Chemical and physical characteristics of natural ground waters in Michigan: A preliminary report

Wide variations occur in the chemical and physical characteristics of natural groundwaters in Michigan. Dissolved-solids concentrations range from 23 to 2,100 milligrams per liter. Waters having low dissolved-solids concentrations are calcium bicarbonate waters. Sodium, sulfate, and chloride increase as mineralization increases. Iron, aluminum, and titanium are higher at some locations than is common in most natural waters. Lead concentrations exceed those desirable in drinking water at some locations in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula. Generalized areal patterns of water quality variation suggest that geology is a primary cause of differences across the State. Examples of chemical associations in water suggest that chemical analyses may be valuable in tracing and identifying mineral deposits.