Understanding the Complexity of Groundwater Resources

Dale Setterholm Minnesota Geological Survey

Distribution of Earth Materials determines:

Where water can enter the ground- recharge
Where water can reside in significant and pumpable quantities- aquifers

Where water will eventually discharge to the land surface supporting lakes, streams, springs, and fens.

Geologic Complexity

The largest area of Minnesota relies on glacial aquifers- a complex distribution

Geologic Complexity

Variability in Precipitation and Recharge

Complexity in Time

Human Complexity

USGS Circular 1186

Groundwater Principles in a Headwaters State

Precipitation is our only source of water

Sustainability requires that our long term use must

be balanced against our long term supply.

The water we put into the ground today is our

supply for tomorrow. We need to understand the geologic framework of groundwater if we want to manage outcomes.

Comprehensive Geologic Mapping and Associated Databases:

Ground water sustainability Water allocation Modeling Permitting Wellhead protection Land use planning Drought planning Aquifer remediation Mineral resource planning and protection Surface water protection