Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2005ID51B

A Reconnaissance Study of Arsenic Distribution in the Shallow Aquifer of the Treasure Valley

Institute: Idaho
Year Established: 2005 Start Date: 2005-03-01 End Date: 2007-09-30
Total Federal Funds: $62,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $106,069

Principal Investigators: Shawn Benner, Shawn Benner

Project Summary: Perhaps the greatest emerging threat to water quality in Idaho is naturally occurring elevated arsenic in our groundwater based drinking water supplies. In the most populated region of the state, the Treasure Valley, more than 40% of all tested drinking water wells exceed the new arsenic standard. The distribution of arsenic in the groundwaters of southeast Idaho is complex and not well understood and the mechanism of release has not been identified. This project will examine existing hydrologic and geochemical datasets and sample additional groundwater wells in a strongly leveraged research effort coordinated with local state agencies. It is anticipated that this project will lead to significant future funded research opportunities at the local, state and federal level.