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Ground water in the Piedmont Upland of central Maryland

Water-Resources Investigations Report 80-18
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https://doi.org/10.3133/wri8018

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Abstract

Aquifers in a 130-square-mile area of the central Maryland and Piedmont, are shown to be the sole or principal source of water. The study area is underlain chiefly by crystalline rocks and partly by unaltered sandstones and siltstones. The groundwater is derived from local precipitation and generally occurs under water-table conditions. Its movement is restricted by the lack of interconnected openings, and most groundwater occurs within 300 feet of the land surface. Hydrographs indicate no long-term change in groundwater storage. A few wells yield more than 100 gallons per minute, but about 70% of 286 inventoried wells yield 10 gallons per minute or less; most specific capacities are less than 1.0 gallon per minute per foot. The groundwater quality is generally satisfactory without treatment and there are no known widespread pollution problems. Estimated daily figures on groundwater use are as follows; 780,000 gallons for domestic purposes; 55,000 for commercial purposes; and 160,000 for public supply. Although part of the area is served by an existing surface-water supply and could be served by possible extension of those and other public-supply water mains, much of the rural population is dependent on the groundwater available from private wells tapping the single aquifer that underlies any given location. Neither the groundwater conditions nor this dependence on individual wells is unique to the study area, but, rather, applies to the entire Piedmont province. (USGS)

Suggested Citation

Richardson, C.A., 1980, Ground water in the Piedmont Upland of central Maryland: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 80-18, v, 42 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri8018.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Ground water in the Piedmont Upland of central Maryland
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 80-18
DOI 10.3133/wri8018
Year Published 1980
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Description v, 42 p.
Country United States
State Maryland
Other Geospatial Piedmont Upland
Additional publication details