Test for contamination of water at Well 103, South Well Field, Columbus, Ohio

Abstract

The City of Columbus, Ohio is currently developing a glacial aquifer as a source of water for municipal use. Three radial collectors well have been emplaced in the aquifer along the Scioto River; one has been emplaced in the aquifer along Big Walnut Creek. This study determines whether continuous pumping of one well, Well 103, will result in contamination of the glacial aquifer with highly mineralized water from the underlying carbonate aquifer. Chemical analyses of water collected from the glacial aquifer indicate that contamination has not occurred at Well 103. The parameters measured varied insignificantly throughout the 113 days (October 6, 1983 to January 27, 1984) of this study. Calcium averaged 103.8 mg/l. Magnesium averaged 38.0 mg/l which is below the limit of 125 mg/l placed on drinking water by the U.S. EPA (1975) . However, hydrogen sulfide appeared in the glacial aquifer in December with an average concentration of 1.15 mg/l. The sulfide concentration is above the limit of 0.05 mg/l placed on drinking water by the U.S. EPA (1975). Continued monitoring of the other parameters may show a gradual increase if the sulfide is an indication of interaction between the glacial and carbonate aquifer.