Hydrogeologic and water-quality characteristics of glacial-drift aquifers in Minnesota

Book · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6898359

Ruhl, J F

The aquifers generally contain calcium magnesium bicarbonate-type waters, but other types are present also. Calcium magnesium sulfate-type waters are common in the confined drift aquifers in the southwestern and northwestern parts of the State. The elevated concentrations of sulfate, which exceed limits recommended for drinking water by the EPA, results mainly from solution of sulfate bearing minerals in rocks of Cretaceous age that have been reworked in deep glacial drift. Sodium and chloride-type waters are common in drift aquifers in northwestern Minnesota owing to the inflow of saline water from bedrock aquifers of Paleozoic age North Dakota. Cation exchange with clay minerals in the drift also is a source of sodium to these waters, particularly in the confined drift aquifers. Some of the water from these aquifers are unsuitable for irrigation because of elevated concentrations of sodium, and some are unsuitable for drinking because of elevated concentrations of chloride. Concentrations of nitrite plus nitrate (as N) locally exceed the EPA recommended limits for drinking water in central and north-western Minnesota. Nitrate contamination is one of the more serious water quality concerns in Minnesota. Iron and manganese concentrations commonly exceed EPA's recommendations for drinking water throughout the State, but these constituents affect aesthetic properties of water rather than health. 20 refs., 27 figs.

• OSTI ID: 6898359
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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