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Craig J Brown, Ph.D.

Craig Brown is a Research Hydrologist in the New England Water Science Center.

Craig works primarily on studies involving aquifer geochemistry, occurrence and mobility of contaminants, groundwater/surface-water interactions, and geochemical modeling.

Professional Experience

  • Research Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, New England Water Science Center, 1993 to Present

  • Hydrogeologist--Technical Collaborator (multi-media modeling of radionuclides), Brookhaven National Laboratory, Biomedical & Environmental Assessment Group, 1992 to 1993

  • Hydrogeologist (hydrogeologic and remedial investigations of groundwater contaminant sites throughout the U.S.), Geraghty & Miller, Inc., Annapolis, MD, 1988 to 1991

  • Hydrogeologist (hydrogeologic investigations at karst sites in the U.S. and Puerto Rico), Ewers Water Consultants, Inc., Richmond, KY, 1987 to 1988

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D. Low Temperature Geochemistry, Stony Brook University, 1998

  • M.S. Geology/Hydrogeology, Eastern Kentucky University, 1990

  • B.S. Geology, University of Rhode Island, 1985

Science and Products

link
orange colored area on a white map

Hydrogeologic and Geochemical Assessment of the Effects of Leakage from the Catskill and Delaware Aqueducts on the Local Bedrock and Overburden Aquifers in Southeastern New York

PROBLEM As part of an effort to sustain a viable water-supply system for 8 million residents in New York City, and 1 million other residents in upstate New York that rely on City water, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) has requested a multi-disciplinary study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to determine the source(s) of water to surface-water sites (springs
By
New York Water Science Center
link

Hydrogeologic and Geochemical Assessment of the Effects of Leakage from the Catskill and Delaware Aqueducts on the Local Bedrock and Overburden Aquifers in Southeastern New York

PROBLEM As part of an effort to sustain a viable water-supply system for 8 million residents in New York City, and 1 million other residents in upstate New York that rely on City water, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) has requested a multi-disciplinary study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to determine the source(s) of water to surface-water sites (springs
Learn More

Data for Occurrence and Sources of Lead in Private Wells, Sturbridge, Massachusetts

This dataset contains water-quality data, quality-control data, and input and output data for geochemical models that support the findings of a study of lead in drinking water in the Sturbridge, Massachusetts, study area. These data include major and trace element data for unfiltered and filtered (dissolved) samples collected from both taps and well heads at private well sites, and quality-control
By
New England Water Science Center

Data for machine learning predictions of pH in the glacial aquifer system, northern USA

A boosted regression tree (BRT) model was developed to predict pH conditions in three-dimensions throughout the glacial aquifer system (GLAC) of the contiguous United States using pH measurements in samples from 18,258 wells and predictor variables that represent aspects of the hydrogeologic setting. Model results indicate that the carbonate content of soils and aquifer materials strongly controls
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Inventory of well-construction data, water-quality and quality control data, statistical data, and geochemical modeling data for wells in Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain aquifers, eastern United States, 2012 and 2013

This dataset provides analytical and other data in support of an analysis of lead and manganese in untreated drinking water from Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain aquifers, eastern United States. The occurrence of dissolved lead and manganese in sampled groundwater, prior to its distribution or treatment, is related to the potential presence of source minerals and specific environmental factors incl
By
Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center

Inventory of arsenic and uranium water-quality results from private wells in Connecticut, 2013-2015

This dataset contains the water-quality results from the testing of unfiltered water samples collected from 674 private wells in Connecticut for the analysis of arsenic and (or) uranium, using EPA method 200.8. All of the environmental water-quality data and georeferenced locations of the sampled wells were provided by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT-DPH). The water samples, collec
By
New England Water Science Center
Image: SWaTH Nework Bracket Level
SWaTH Nework Bracket Level
SWaTH Nework Bracket Level
Image: SWaTH Nework Bracket Level

SWaTH Nework Bracket Level

SWaTH Nework Bracket Level

Tim Sargent, a hydrology tech at the New England Water Science Center, is checking to make sure that the bracket he installed is level.

