The Delaware Geological Survey (DGS) at the University of Delaware has released a new technical report that documents technical aspects of an intensive survey, review and analysis of existing ground-water quality data obtained from samples collected from more than 200 shallow domestic and small public wells to determine the extent to which toxic and carcinogenic compounds are present in shallow ground water.

The report, “Results of the Domestic Well Water-Quality Study,” which was made at the request of the environmental subcommittee of the Delaware Cancer Consortium and the Delaware Division of Public Health, is based on samples and water quality data from a number of state and federal programs. It was compiled by A. Scott Andres, Vincent Pellerito, Mark Neimeister, and Elizabeth Wolff, all of DGS.

The report, also known as DGS Open File Report No. 48, provides information that will be useful in guiding anticipated growth and economic development and developing and protecting water resources.

Groundwater provides nearly all fresh water for public, domestic, commercial, irrigation and industrial uses in Delaware south of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and about 25 percent north of the canal.

The report is part of the Delaware Geological Survey's ongoing mission to understand hydrologic systems and to advise, inform and educate Delawareans about the results of such investigations for use in such areas as water resources, agriculture, public health, economic development, land-use planning, geologic hazards, environmental protection, energy and mineral resources, emergency management and recreation.

Open File Report No. 48 is available in PDF format. Printed copies of the publication may be requested by contacting DGS at (302) 831-2833 or via e-mail to delgeosurvey@udel.edu.