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Occurrence of nitrate in ground water in the White River Basin, Indiana, 1994–95

Fact Sheet 1996–0110
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs11096

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Abstract

Nitrogen-based fertilizers are used extensively in the White River Basin. Water samples were collected for nitrate analysis from 103 monitoring wells in four networks in the basin. Ninety-four "shallow" wells were screened near the top of the uppermost aquifer encountered; the remaining 9 wells were paired with shallow wells but screened 18 to 45 feet deeper. Samples from 6.4 percent of the shallow wells exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Maximum Contaminant Level of 10 mg/L (milligrams per liter). Elevated nitrate concentrations (higher than 3 mg/L) were common in unconfined, permeable deposits underlying agricultural areas; nitrate concentrations decreased with depth in these deposits. Low nitrate concentrations (less than 0.05 mg/L) were found in aquifers confined by clay-rich tills that retard downward movement of nitrate and oxygen into the ground water.

Suggested Citation

Moore, R.C., and Fenelon, J.M., 1996, Occurrence of nitrate in ground water in the White River Basin, Indiana, 1994–95: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 1996–0110, 4 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs11096.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Description of the White River Basin
  • Factors Affecting Nitrate in Ground Water
  • Study Approach
  • Findings
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Occurrence of nitrate in ground water in the White River Basin, Indiana, 1994–95
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 1996–0110
DOI 10.3133/fs11096
Year Published 1996
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Indiana Water Science Center
Description Document: 4 p.
Country United States
State Indiana
Other Geospatial White River Basin
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details