By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
Image: SWaTH Nework Bracket Level

SWaTH Nework Bracket Level

SWaTH Nework Bracket Level

Tim Sargent, a hydrology tech at the New England Water Science Center, is checking to make sure that the bracket he installed is level.

By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Communications and Publishing

Prioritizing water availability study settings to address geogenic contaminants and related societal factors

Water availability for human and ecological uses depends on both water quantity and water quality. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is developing strategies for prioritizing regional-scale and watershed basin-scale studies of water availability across the nation. Previous USGS ranking processes for basin-scale studies incorporated primarily water quantity factors but are now considering additiona
Authors
Melinda L. Erickson, Craig J. Brown, Elizabeth J. Tomaszewski, Joseph D. Ayotte, Sharon L. Qi, Douglas B. Kent, John K. Böhlke
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Estimating lithium concentrations in groundwater used as drinking water for the conterminous United States

Lithium (Li) concentrations in drinking-water supplies are not regulated in the United States; however, Li is included in the 2022 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency list of unregulated contaminants for monitoring by public water systems. Li is used pharmaceutically to treat bipolar disorder, and studies have linked its occurrence in drinking water to human-health outcomes. An extreme gradient b
Authors
Melissa Lombard, Eric E. Brown, Daniel Saftner, Monica M. Arienzo, Esme Fuller-Thomson, Craig J. Brown, Joseph D. Ayotte
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Occurrence and sources of lead in private wells, Sturbridge, Massachusetts

Lead (Pb) occurrence and sources and aqueous geochemistry were assessed in private wellhead and tap water at a targeted area of concern for possible exceedances and at a control area in the same geologic formation, and in wells at a nearby landfill in south-central Massachusetts (MA). Total Pb concentrations were below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Action Level of 15 μg/L in all
Authors
Leah M. Santangelo, Craig J. Brown, James B. Shanley, Michael Pribil, Danny Rutherford
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, New England Water Science Center

Machine-learning predictions of high arsenic and high manganese at drinking water depths of the glacial aquifer system, northern continental United States

Globally, over 200 million people are chronically exposed to arsenic (As) and/or manganese (Mn) from drinking water. We used machine-learning (ML) boosted regression tree (BRT) models to predict high As (>10 μg/L) and Mn (>300 μg/L) in groundwater from the glacial aquifer system (GLAC), which spans 25 states in the northern United States and provides drinking water to 30 million people. Our BRT mo
Authors
Melinda L. Erickson, Sarah M. Elliott, Craig J. Brown, Paul Stackelberg, Katherine Marie Ransom, James E. Reddy, Charles A. Cravotta
By
Water Resources Mission Area, California Water Science Center, New England Water Science Center, New York Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Machine learning predicted redox conditions in the glacial aquifer system, northern continental United States

Groundwater supplies 50% of drinking water worldwide and 30% in the United States. Geogenic and anthropogenic contaminants can, however, compromise water quality, thus limiting groundwater availability. Reduction/oxidation (redox) processes and redox conditions affect groundwater quality by influencing the mobility and transport of common geogenic and anthropogenic contaminants. In the glacial aqu
Authors
Melinda L. Erickson, Sarah M. Elliott, Craig J. Brown, Paul Stackelberg, Katherine Marie Ransom, James E. Reddy
By
Water Resources Mission Area, California Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, New York Water Science Center

Machine learning predictions of pH in the Glacial Aquifer System, Northern USA

A boosted regression tree model was developed to predict pH conditions in three dimensions throughout the glacial aquifer system of the contiguous United States using pH measurements in samples from 18,386 wells and predictor variables that represent aspects of the hydrogeologic setting. Model results indicate that the carbonate content of soils and aquifer materials strongly controls pH and, when
Authors
Paul Stackelberg, Kenneth Belitz, Craig J. Brown, Melinda L. Erickson, Sarah M. Elliott, Leon J. Kauffman, Katherine Marie Ransom, James E. Reddy
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Arsenic and uranium occurrence in private wells in Connecticut, 2013–18—A spatially weighted and bedrock geology assessment

