Groundwater – quantity and quality with respect to geology
Groundwater Quantity
In the Piedmont and Mountains of the State, geologic maps can help increase the potential for installing high productive groundwater wells. Detailed geologic maps show locations of diabase dikes, faults and other rock types. Different rock types can have different groundwater quantity potential. For example, locations within the Triassic basins underlain by the rock type diabase will likely produce a well with higher quantities of water than a well in the typical Triassic basin rock type. Additionally, detailed geologic maps display bedrock structural data that can provide a groundwater professional with important information.
Guide for Homeowners in the Triassic Basins of North Carolina
Explore geologic maps and other publications of the NC Geological Survey.
Many of the NC Geological Survey's detailed geologic maps can be helpful in determining groundwater well placement.
Groundwater Quality
Private groundwater wells in portions of the State are installed in rock units that have the potential for naturally occurring groundwater contaminants (example: arsenic, radon, manganese, etc..).
Explore additional information about naturally occurring groundwater contaminants: