DEFINING GROUND WATER DRAINAGE BASIN BOUNDARIES AND RECHARGE FOR FRACTURED CRYSTALLINE BEDROCK USING DOMESTIC WELL DATABASES

Rural communities in New England principally rely on ground water extracted from fractured crystalline and sedimentary bedrock. Owing to the complex nature of the fractured rock conditions, little is known about the water supply despite its importance. As such, it is difficult to manage the water supply on a regional, state, or town wide basis. With increased development has come increased controversy regarding the sustainability of the rural bedrock water supply and maintaining its potable water quality. In Connecticut, our knowledge of the bedrock ground water conditions is primarily archived in well completion reports (bore logs) and water quality reports. As part of a US Geologic Survey funded (STATEMAP) project, a database system tied to a geographic information system was developed to help manage and assess ground water conditions. This study included: the development of databases, the digitization of approximately 8,000 records, incorporation of quality assurance elements in the digitizing of records, and using the digitized databases to demonstrate its usefulness for performing geologic and water resource related assessments. The information maintained in the database has been analyzed to derive products on well yield, well depth, and water elevation. These products are beneficial to town planners, local sanitarians, developers, homeowners, and drillers as they are a means to improve and facilitate the decision-making process concerning future rural development and to ensure ground water sustainability.