The geosciences department at Fort Hays State University and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) determined the extent of mineral contamination in three aquifers in northwest Kansas..
The geosciences department at Fort Hays State University and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) determined the extent of mineral contamination in three aquifers in northwest Kansas. The contaminant results from the Prairie Dog Creek alluvial aquifer were used for this study. Forty wells spanning across the Kansas counties of Phillips, Norton, and Decatur allowed for statistical and spatial examination of the contamination. Groundwater flow direction was determined from elevation data and well water depth records. A correlation between possible contaminant buildup and groundwater altitude was investigated but did not yield a significant correlation. Since there is no overall buildup in any of the contaminants, very localized sources in geology or land use are affecting individual wells. A large part of this study focuses on communicating the importance of clean drinking water.
