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Southwest Missouri Source-of-Supply Investigation
Missouri-American Water Co.The Missouri-American Water Company hired WHPA to conduct a regional groundwater study in Southwestern Missouri. The purpose of the study was to investigate the ability of the Ozark aquifer to sustain long-term population growth in the Joplin area, and evaluate the potential for water-quality risks in the Ozark aquifer due to contamination of the overlying Springfield Plateau aquifer.
The primary water source for Southwestern
Missouri is the Ozark aquifer which is
separated from the overlying Springfield
Plateau aquifer by a low permeability confining
layer. In many areas, the Springfield Plateau
aquifer is contaminated with solvents, and by
heavy metals from adondoned mines. All of the
public water supply wells located in the region
are drilled into the deep Ozark aquifer. In
response to increased demand for water,
suppliers have drilled additional wells. This has
led to significant drawdown and threats of
contamination from recharge induced from the
Springfield Plateau aquifer. There have been
episodes of high capacity well fields that have
become unable to meet production needs.
WHPA performed a comprehensive investigation that:
- characterizes growth in demand and estimate future water use from the Ozark aquifer,
- describes local and regional effects of groundwater withdrawal in the area,
- evaluates the risk of contamination from the upper aquifer,
- evaluates local yield under current and future conditions,
- systematically evaluates water supply options, including groundwater, surface water, and springs.
Project Reference:
Mark Griffin, P.E., Engineering Manager • Missouri-American Water Company
535 North New Ballas Road • St. Louis, MO 63141 • (314) 991-3404 • mgriffin@mawc.com
