Geology and hydrology for environmental planning in Marquette County, Michigan

Marquette County, in the glaciated area of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, includes 1,878 square miles. Precipitation averages 32 inches per year.

Bedrock and glacial deposits contain materials that are good aquifers. Sedimentary bedrock units generally yield sufficient water for domestic supply and, in places, may yield more than 100 gallons per minute to large-diameter wells. In the glacial deposits, sand and gravel beds are the principal aquifers; yields to wells range from less than 10 to 200 gallons per minute. Igneous and metamorphic rocks yield little or no water to wells.

Suitable sewage and refuse disposal sites are not readily available because of the abundance of wetlands, streams, and lakes susceptible to infiltrating leachate.