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USGS well water studies released	<<>
Thursday, February 11, 2010
RESTON, VA. — New US Geological Survey (USGS) studies on the contamination of drinking water wells have been made public, according to a press release. The studies revealed that all wells are not equally vulnerable to contamination, the release stated. Factors that contribute to a well becoming contaminated include: The general chemistry of the aquifer, groundwater age and direct paths within aquifer systems that allow water and contaminants to reach a well, according to the release. Wells, which provide drinking water to about 100 million people in the United States, can be vulnerable to naturally occurring contaminants such as radon, uranium, arsenic and man-made compounds — including fertilizers, septic-tank leachate, solvents and gasoline hydrocarbons, the release stated. “Our findings can help public-supply well managers protect drinking water sources by prioritizing their monitoring programs and improving decisions related to land use planning, well modifications or changes in pumping scenarios that might help to reduce movement of contaminants to wells,” said Sandra Eberts, USGS groundwater study team leader. To read the entire article, click here.