USGS scientists sampling groundwater near the top of the water table in a corn field in Concord, New Hampshire.
Joseph Ayotte
Joe Ayotte is a Supervisory Hydrologist in the New England Water Science Center
As the Chief of the Environmental Hydrology Section, Joe oversees multidisciplinary studies involving groundwater quality at the USGS New England Water Science Center. Most recently, he has worked on national and regional studies of trace elements (primarily arsenic) in groundwater and has worked closely with the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on arsenic in drinking water supplies. He joined the USGS in 1987 and has been involved in many studies of groundwater and surface water resources in New England and the U.S.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 15
Investigating Associations Between Socioeconomic Data and Populations Vulnerable to Private Well-Water Concerns in New Hampshire
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) New England Water Science Center, in cooperation with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, is investigating the presence of statistical associations between socioeconomic data (or proxy data) and the susceptibility of private wells to water quality or quantity concerns in New Hampshire.
USGS Assessment of Water Resources near Hanscom Air Force Base
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) New England Water Science Center is expanding its scientific investigation to better understand the water resources at, and in the vicinity of, Hanscom Air Force Base (AFB) and the potential impacts from historical base operations and other sources.
Coproduced Science Linking Environmental and Public-Health Data to Evaluate Drinking Water Arsenic Exposure on Birth Outcomes
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists teamed up with public-health epidemiologists to probe for associations between arsenic in drinking water and human-birth outcomes. They reported a modest inverse relation between birth weight and arsenic exposure. Findings indicate that future research efforts using individual-level exposure data such as measured arsenic concentrations in tap water could...
Research on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the New England Water Science Center
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of over 4,000 different compounds. Since the 1940s, PFAS have been manufactured and used around the globe, including in the United States. PFAS are resistant to chemical and thermal breakdown and impart stain and water-resistance properties, making them useful for a variety of commercial applications, but also persistent in the...
Hydrologic Interpretive Program
The mission of the Hydrologic Interpretive Program is to work with stakeholders to design, carry out, and publish scientific studies addressing critical water-resources issues facing New England and the Nation.
Arsenic Variability in Water-Supply Wells
The USGS, in cooperation with the Town of Seabrook, New Hampshire and a private well owner, is assessing the variability of arsenic over multiple time scales. A network of three wells is being used to monitor changes in arsenic, arsenic species, a host of other chemical constituents, and the distribution of ages of groundwater entering the wells. The wells—one domestic bedrock aquifer well, one...
The Purge Analyzer Tool (PAT) to Assess Optimal Pumping Parameters in the Collection of Representative Groundwater Samples from Wells
The U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is developing analytical models to assess in-well groundwater flow conditions during the collection of groundwater samples from wells being pumped. This information can be used to inform groundwater samplers on when and how to collect samples that are most reflective of the targeted aquifer or hydrogeologiic...
Assessment of Hydrologic and Water-Quality Changes in Shallow Groundwater Beneath a Coastal Neighborhood Being Converted from Septic Systems to Municipal Sewers
The U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are collaborating on a study to better understand changes to groundwater quality beneath a densely developed coastal neighborhood as it undergoes conversion from onsite wastewater disposal to municipal sewering.
Preliminary Research into the Causes of Iron Fouling in Water at Roadway Construction Sites
The USGS and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation are conducting preliminary research into the causes of iron fouling in water at roadway construction sites where blasted bedrock is used as on-site fill material.
Study to Test a Novel Shallow Well Design that May Provide Contaminant-Free Water Supply to Domestic Well Users in Arsenic-Prone Parts of the United States
The USGS, the University of New Hampshire, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, and the Maine Geological Survey are collaborating on a study of a novel shallow well design that might be able to provide safe drinking water to domestic well users in arsenic-prone parts of the Nation.
Towards Understanding the Impact of Drought on the Arsenic Hazard for the Private Domestic Well Population in the United States
The USGS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are examining the potential effects of droughts on the arsenic hazard in private well water across the Nation.
Linking environmental and public health data to evaluate health effects of arsenic exposure from domestic and public supply wells
Everyone needs clean drinking water in order to thrive. The US EPA and public water purveyors in the US work together in adherence with the Safe Drinking Water Act to make water safe for public consumption. The recent media coverage of lead in public drinking water supplies in Flint, Michigan, and schools in many cities with aging infrastructure throughout the US has raised public awareness of dri
Groundwater sampling for PFAS
USGS scientists sampling groundwater near the top of the water table in a corn field in Concord, New Hampshire.
Collecting a pre-treatment water sample
Collection of pre-treatment water samples for the USGS and New Hampshire Health and Human Services EMPoWER-U project (Evaluating Metals in Private Wells and people for Exposure Reduction – Uranium). This project evaluates uranium in private wells and couples that information with human exposure biomarkers.
Collection of pre-treatment water samples for the USGS and New Hampshire Health and Human Services EMPoWER-U project (Evaluating Metals in Private Wells and people for Exposure Reduction – Uranium). This project evaluates uranium in private wells and couples that information with human exposure biomarkers.
