic setting.
Related USGS science
Groundwater Quality of Domestic Supply Wells in Pennsylvania
Shale Gas and Water Resources in Pennsylvania
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USGS synthesized groundwater quality measurements in wells to characterize regional chemical characteristics of aquifers used for domestic supply in northeast and north central Pennsylvania.
Independent county-wide groundwater quality investigations were completed during 2011-2017 by the USGS for seven counties in the northern tier of Pennsylvania where there is ongoing, or potential for, unconventional shale-gas development. The studies used consistent data collection and reporting procedures. County-level reports were published by the USGS that describe quality of water samples from home-owner wells in relation to human health and potential environmental factors affecting the groundwater composition.
The objective of this project was to complete a regional synthesis of groundwater chemical characteristics for aquifers used for domestic supply in northeast and north central Pennsylvania. Available hydrochemical data from 436 domestic wells that were sampled during 2011-2017 and reported by the USGS for seven counties in the northern tier of Pennsylvania as part of county-wide assessments were summarized and evaluated in relation to geology, land use, and other environmental factors, such as hydrogeologic setting.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsMap of baseline groundwater quality assessments in Pennsylvania - Science
Related USGS science
Groundwater Quality of Domestic Supply Wells in Pennsylvania
Most rural residents in Pennsylvania use groundwater from domestic supply wells for drinking, cleaning and other purposes. Some groundwater samples have been analyzed for private purposes, but those results generally are not readily available to the public. Many of the publicly available water-quality samples from rural areas were collected more than 30 years ago. Quality-assured groundwater...Shale Gas and Water Resources in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Water Science Center and other USGS scientists are studying water availability, use, quality, and ecology associated with development of shale-gas energy resources in Pennsylvania. - Publications
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