ENWRA collects annual water quality samples at the Pilot Sites: Oakland, Ashland and Firth (78 monitoring wells targeting multiple levels of the aquifers/different aquifer units) and has the samples analyzed to determine general water chemistry.  By comparing water chemistry, hydrogeologists can assess the extent of connection between aquifers and surface water and potential flow paths. In cases where general water chemistry does not provide a clear answer regarding connections, additional ground water samples will be collected and age dated.  Age-dating was conducted at each of the pilot sites in the early years of assessment and summarized in USGS reports and CSD bulletins, additional Age-dating conducted by USGS for ENWRA is summarized under the ENWRA Recharge Projects page.

In addition to providing information about aquifer connections and flow paths, water sampling provides site specific information that will likely be useful in the future for water quality conservation purposes. Click here for a link to download ENWRA's 2008 to current compiled datasets and graphs (291 MB).  Click here for video demonstrating contaminant migration and wells. Click here for additional Nebraska water related topics and video demonstrations relating to water movement, quality and water resource management.