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, conducted a study to determine the presence of arsenic and uranium in private drinking water wells in Connecticut. Samples were collected during 2013–18 from wells completed in 115 geologic units, with 2,433 samples analyzed for arsenic and 2,191 samples analyzed for uranium. The study concluded four major
Authors
Eliza L. Gross, Craig J. Brown
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center

A multi-model approach toward understanding iron fouling at rock-fill drainage sites along roadways in New Hampshire, USA

Factors affecting iron fouling in wet areas adjacent to roadways were investigated by collecting field rock cut and aqueous physicochemical data; developing exploratory predictive models; and developing geochemical models. Basic data included the identification of iron fouling from aerial imagery and field visits at 374 New Hampshire rock cut locations, and their associated rock-fill sites. Based
Authors
Melissa Lombard, Pamela J. Lombard, Craig J. Brown, James Degnan
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Fluoride occurrence in United States groundwater

Data from 38,105 wells were used to characterize fluoride (F) occurrence in untreated United States (U.S.) groundwater. For domestic wells (n = 11,032), water from which is generally not purposely fluoridated or monitored for quality, 10.9% of the samples have F concentrations >0.7 mg/L (U.S. Public Health Service recommended optimal F concentration in drinking water for preventing tooth decay) (8
Authors
Peter B. McMahon, Craig J. Brown, Tyler D. Johnson, Kenneth Belitz, Bruce D. Lindsey
By
Water Resources Mission Area, California Water Science Center, Colorado Water Science Center, New England Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center

Factors affecting the occurrence of lead and manganese in untreated drinking water from Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain aquifers, eastern United States—Dissolved oxygen and pH framework for evaluating risk of elevated concentrations

Groundwater samples collected during 2012 and 2013 from public-supply wells screened in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain aquifers of the eastern and southeastern U.S. rarely contained lead or manganese concentrations that exceeded drinking-water limits, despite having corrosive characteristics. Data indicate that the occurrence of dissolved lead and manganese in sampled groundwater, prior to it
Authors
Craig J. Brown, Jeannie R. B. Barlow, Charles A. Cravotta, Bruce D. Lindsey
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center

Major and trace element geochemistry and background concentrations for soils in Connecticut

Soil samples were collected throughout Connecticut (CT) to determine the relationship of soil chemistry with the underlying geology and to better understand background concentrations of major and trace elements in soils. Soil samples were collected (1) from the upper 5 cm of surficial soil at 100 sites, (2) from the A horizon at 86 of these sites, and (3) from the deeper horizon, typically the C h
Authors
Craig J. Brown, Margaret A. Thomas
By
New England Water Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Science and Products

link
orange colored area on a white map

Hydrogeologic and Geochemical Assessment of the Effects of Leakage from the Catskill and Delaware Aqueducts on the Local Bedrock and Overburden Aquifers in Southeastern New York

PROBLEM As part of an effort to sustain a viable water-supply system for 8 million residents in New York City, and 1 million other residents in upstate New York that rely on City water, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) has requested a multi-disciplinary study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to determine the source(s) of water to surface-water sites (springs
By
New York Water Science Center
link

Hydrogeologic and Geochemical Assessment of the Effects of Leakage from the Catskill and Delaware Aqueducts on the Local Bedrock and Overburden Aquifers in Southeastern New York

PROBLEM As part of an effort to sustain a viable water-supply system for 8 million residents in New York City, and 1 million other residents in upstate New York that rely on City water, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) has requested a multi-disciplinary study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to determine the source(s) of water to surface-water sites (springs
Learn More

Data for Occurrence and Sources of Lead in Private Wells, Sturbridge, Massachusetts

This dataset contains water-quality data, quality-control data, and input and output data for geochemical models that support the findings of a study of lead in drinking water in the Sturbridge, Massachusetts, study area. These data include major and trace element data for unfiltered and filtered (dissolved) samples collected from both taps and well heads at private well sites, and quality-control
By
New England Water Science Center

Data for machine learning predictions of pH in the glacial aquifer system, northern USA

