Ground-water levels in the alluvial aquifer at Louisville, Kentucky, 1987-88

Water-level data have been collected in the alluvial aquifer at Louisville, Kentucky by the U.S. Geological Survey since 1943. Summaries and analysis of these data are published periodically to update the record and to help public officials who must manage this groundwater supply. Maps and hydrographs are presented in this report to update the record for 1987-88 and to interpret recent trends in water levels. The data show that groundwater levels were stable for the period 1980-86 after rising rapidly in the 1970's. There has been a slight decline in the water levels during 1987-88 because of below normal precipitation for the period 1985-88. The decline has been about 1 to 3 ft in wells along the Ohio River and about 3 to 6 ft in wells away from the influence of the river. Groundwater withdrawals have also caused slight declines in the water table in three areas in Louisville. Declines in downtown Louisville due to pumpage seem to be stabilizing at or slightly below the normal pool stage of the Ohio River which indicates that water is probably being induced from the river into the aquifer. (USGS)