The USGS, in cooperation with the NHDES, recently completed a study to assess the potential of the State's bedrock aquifers to provide ground-water supplies. Statewide and regional assessments were conducted to quantify relations between well yields and bedrock data, physiographic setting, fracture measurements, and well characteristics. A statewide model providing predictive well-yield probabilities was developed. The results of this study are planned for release in 2001 and will provide information and predictive tools that can be used by water-resource professionals, and community, regional and state planners, in locating, and understanding, bedrock water resources.

The assessments identified the following factors related to bedrock well yields: (1) steep slopes tend to have decreased yields; (2) regionally, hilltops are associated with decreased yields and valleys are associated with increased yields; (3) wells farther away from waterbodies are associated with decreased yields; (4) large drainage areas to the wells are associated with increased yields; (5) sites within 100 feet (ft) of specific types of lineaments are associated with increased well yields; and (6) various geologic map units were found to be significantly related to well yields.

--Richard Moore (603) 226-7825 or rmoore@usgs.gov

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