USGS Documents Sampling Results for Pesticides in Groundwater
New geonarrative, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
USGS annually samples domestic groundwater wells to characterize pesticides, nutrients, and radon in agricultural areas, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Beginning in 2021, samples for major ions, trace elements, bacteria, and isotopes will also be collected. A subset of wells will be sampled for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), emerging industrial contaminants in Pennsylvania groundwaters.
Basics of Groundwater (Well Water)
Well water can be a mix of groundwater that has been on the move in the surrounding geology for a short (days) or long (thousands of years) period of time.
Well Water Sampling Procedures
Your well water will be sampled from the point identified during the plumbing review. Total well sampling time should take no more than 3 hours.
Understanding Well Water Testing Results
A summary of the basic characteristics of your well is presented in the testing results.
This project began in 2003 to further the understanding of pesticide concentrations in different hydrogeologic settings. Pesticides sampling by USGS in Pennsylvania began in carbonate aquifers in the southeastern part of the state in the 1980s. Assessments of pesticides in groundwater were conducted in the Potomac, Delaware, Lower Susquehanna, Allegheny, and Monongahela River basins during the first round of the National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA ) studies. Findings are summarized in a Previous Studies Archive.
Pesticides and Water Quality
Agricultural Activities and Pesticides
USGS annually samples domestic groundwater wells to characterize pesticides, nutrients, and radon in agricultural areas, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Beginning in 2021, samples for major ions, trace elements, bacteria, and isotopes will also be collected. A subset of wells will be sampled for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), emerging industrial contaminants in Pennsylvania groundwaters.
Basics of Groundwater (Well Water)
Well water can be a mix of groundwater that has been on the move in the surrounding geology for a short (days) or long (thousands of years) period of time.
Well Water Sampling Procedures
Your well water will be sampled from the point identified during the plumbing review. Total well sampling time should take no more than 3 hours.
Understanding Well Water Testing Results
A summary of the basic characteristics of your well is presented in the testing results.
This project began in 2003 to further the understanding of pesticide concentrations in different hydrogeologic settings. Pesticides sampling by USGS in Pennsylvania began in carbonate aquifers in the southeastern part of the state in the 1980s. Assessments of pesticides in groundwater were conducted in the Potomac, Delaware, Lower Susquehanna, Allegheny, and Monongahela River basins during the first round of the National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA ) studies. Findings are summarized in a Previous Studies Archive.