In addition to sampling domestic groundwater wells for pesticides and nutrients, the new agreement includes sampling of major ions, trace elements, bacteria, and isotopes for groundwater age-dating. Sampling targets areas with limited historical groundwater quality data. A subset of wells will be sampled for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to help understand the prevalence of these emerging industrial contaminants.  

Each year, 30 domestic wells will be sampled; homeowners will receive detailed laboratory results. Seven hydrogeologic settings will be sampled during the course of this agreement; three – the Glaciated Pittsburgh Plateau, Pittsburgh Low Plateau, and Northwestern Glaciated surficial hydrogeologic settings – have not been previously sampled, and the others have not been sampled in a decade or more. 

Timeline for different hydrogeologic settings:

• 2021 - Triassic Lowland siliciclastic (previously sampled in 1993 and 2003), 

• 2022 - Glaciated Low Plateau siliciclastic (previously sampled in 1998) and Northeastern Glaciated surficial (previously sampled in 1998, 2001, and 2007), 

• 2023 - Appalachian Mountain siliciclastic (previously sampled in 2000) and Northeastern Glaciated surficial, 

• 2024 - Glaciated Pittsburgh Plateau siliciclastic and Northwestern Glaciated surficial (neither previously sampled), and 

• 2025 - Pittsburgh Low Plateau siliciclastic (not previously sampled) and Northwestern Glaciated surficial. 

Media

Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details