Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2007RI68B

Enhancing Drinking Water Supply by better Understanding Surface Water Ground Water Interaction

Institute: Rhode Island
Year Established: 2007 Start Date: 2007-03-01 End Date: 2008-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $21,604 Total Non-Federal Funds: $62,746

Principal Investigators: Tom Boving, Anne Veeger

Project Summary: Rhode Islands ground water resources are among the states most valuable natural resources supplying drinking water to as much as 100% of its population in large parts of the state. The University of Rhode Island is no exception where 100 % of its drinking water is pumped from a network of three wells. These high-production wells (up to 1000 gpm) are located about 100ft from a surface water body. The close proximity to surface water together with the geologic setting of the well field led us to hypothesize that the URI wellfield may be under the influence of surface-water and therefore at potential risk of contamination in the event of a contamination indident affecting the surface water. Our principal objective is to address this hypothesis from both the hydrologic and regulatory viewpoints. To achieve our objective we will use tools such as a stable isotope mass balance approach and microscopic particulate analysis (MPA). The ultimate goal is to collaborate with the Rhode Island Department of Health on reviewing the current approach to identifying surface/ground water interactions and, if needed, produce a risk-assessment guidance document that addresses the states unique hydrogeologic conditions. This one-year water quality project builds on the expertise of its team members and will directly benefit the people of Rhode Island, e.g. by safely enhancing water supply from currently under-utilized ground water resources.