Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2003MI31B

Investigating the Groundwater Quantity Effects on Ecosystems and Human Activities

Institute: Michigan
Year Established: 2003 Start Date: 2003-03-01 End Date: 2004-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $15,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $31,069

Principal Investigators: William Northcott

Project Summary: ABSTRACT Although the quality of water resources has been a major focus of research in Michigan and has resulted in knowledge concerning land use and water quality interactions, less emphasis has focused on water quantity issues. Recently, much attention has focused on groundwater, particularly with regards to water withdrawals in areas that are susceptible to dewatering and lowering the aquifer or surface-water body. While research on surface water and groundwater has shown their direct connectivity, these interactions are often not considered in water resources management and policy. New models are being developed to help illustrate the effects of water withdrawals in various aquifers and quantify the amounts of water available, but this information needs to be integrated into outreach materials to assist managers and policy makers in the decision making process concerning water uses and ultimately legislatively controlling water resources. Through the compilation and integration of data and information from past, ongoing and proposed water-related studies, hydrologic principles, water use, availability and quantity will be made accessible to legislators and policy makers, local, state and federal agencies and the nonscientific community.