contact: David Bolton (dbolton@mgs.md.gov)
| Hydrogeology & Hydrology Program | |
| Groundwater Quality Network |
contact: David Bolton (dbolton@mgs.md.gov) |
[Introduction | Purpose | Approach | Timing | Analysis | References | Location Map ]
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Introduction: |
In 1987, the Maryland Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey and the Maryland Department of the Environment, established a statewide network of wells and springs in Maryland in order to document ambient ground-water quality in shallow aquifers throughout the state and to provide a basis for monitoring future changes in water quality. In the initial phase of the network (1987-1993), fifty-two wells and springs were sampled for major ions, nutrients, trace elements, pesticides, radon, and other constituents (Bolton, 1996). Since 1993, wells have been added to the network, bringing the total number of sites to approximately 100 (figure 1).
| What is the purpose of sampling these wells and springs? |
Network sites are being sampled to document ambient ground-water quality, particularly in unconfined aquifers. These data provide a baseline against which future water-quality data can be compared. The data are also used to address other questions about water quality such as:
| What types of wells and springs are sampled? |
Most network sites (wells and springs) draw water from unconfined aquifers (aquifers lacking a protective confining layer) including the crystalline-rock aquifers of the central Maryland Piedmont, limestone aquifers (Hagerstown and Frederick Valleys), and the surficial aquifer of Maryland's Eastern Shore. Most network wells are private water wells or observation wells (wells drilled specifically to observe water-level fluctuations).
| How often are wells sampled? |
Wells and springs are sampled approximately once every five years. Approximately one-fifth of the wells are sampled each year.
| What are the water samples analyzed for? |
Samples are routinely analyzed for a core of constituents which includes major ions, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus compounds), trace elements, radionuclides, volatile organic compounds, and pesticides (table 1). Additional constituents are often analyzed to address specific groundwater quality issues.
| References: |
Bolton, D.W., 1996, Network description and initial water-quality data from a statewide ground-water-quality network in Maryland: Maryland Geological Survey Report of Investigations No. 60, 167 p.
| MAJOR IONS AND INDICATORS: | |||
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| NUTRIENTS: | VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS: | ||
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| TRACE ELEMENTS: | RADIONUCLIDES: | ||
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| PESTICIDES: | |||
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updated 6/1/01
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