Michigan’s groundwater system is so vast, its sometimes nicknamed “the sixth Great Lake.”
The state’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is partnering with the U.S. Geological Survey for a major scientific effort to map the underground resource using airborne electromagnetic technology.
“It’s going to be a low-flying helicopter that ultimately is carrying what's going to look underneath it like a large hula hoop.”
Sydney Ruhala, Groundwater Data Unit Supervisor, says the hoops have specialized sensors that measure the earth’s electrical magnetic properties up to 1,000 feet below the surface creating 3D geology maps tracking how water flows through rock layers and connects to surface rivers and lakes.
“We want to make sure that we understand where our groundwater is located, how much groundwater we have available, and ultimately how it's being used over time so that we can be protective and work to manage that resource for everybody in the state both now and into the future. “
Mapping targets sixteen Michigan counties including tribal lands, many with heavy agricultural water use and large population growth.
“Ottawa County comes to mind… There are areas of the state where they're having trouble with access to groundwater and being able to find groundwater that's usable for things like drinking water.”
A flight tracker is available on the USGS website.
Flight areas include: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Ottawa, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties.
Flights occur only during daylight hours. Pilots are trained to avoid densely populated areas and will not fly directly over buildings at low altitude.
The equipment does not collect photos or video; it only measures geophysical data.
There is no risk to humans, livestock, or crops.
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