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Ground water is all the water beneath the surface of the earth. In Allen County, economically significant amounts of this resource are produced from aquifers that consist of limestone bedrock and various sand and gravel bodies in the glacial deposits. Nearly all of these are confined by variable thicknesses of clay that act to retard recharge and slow the movement of potential contaminants into these waters. Aquifers are commonly interconnected with one another and, at places, with surface water, to form aquifer systems. According to a recent study ("The Hydrology of Allen County", by A. Fleming) there are three principal aquifers in Allen County. These are, (1) the bedrock aquifer systems in southern and central parts of the county, (2) the Aboit aquifer system in southwest Allen County and (3) the Huntertown aquifer in the northwest. The Huntertown aquifer system appears to be the most productive water resource in the county, and is further distinguished by a hummocky, internally drained landscape in the northwestern townships that locally causes increased recharge and a hightened potential for contamination. According to stream-gauging data, some 14 million gallons of water per day are discharged into a reach of the St. Joseph River above the City of Fort Wayne's water intake. Therefore ground water is an unseen, though important contributor to the city's surface water supply.
Fleming further divided the county into 11 distinct hydrogeologic regions based on ground water availability, potential for contamination, relationship between surface water and ground water, and other factors. Five regions are overall the most sensitive to contaminations based on hydrogeological factors. These include the Huntertown interlobate region, the Eel River Valley, Cedar Creek Canyon, the St. Joseph River Valley and the Wabash-Erie Channel. Although these areas have the highest number of sensitive areas, smaller areas with a high potential for contamination can be located in any part of the county. Refer to "The Hydrogeology of Allen County, Indiana, A geologic and Ground Water Atlas" for a detailed description of the geology and ground water resources of Allen County. It is available at the Allen County Department of Planning Services or the public library. It can be purchased from the Indiana Geological Survey.
Address:
ACPWQ
3718 New Vision Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46845
Phone:
260-484-5848 EXT. 111
email: Currently Unavailable
URL: http://www.acwater.org