A boosted regression tree (BRT) model was developed to predict pH conditions in three-dimensions throughout the glacial aquifer system (GLAC) of the contiguous United States using pH measurements in samples from 18,258 wells and predictor variables that represent aspects of the hydrogeologic setting. Model results indicate that the carbonate content of soils and aquifer materials strongly controls
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Inventory of well-construction data, water-quality and quality control data, statistical data, and geochemical modeling data for wells in Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain aquifers, eastern United States, 2012 and 2013

This dataset provides analytical and other data in support of an analysis of lead and manganese in untreated drinking water from Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain aquifers, eastern United States. The occurrence of dissolved lead and manganese in sampled groundwater, prior to its distribution or treatment, is related to the potential presence of source minerals and specific environmental factors incl
By
Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center

Inventory of arsenic and uranium water-quality results from private wells in Connecticut, 2013-2015

This dataset contains the water-quality results from the testing of unfiltered water samples collected from 674 private wells in Connecticut for the analysis of arsenic and (or) uranium, using EPA method 200.8. All of the environmental water-quality data and georeferenced locations of the sampled wells were provided by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT-DPH). The water samples, collec
By
New England Water Science Center
Image: SWaTH Nework Bracket Level
SWaTH Nework Bracket Level
SWaTH Nework Bracket Level
Image: SWaTH Nework Bracket Level

SWaTH Nework Bracket Level

SWaTH Nework Bracket Level

Tim Sargent, a hydrology tech at the New England Water Science Center, is checking to make sure that the bracket he installed is level.

By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
Image: SWaTH Nework Bracket Level

SWaTH Nework Bracket Level

SWaTH Nework Bracket Level

Tim Sargent, a hydrology tech at the New England Water Science Center, is checking to make sure that the bracket he installed is level.

By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Communications and Publishing

Prioritizing water availability study settings to address geogenic contaminants and related societal factors

Water availability for human and ecological uses depends on both water quantity and water quality. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is developing strategies for prioritizing regional-scale and watershed basin-scale studies of water availability across the nation. Previous USGS ranking processes for basin-scale studies incorporated primarily water quantity factors but are now considering additiona
Authors
Melinda L. Erickson, Craig J. Brown, Elizabeth J. Tomaszewski, Joseph D. Ayotte, Sharon L. Qi, Douglas B. Kent, John K. Böhlke
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Estimating lithium concentrations in groundwater used as drinking water for the conterminous United States

Lithium (Li) concentrations in drinking-water supplies are not regulated in the United States; however, Li is included in the 2022 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency list of unregulated contaminants for monitoring by public water systems. Li is used pharmaceutically to treat bipolar disorder, and studies have linked its occurrence in drinking water to human-health outcomes. An extreme gradient b
Authors
Melissa Lombard, Eric E. Brown, Daniel Saftner, Monica M. Arienzo, Esme Fuller-Thomson, Craig J. Brown, Joseph D. Ayotte
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Occurrence and sources of lead in private wells, Sturbridge, Massachusetts

Lead (Pb) occurrence and sources and aqueous geochemistry were assessed in private wellhead and tap water at a targeted area of concern for possible exceedances and at a control area in the same geologic formation, and in wells at a nearby landfill in south-central Massachusetts (MA). Total Pb concentrations were below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Action Level of 15 μg/L in all
Authors
Leah M. Santangelo, Craig J. Brown, James B. Shanley, Michael Pribil, Danny Rutherford
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, New England Water Science Center

Machine-learning predictions of high arsenic and high manganese at drinking water depths of the glacial aquifer system, northern continental United States

Globally, over 200 million people are chronically exposed to arsenic (As) and/or manganese (Mn) from drinking water. We used machine-learning (ML) boosted regression tree (BRT) models to predict high As (>10 μg/L) and Mn (>300 μg/L) in groundwater from the glacial aquifer system (GLAC), which spans 25 states in the northern United States and provides drinking water to 30 million people. Our BRT mo
Authors
Melinda L. Erickson, Sarah M. Elliott, Craig J. Brown, Paul Stackelberg, Katherine Marie Ransom, James E. Reddy, Charles A. Cravotta
By
Water Resources Mission Area, California Water Science Center, New England Water Science Center, New York Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Machine learning predicted redox conditions in the glacial aquifer system, northern continental United States

