August 5, 2005

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester today announced the completion of a two-year project to inventory and map Michigan’s groundwater resources. The DEQ partnered with the United States Geological Survey and Michigan State University to produce a new database that shows groundwater aquifers and features, users of large quantities of groundwater, and other valuable groundwater information.

“The information this project has provided allows us to have a greater understanding of the nature of Michigan’s groundwater resources,” said Director Chester. “Now that we have this information available to us, we must take appropriate action to ensure that these resources are protected, and move toward comprehensive water withdrawal legislation for the state.”

The report, mandated and funded through Public Act 148 of 2003, will be submitted to the Ground Water Conservation Advisory Council in preparation of their final report to the Legislature in February, 2006.

“I am looking forward to reviewing these maps to know where we have ample groundwater supply and where there are inadequate amounts,” said Senator Patricia Birkholz (R - Saugatuck), Chair of the Senate Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs Committee. “This will help us as we move forward on groundwater issues and protecting our natural resources.”

“It is urgent now that we have this information that we move ahead with meaningful legislation to protect the Great Lakes from water diversion,” added Senator Liz Brater (D - Ann Arbor).

While the maps will be available in traditional paper copy, a highly interactive digital format is available on the internet as well. This one of a kind internet product will make data easily available to users looking for information to help develop and manage the state’s groundwater resources.

The Director will unveil the tool at today’s Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee meeting in Saginaw. For those interested in a detailed demonstration, the DEQ and their partners will present the Ground Water Inventory and Mapping at an August 25, 2005 meeting in Lansing. The presentation will be held at the State of Michigan Library and Museum Forum Room at 10:00 a.m.

The interactive website is located at http://gwmap.rsgis.msu.edu.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised August 5, 2005 by Pat Watson