NEW ENGLAND COASTAL BASINS NAWQA PROGRAM: GROUND-WATER STUDIES

MAJOR AQUIFER STUDIES (MAS)

Each major aquifer study (MAS -- originally termed Study-Unit Survey by the NAWQA Program) is designed to assess the water quality of the most important ground-water resources in the NAWQA study unit. A network of wells was established for each study. Alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and specific conductance were measured at each well, and water samples were collected for laboratory analysis of nutrients, major ions, trace elements, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, radiochemicals, and isotopes. The NECB NAWQA study team conducted three major aquifer studies:

Major Aquifer Study 1: Metasedimentary rocks, variably calcareous
Major Aquifer Study 2: Felsic igneous and undifferentiated metasedimentary rocks
Major Aquifer Study 3: Sand and gravel aquifers

Diagram of typical domestic well in fractured-bedrock aquifer	Collecting water level data from domestic bedrock well	Reconnaissance-level sampling of a bedrock well	Hydrologist collecting a CFC isotope sample	Hydrologist collecting a radon sample	Homeowner and USGS hydrologist discussing sampling plans

click to enlarge photos

The journal Environmental Science and Technology has published an article summarizing the results of NECB ground-water studies that assessed arsenic occurrence in ground water used for private domestic water supply.

Environmental Science and Technology article:
Arsenic in Groundwater in Eastern New England: Occurrence, Controls, and Human Health Implications
[download PDF file, 497 KB]