Groundwater supplies 50% of drinking water worldwide and 30% in the United States. Geogenic and anthropogenic contaminants can, however, compromise water quality, thus limiting groundwater availability. Reduction/oxidation (redox) processes and redox conditions affect groundwater quality by influencing the mobility and transport of common geogenic and anthropogenic contaminants. In the glacial aqu
Authors
Melinda L. Erickson, Sarah M. Elliott, Craig J. Brown, Paul Stackelberg, Katherine Marie Ransom, James E. Reddy
By
Water Resources Mission Area, California Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, New York Water Science Center

Machine learning predictions of pH in the Glacial Aquifer System, Northern USA

A boosted regression tree model was developed to predict pH conditions in three dimensions throughout the glacial aquifer system of the contiguous United States using pH measurements in samples from 18,386 wells and predictor variables that represent aspects of the hydrogeologic setting. Model results indicate that the carbonate content of soils and aquifer materials strongly controls pH and, when
Authors
Paul Stackelberg, Kenneth Belitz, Craig J. Brown, Melinda L. Erickson, Sarah M. Elliott, Leon J. Kauffman, Katherine Marie Ransom, James E. Reddy
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Arsenic and uranium occurrence in private wells in Connecticut, 2013–18—A spatially weighted and bedrock geology assessment

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, conducted a study to determine the presence of arsenic and uranium in private drinking water wells in Connecticut. Samples were collected during 2013–18 from wells completed in 115 geologic units, with 2,433 samples analyzed for arsenic and 2,191 samples analyzed for uranium. The study concluded four major
Authors
Eliza L. Gross, Craig J. Brown
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center

A multi-model approach toward understanding iron fouling at rock-fill drainage sites along roadways in New Hampshire, USA

Factors affecting iron fouling in wet areas adjacent to roadways were investigated by collecting field rock cut and aqueous physicochemical data; developing exploratory predictive models; and developing geochemical models. Basic data included the identification of iron fouling from aerial imagery and field visits at 374 New Hampshire rock cut locations, and their associated rock-fill sites. Based
Authors
Melissa Lombard, Pamela J. Lombard, Craig J. Brown, James Degnan
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Fluoride occurrence in United States groundwater

Data from 38,105 wells were used to characterize fluoride (F) occurrence in untreated United States (U.S.) groundwater. For domestic wells (n = 11,032), water from which is generally not purposely fluoridated or monitored for quality, 10.9% of the samples have F concentrations >0.7 mg/L (U.S. Public Health Service recommended optimal F concentration in drinking water for preventing tooth decay) (8
Authors
Peter B. McMahon, Craig J. Brown, Tyler D. Johnson, Kenneth Belitz, Bruce D. Lindsey
By
Water Resources Mission Area, California Water Science Center, Colorado Water Science Center, New England Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center

Factors affecting the occurrence of lead and manganese in untreated drinking water from Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain aquifers, eastern United States—Dissolved oxygen and pH framework for evaluating risk of elevated concentrations

Groundwater samples collected during 2012 and 2013 from public-supply wells screened in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain aquifers of the eastern and southeastern U.S. rarely contained lead or manganese concentrations that exceeded drinking-water limits, despite having corrosive characteristics. Data indicate that the occurrence of dissolved lead and manganese in sampled groundwater, prior to it
Authors
Craig J. Brown, Jeannie R. B. Barlow, Charles A. Cravotta, Bruce D. Lindsey
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center

Major and trace element geochemistry and background concentrations for soils in Connecticut

Soil samples were collected throughout Connecticut (CT) to determine the relationship of soil chemistry with the underlying geology and to better understand background concentrations of major and trace elements in soils. Soil samples were collected (1) from the upper 5 cm of surficial soil at 100 sites, (2) from the A horizon at 86 of these sites, and (3) from the deeper horizon, typically the C h
Authors
Craig J. Brown, Margaret A. Thomas
By
New England Water Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

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