Collecting a tap water sample
Collection of tap water samples for the USGS and New Hampshire Health and Human Services EMPoWER-U project (Evaluating Metals in Private Wells and people for Exposure Reduction – Uranium). This project evaluates uranium in private wells and couples that information with human exposure biomarkers.
Collection of tap water samples for the USGS and New Hampshire Health and Human Services EMPoWER-U project (Evaluating Metals in Private Wells and people for Exposure Reduction – Uranium). This project evaluates uranium in private wells and couples that information with human exposure biomarkers.
Collecting soil samples
Hydrologist collecting soil samples for PFAS analysis, Brentwood, New Hampshire.
Hydrologist collecting soil samples for PFAS analysis, Brentwood, New Hampshire.
Slotted collector pipe for shallow dug well
A horizontal collector is a part of a novel shallow well design that might be able to provide safe drinking water to domestic well users in arsenic-prone parts of the Nation.
A horizontal collector is a part of a novel shallow well design that might be able to provide safe drinking water to domestic well users in arsenic-prone parts of the Nation.
Novel dug well installation
A novel shallow well design might be able to provide safe drinking water to domestic well users in arsenic-prone parts of the Nation. Casing and collector being lowered into well excavation during the test.
A novel shallow well design might be able to provide safe drinking water to domestic well users in arsenic-prone parts of the Nation. Casing and collector being lowered into well excavation during the test.
Completing a novel dug well installation
Completing a novel dug well installation. A study of a novel shallow well design that might be able to provide safe drinking water to domestic well users in arsenic-prone parts of the Nation.
Completing a novel dug well installation. A study of a novel shallow well design that might be able to provide safe drinking water to domestic well users in arsenic-prone parts of the Nation.
Installed dug well at Maple Syrup farm
Dug well with instrumentation on a testing site of the novel shallow well design that might be able to provide safe drinking water to domestic well users in arsenic-prone parts of the Nation.
Dug well with instrumentation on a testing site of the novel shallow well design that might be able to provide safe drinking water to domestic well users in arsenic-prone parts of the Nation.
Private domestic well in Loudon, New Hampshire
Groundwater well serving private residence in Loudon, New Hampshire.
Groundwater well serving private residence in Loudon, New Hampshire.
Bedrock outcrop in New Hampshire
Photograph showing a bedrock outcrop near the intersection of Post Road and Daniel Webster Highway (New Hampshire State Route 3) in Hooksett, New Hampshire. During the summer, groundwater stains the exposed bedrock with precipitated iron oxides.
Photograph showing a bedrock outcrop near the intersection of Post Road and Daniel Webster Highway (New Hampshire State Route 3) in Hooksett, New Hampshire. During the summer, groundwater stains the exposed bedrock with precipitated iron oxides.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 15
Investigating Associations Between Socioeconomic Data and Populations Vulnerable to Private Well-Water Concerns in New Hampshire
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) New England Water Science Center, in cooperation with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, is investigating the presence of statistical associations between socioeconomic data (or proxy data) and the susceptibility of private wells to water quality or quantity concerns in New Hampshire.
USGS Assessment of Water Resources near Hanscom Air Force Base
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) New England Water Science Center is expanding its scientific investigation to better understand the water resources at, and in the vicinity of, Hanscom Air Force Base (AFB) and the potential impacts from historical base operations and other sources.
Coproduced Science Linking Environmental and Public-Health Data to Evaluate Drinking Water Arsenic Exposure on Birth Outcomes
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists teamed up with public-health epidemiologists to probe for associations between arsenic in drinking water and human-birth outcomes. They reported a modest inverse relation between birth weight and arsenic exposure. Findings indicate that future research efforts using individual-level exposure data such as measured arsenic concentrations in tap water could...
Research on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the New England Water Science Center
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of over 4,000 different compounds. Since the 1940s, PFAS have been manufactured and used around the globe, including in the United States. PFAS are resistant to chemical and thermal breakdown and impart stain and water-resistance properties, making them useful for a variety of commercial applications, but also persistent in the...
Hydrologic Interpretive Program
The mission of the Hydrologic Interpretive Program is to work with stakeholders to design, carry out, and publish scientific studies addressing critical water-resources issues facing New England and the Nation.
Arsenic Variability in Water-Supply Wells
The USGS, in cooperation with the Town of Seabrook, New Hampshire and a private well owner, is assessing the variability of arsenic over multiple time scales. A network of three wells is being used to monitor changes in arsenic, arsenic species, a host of other chemical constituents, and the distribution of ages of groundwater entering the wells. The wells—one domestic bedrock aquifer well, one...
The Purge Analyzer Tool (PAT) to Assess Optimal Pumping Parameters in the Collection of Representative Groundwater Samples from Wells
The U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is developing analytical models to assess in-well groundwater flow conditions during the collection of groundwater samples from wells being pumped. This information can be used to inform groundwater samplers on when and how to collect samples that are most reflective of the targeted aquifer or hydrogeologiic...
