The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with The Tug Hill Commission and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), have been studying the hydrology and geology of the Tug Hill aquifer in order to protect and utilize it. To quote from the Tug Hill Commission Local and state governments, commercial, farming, and individual water users need information to understand how long-term development activities may affect the aquifer and how to sustain this resource in support of future growth and economic development. At the recent (April 7, 2014) Tug Hill aquifer meeting in Adams, the USGS outlined study results and planned fieldwork for 2014. One of those activities is to develop a water-table map across the northern and central parts of the aquifer see three attached maps. In 2013, water quality samples were collected in 23 wells across the northern and central part of the aquifer (green circles) and these homeowners agreed to allow the USGS to measure water levels in their wells this coming summer (June- July). As seen on the map, there are some gaps across the aquifer (labeled A-E) where access to wells and water-level data are still needed, and we are hereby soliciting the public for help in filling in these gaps. In order to use a well, USGS needs to know; (1) Where the well is located (Map and street address), (2) How deep it is (in feet), (3) Whether the well is finished in bedrock or in sand and gravel, and (4) Is the well easily accessible for measurement? Accessible refers to where the well is located on your property, and how easy it would be to remove and replace the well cap to do the measurement. USGS would visit the well before the actual day of measurement to make sure we can access the well and measure the water level. When we do the measurement, we will provide the owner with the depth to water for your own records. If you would be interested in participating in this important series of water-level measurements, please contact Ben Fisher at the USGS by either calling (607)266-0217 ext. 3018 or emailing at bfisher@usgs.gov. USGS will take your well information and then select representative wells in the gap areas. If several of your neighbors request to participate, we will only take one well for any particular area as we need good coverage across the entire aquifer, versus a cluster of water-level measurements in one area. Your information will help develop a water table map for the aquifer which will be part of the final published report product. Please be sure to leave a contact phone number or e-mail address! Thank you for your interest and participation in this endeavor! Ben Fisher
US Geological Survey New York Water Science Center 30 Brown Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850 Contact: Ben Fisher bfisher@usgs.gov (607)266-0217 ext. 3018 or Ed Bugliosi ebuglios@usgs.gov (607)266-0217 ext. 3005 May, 2014
Outline areas (red boxes) where access to wells is still needed; please contact Ben Fisher at U.S. Geological Survey if you can assist. (607)266-0217 x3018 or x3005