USGS GLACIAL AQUIFER SYSTEM GROUNDWATER AVAILABILITY STUDY

USGS Groundwater Resources Program is coordinating regional groundwater availability studies for principal aquifer systems across the nation. These studies focus on assessment of the status of groundwater resources and quantification of the response of these systems to development and climate change. Each study provides groundwater resource information in a regional context that is designed to help support local decisions. When completed, these studies will provide insight on the major groundwater resources of the nation. The glacial aquifer system study is challenged by the large spatial extent of the system, extreme spatial heterogeneity, climatic range from semi-arid to humid, and the potential for strong hydraulic connection of shallow glacial aquifers to surface-water features. In meeting these challenges, the study aims to provide analysis for characterizing limitations on groundwater availability in regions within the glacial aquifer system arising from climatic setting, hydrogeologic conditions, water quality issues, constraints imposed by the desire to maintain environmental flows, or other features of the system.