Assessment of Hydrologic and Water-Quality Changes in Shallow Groundwater Beneath a Coastal Neighborhood Being Converted from Septic Systems to Municipal Sewers
The U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are collaborating on a study to better understand changes to groundwater quality beneath a densely developed coastal neighborhood as it undergoes conversion from onsite wastewater disposal to municipal sewering.
Preliminary Research into the Causes of Iron Fouling in Water at Roadway Construction Sites
The USGS and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation are conducting preliminary research into the causes of iron fouling in water at roadway construction sites where blasted bedrock is used as on-site fill material.
Study to Test a Novel Shallow Well Design that May Provide Contaminant-Free Water Supply to Domestic Well Users in Arsenic-Prone Parts of the United States
The USGS, the University of New Hampshire, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, and the Maine Geological Survey are collaborating on a study of a novel shallow well design that might be able to provide safe drinking water to domestic well users in arsenic-prone parts of the Nation.
Towards Understanding the Impact of Drought on the Arsenic Hazard for the Private Domestic Well Population in the United States
The USGS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are examining the potential effects of droughts on the arsenic hazard in private well water across the Nation.
Linking environmental and public health data to evaluate health effects of arsenic exposure from domestic and public supply wells
Everyone needs clean drinking water in order to thrive. The US EPA and public water purveyors in the US work together in adherence with the Safe Drinking Water Act to make water safe for public consumption. The recent media coverage of lead in public drinking water supplies in Flint, Michigan, and schools in many cities with aging infrastructure throughout the US has raised public awareness of dri
Groundwater sampling for PFAS
USGS scientists sampling groundwater near the top of the water table in a corn field in Concord, New Hampshire.
USGS scientists sampling groundwater near the top of the water table in a corn field in Concord, New Hampshire.
Collecting a pre-treatment water sample
Collection of pre-treatment water samples for the USGS and New Hampshire Health and Human Services EMPoWER-U project (Evaluating Metals in Private Wells and people for Exposure Reduction – Uranium). This project evaluates uranium in private wells and couples that information with human exposure biomarkers.
Collection of pre-treatment water samples for the USGS and New Hampshire Health and Human Services EMPoWER-U project (Evaluating Metals in Private Wells and people for Exposure Reduction – Uranium). This project evaluates uranium in private wells and couples that information with human exposure biomarkers.
Collecting a tap water sample
Collection of tap water samples for the USGS and New Hampshire Health and Human Services EMPoWER-U project (Evaluating Metals in Private Wells and people for Exposure Reduction – Uranium). This project evaluates uranium in private wells and couples that information with human exposure biomarkers.
Collection of tap water samples for the USGS and New Hampshire Health and Human Services EMPoWER-U project (Evaluating Metals in Private Wells and people for Exposure Reduction – Uranium). This project evaluates uranium in private wells and couples that information with human exposure biomarkers.
Collecting soil samples
Hydrologist collecting soil samples for PFAS analysis, Brentwood, New Hampshire.
Hydrologist collecting soil samples for PFAS analysis, Brentwood, New Hampshire.
Slotted collector pipe for shallow dug well
A horizontal collector is a part of a novel shallow well design that might be able to provide safe drinking water to domestic well users in arsenic-prone parts of the Nation.
A horizontal collector is a part of a novel shallow well design that might be able to provide safe drinking water to domestic well users in arsenic-prone parts of the Nation.
Novel dug well installation
A novel shallow well design might be able to provide safe drinking water to domestic well users in arsenic-prone parts of the Nation. Casing and collector being lowered into well excavation during the test.
A novel shallow well design might be able to provide safe drinking water to domestic well users in arsenic-prone parts of the Nation. Casing and collector being lowered into well excavation during the test.
Completing a novel dug well installation
Completing a novel dug well installation. A study of a novel shallow well design that might be able to provide safe drinking water to domestic well users in arsenic-prone parts of the Nation.
Completing a novel dug well installation. A study of a novel shallow well design that might be able to provide safe drinking water to domestic well users in arsenic-prone parts of the Nation.
Installed dug well at Maple Syrup farm
Dug well with instrumentation on a testing site of the novel shallow well design that might be able to provide safe drinking water to domestic well users in arsenic-prone parts of the Nation.
Dug well with instrumentation on a testing site of the novel shallow well design that might be able to provide safe drinking water to domestic well users in arsenic-prone parts of the Nation.
Private domestic well in Loudon, New Hampshire
Groundwater well serving private residence in Loudon, New Hampshire.
Groundwater well serving private residence in Loudon, New Hampshire.
Bedrock outcrop in New Hampshire
Photograph showing a bedrock outcrop near the intersection of Post Road and Daniel Webster Highway (New Hampshire State Route 3) in Hooksett, New Hampshire. During the summer, groundwater stains the exposed bedrock with precipitated iron oxides.
Photograph showing a bedrock outcrop near the intersection of Post Road and Daniel Webster Highway (New Hampshire State Route 3) in Hooksett, New Hampshire. During the summer, groundwater stains the exposed bedrock with precipitated iron oxides.
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government