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Groundwater resources are extensive in many areas of the
United States. Small towns such as Dudley, Webster, Oxford, Grafton,
Shrewsbury, Northboro MA rely on groundwater for municipal supply.
Larger towns such as Worcester, Marlboro rely on surface water
sources. In New England most of our groundwater is in shallow sand
and gravel deposits in river valleys. These deposits left behind by
the glaciers are at the surface often flat and easily built upon and
contaminated. Thus, many of our best aquifers have been
compromised. Aquifers are replenished by direct rainfall, upland
runoff and from flow in from adjacent surface water. This latter
source has often been overlooked by towns and the state, and if the
surface water is not up to standard, the groundwater supply will soon
suffer.
Readings: 235-244
Concept Questions:
1. What are three consequences of groundwater overpumping?
2. What are the groundwater laws and why do they not address
overpumping effectively p. 458-459? The Ogallala aquifer exemplifies
this problem.
3. What steps need to be taken to protect our
groundwater
resources, pay attention to the source water protection issue noted on
website?
Assignment: Determine the real threats, actual consequences and
solutions to the groundwater contamination problem at Groveland Wells and
one other superfund site of your choosing.
Superfund sites, Why did we fail to prevent the pollution? |