Effects of Land Use on Ground Water Quality in the Anoka Sand Plain Aquifer of Minesota

Groundwater quality under different land uses (irrigated vs. nonirrigated agriculture, sewered vs. unsewered residential development, and industrial vs. undeveloped land) was studied in an east central Minnesota aquifer. Quarterly samples from 23 monitoring wells from 1997-2000 were analyzed for major ions, trace inorganic chemicals, VOCs, herbicides, and herbicide residues. One-time analysis for PAHs, perchlorate, and coliform bacteria also was conducted. Groundwater chemistry differed significantly beneath different land uses. Several trace inorganic chemical concentrations were highest beneath sewered urban areas. VOCs were detected in 100% of commercial areas, 52% of sewered residential areas, and