The U.S Geological Survey (USGS) and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) have developed extensive geographic information system (GIS) databases containing source-water-quality, drinking-water-quality, hydrogeologic, and land-use information. These databases, together with results of completed and ongoing assessments of the susceptibility of drinking water to contamination by regulated constituents, can be used by public health officials to identify populations that may be exposed to contaminants in drinking water. Several USGS programs, such as the National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) and Toxics Substances Hydrology Programs, and cooperative projects with NJDEP and local organizations have included sampling of surface- and ground-water resources in New Jersey for a wide variety of toxic and carcinogenic substances. As part of a cooperative Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) project, the USGS is developing models to determine the susceptibility of community water-supply wells and surface-water intakes in New Jersey to contamination by regulated constituents. Results of statistically based susceptibility analyses of drinking-water supplies for pesticides, volatile organic compounds, trace elements, nutrients, radionuclides, and disinfection byproducts are being used by regulatory agencies to target susceptible facilities and establish appropriate monitoring schemes. The GIS database and results of the susceptibility analyses will be made available to local public health officials and researchers from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Center for Disease Control to identify those populations that may be at risk to exposure to contaminants from drinking-water sources. This approach could be used as a model by public health officials in other states and regions. See nj.usgs.gov/gw/maps/index.html
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to describe a geographic information system that portrays the vulnerability of NJ water supplies to various contaminants.
Keywords: Drinking Water Quality, Geographic Information Systems
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: U.S. Geological Survey
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment