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Natural ground-water quality in Michigan, 1974-87

January 1, 1989

Wide variations occur in the chemical and physical characteristics of natural groundwaters in Michigan. Dissolved-solids concentrations range from 20 to 76,000 mg/L. Waters having low dissolved-solids concentrations are calcium bicarbonate-type waters. Sodium, sulfate, and chloride increase as mineralization increases. Iron, aluminum, and titanium concentrations are higher at some locations than is common in most natural waters. Lead concentrations exceed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 's primary drinking-water regulations at some locations in the northern part of the lower Peninsula. Generalized areal patterns of water-quality variability indicate that geology is a primary cause of differences across the State. Examples of chemical associations in water indicate that chemical analyses may be valuable in tracing and identifying mineral deposits.

Publication Year 1989
Title Natural ground-water quality in Michigan, 1974-87
DOI 10.3133/ofr89259
Authors T. Ray Cummings
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Open-File Report
Series Number 89-259
Index ID ofr89259
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Michigan Water Science Center