News Release

New Study Begins in the Tri-State Area to Assess Ground Water Quantity and Quality in the Ozark Aquifer

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is beginning a 3 ½-year study of the availability of ground water from the Ozark aquifer in the Tri-State area. The Ozark aquifer, which underlies parts of southeast Kansas, southwest Missouri, and northeast Oklahoma, is a major source of municipal, industrial and residential water supply for the Tri-State area. Population growth in the Tri-State area has increased demand on the aquifer. As part of the USGS study, a ground-water flow model will be developed to simulate the effect of existing and possible municipal and industrial ground-water withdrawal rates on ground-water availability. Water quality of the aquifer also will be assessed. The ground-water model and water-quality study reports are planned to be published by September 2008. The information acquired from this study will help water managers make decisions about the long-term viability of ground water as a source of water supply for the Tri-State area, the placement of new large capacity water-supply wells to minimize the effects on existing users, and the potential for future contamination of the wells. The Ozark Aquifer Technical Advisory Committee, comprising representatives from the three state water agencies, the USGS, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and local representatives, Pete Rouch (city of Monet, Missouri) and Bob Kirby (Kansas Rural Water Association), meets quarterly to discuss the status of the study. Annual public meetings beginning in the fall of 2006 will be held to provide area residents with information about the study. 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 www.usgs.gov/public/list_server.html to subscribe.