Ground-Water Resources in part of the Northwest Lower Peninsula

Some of the thickest and most complex glacial drift in Michigan is located in the northwest lower peninsula. Although this glacial drift serves as the principal aquifer(s) for ground water produced by municipalities of the northwest lower peninsula, a thorough understading of the geologic, hydraulic, and chemical properties of the aquifer(s) that affect local and subregional ground-water flow and contaminant movement does not exist. The results of this project will provide the conceptual foundation and a ground water flow model that encompasses a large enough area to be used as a tool for Federal, State, and local agencies to better manage and protect the quality of the area's water supply. The area contributing recharge to the deep glacial aquifers needs to be delineated for the Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP), and for siting of potential future or alternative municipal supply well fields. The subregional scale ground-water flow model will also help investigators beginning site-specific studies to effectively and efficiently assess local hydrogeologic conditions.