Hydrogeology of Unconsolidated and Bedrock Aquifers Along the Salmon River, Including Malone, Franklin County, New York

Scientific Investigations Report 2025-5048
Prepared in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
By: , and 

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Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, investigated the hydrogeology of the unconsolidated and bedrock aquifers along the Salmon River corridor in northern Franklin County, New York. The study area covers roughly 147 square miles and includes the village of Malone and parts of the Towns of Malone, Bellmont, Burke, Constable, Westville, Bangor, Duane, and Franklin, New York. Groundwater is the primary source for water supply within the study area. Eighty-three percent of all residents use public water supplied from two production wells that draw water from a thick, highly productive sand-and-gravel aquifer likely receiving induced infiltration from the Salmon River. Twenty-four percent of the 187 verified domestic wells in the study area outside of the production well service area boundary are screened in typically discontinuous deposits of stratified sand and sand and gravel. Seventy-six percent of the wells are completed in bedrock aquifers including the Potsdam Sandstone, metamorphic rocks, Theresa Formation, and unknown bedrock. Characterizing and understanding potential groundwater resources is critical for protecting the quality of the groundwater. The information in this report may be used to guide delineation of groundwater contributing areas, assess potential threats to aquifers from both point and nonpoint sources, respond to contamination from spills or leaks from underground storage facilities or other sources, and to support assessments for future development of municipal water supplies.

Suggested Citation

Fisher, S.R., Van Hoesen, J.G., Heisig, P.M., and Woda, J.C., 2025, Hydrogeology of unconsolidated and bedrock aquifers along the Salmon River, including Malone, Franklin County, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5048, 28 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255048.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Purpose and Scope
  • Study Area Description
  • Data Sources and Methods
  • Bedrock Geology
  • Glacial Geology
  • Groundwater Use
  • Hydrogeology
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Hydrogeology of unconsolidated and bedrock aquifers along the Salmon River, including Malone, Franklin County, New York
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2025-5048
DOI 10.3133/sir20255048
Publication Date August 06, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) New York Water Science Center
Description Report: vii, 28 p.; 2 Data Releases: Application Site
Country United States
State New York
County Franklin County
City Malone
Other Geospatial Salmon River
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details