Hydrogeologic and Ground-Water-Quality Data Base Available for Belvidere, Illinois

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has prepared a report describing a data base of hydrogeologic and ground-water-quality data for wells in the vicinity of Belvidere, Boone County, Illinois. The data base, which contains information for 725 public and private water-supply and monitoring wells, is compiled in a geographic information system. This system allows the data to be readily visualized and analyzed in the form of computer-generated maps.

"The data base is being used by the USGS in a study to characterize the hydrogeology and water quality of the aquifers underlying Belvidere, Illinois," said Timothy Brown, hydrologist with the USGS. Several ground-water studies are being performed in the Belvidere area, but they are really restricted, site-specific studies. "Compiling data from monitoring wells installed for specific site studies and from municipal and private water-supply wells in the area into a comprehensive data base allows investigators to develop a regional-scale perspective of ground-water-flow and water quality in the aquifers in the area," said Brown.

Data are presented and summarized and the development, application, and limitations of the data base are discussed in the report, "Well-Construction, Hydrogeologic, and Ground-Water-Quality Data in the Vicinity of Belvidere, Boone County, Illinois," by Timothy A. Brown and Patrick C. Mills, published as U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 94-515. Copies of the report are available for inspection at the U.S. Geological Survey, 221 N. Broadway, Urbana, Ill. Paper and microfiche copies can be purchased at cost from the U.S. Geological Survey, Information Services, Box 25286, Federal Center, Denver, Colorado, 80225 (telephone (303) 202-4700). Orders must include check or money order payable to U.S. Department of the Interior-USGS and must specify report number OFR 94-515.