Assessing Arsenic Concentrations in Groundwater in Anoka County, Minnesota, 1992 - 2012

Document
Description
Naturally occurring arsenic is common in groundwater in Minnesota. Drinking-water managers and producers need to know where high arsenic in groundwater is likely to occur before issuing well regulations, or permitting or investing in new production wells. Statewide arsenic results show that arsenic concentrations in Minnesota groundwater are higher in the western part of the state, but arsenic concentrations have significant spatial variability. In cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the U.S. Geological Survey proposes to conduct a county-scale arsenic study in Anoka County, Minnesota. Phase 2 of this study has three objectives: develop, implement, and evaluate a county-scale arsenic study for Anoka County, Minnesota, for the purpose of describing the two- and three-dimensional spatial distributions of arsenic in groundwater; test whether the probability of arsenic concentration exceedance is linked with one or more explanatory hydrogeologic, geochemical, and well-construction factors; and evaluate the adequacy of the county-scale arsenic study, including identifying outstanding data gaps and limitations. The results of this study would contribute to the scientific understanding of arsenic in groundwater in Minnesota and could be applicable to other glaciated areas of the world. These results also would meet USGS strategic goals of understanding water resources for the Nation and meet the Minnesota Department of Health needs to protect the citizens of the State by ensuring citizens have safe water supplies.
Date Issued
2010 (year uncertain)
Number of Pages
21
Decade
Author
Associated Organization
Rights Holder
Minnesota Water Research Digital Library
Rights Management
Public Domain