Ground-water flow in the Saginaw aquifer in the vicinity of the north Lansing well field, Lansing Michigan — Part 1, simulations with a regional model

Open-File Report 97-569
Prepared in cooperation with Lansing Board of Water and Light
By: , and 

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Abstract

Vinyl chloride has been detected in water from the Saginaw aquifer near Lansing Board of Water and Light wells in the north Lansing well field. These public-supply wells have the potential to withdraw contaminated ground water. Groundwater-flow simulations and particle-tracking analyses with a regional model were used to investigate local ground-water movement. The effectiveness of hypothetical purge wells to remove ground water containing vinyl chloride was also evaluated. Five pumping scenarios were developed to assess effects of existing groundwater pumping conditions and alternative groundwater management options on the movement of the vinyl chloride plume in the Saginaw aquifer. Results indicate that under 1995 average pumping conditions, four public-supply wells in the north Lansing well field will remove water that originates in a portion of the Saginaw aquifer known to be contaminated with vinyl chloride. When pumping rates by wells in the north Lansing well field are reduced to simulate winter withdrawals, four public-supply wells to the west and south of the north Lansing well field remove water that originates in a portion of the Saginaw aquifer known to be contaminated with vinyl chloride. Simulation results indicate that purge wells can be used to capture most contaminated water and prevent interception of contaminated water by supply wells. However, further analysis is needed to determine the full extent of the vinyl chloride plume and the potential impact on Lansing Board of Water and Light public-supply wells.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Ground-water flow in the Saginaw aquifer in the vicinity of the north Lansing well field, Lansing Michigan — Part 1, simulations with a regional model
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 97-569
DOI 10.3133/ofr97569
Year Published 1997
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Lansing, MI
Contributing office(s) Michigan Water Science Center
Description v, 13 p.
Country United States
State Michigan
City Lansing
Other Geospatial Saginaw aquifer
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