News Release
USGS Study Surprisingly Finds MtBE in Deep Wells in Rockingham County, NHA recently released study led by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) shows surprising results regarding the presence of the gasoline additive MtBE (Methyl tert-Butyl Ether) in public and private wells in southeastern New Hampshire. The study, conducted in conjunction with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, covered public and private wells used for drinking water in Rockingham County because this county has the highest population using wells in southeastern New Hampshire. “MTBE is a concern because ground water from public and private wells, mostly in bedrock aquifers, provides about 75 percent of the drinking water in this County,” said Joseph Ayotte, USGS principal investigator for the project. Since the late 1970s, MtBE has been added to gasoline to increase octane and reduce vehicle emissions. Only recently have scientists discovered how extensive the occurrence of this compound is in wells used for drinking water. MtBE, which is a possible carcinogen, was found at concentrations greater than 0.2 micrograms per liter in 40 percent of public and 21 percent of private wells studied in Rockingham County. However, these concentrations were generally very low and below the State drinking-water standard of 13 micrograms per liter. An unexpected finding was that concentrations of MtBE were often highest in the deeper public wells. This finding is contrary to the common belief that deep wells are less vulnerable to contamination. USGS scientists concluded that MTBE concentrations were higher in deeper wells because deep wells are often low yielding in New England and there is less opportunity for dilution of the contaminant. According to Ayotte, MtBE concentrations were also related to the amount of urban development near a well. “Since the population in this part of New Hampshire is growing rapidly, and bedrock wells are being drilled deeper to meet increased water supply needs, MtBE contamination is an increasing concern,” Ayotte said. “The state recognizes the importance of educating citizens about having well water tested and the health risks associated with MtBE contamination,” said Harry Stewart, Director, Water Division, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services . The findings of the Rockingham County study have led to a statewide study to assess risks and to develop recommendations to reduce the risks to water supplies A summary of the study findings is available in Fact Sheet 2004-3119, titled “Occurrence of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in public and private wells, Rockingham County, New Hampshire” and is available through the USGS by contacting Debra Foster at (603) 226-7837 or dhfoster@usgs.gov. The Fact Sheet is available on the USGS Web site at http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/fs2004-3119. The results also appear in a report in the January issue of “Environmental Science and Technology,” which is available at http://nh.water.usgs.gov/Publications/2005/es049549e.pdf The USGS serves the nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life. To receive USGS news releases go to http://www.usgs.gov/public/list_server.html **** www.usgs.gov ****
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