Hydrostratigraphic and hydraulic characterization of Paleozoic bedrock at nine southeastern Minnesota communities:research in support of wellhead protection

Abstract

This report summarizes research conducted by the Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS) for the Southeastern Minnesota Water Resources Board (SMWRB) to provide basic data and technical interpretations pertinent to the design of wellheadprotection strategies for nine communities in southeastern Minnesota (Fig. 1). The study focuses on the hydrogeologic attributes of Paleozoic bedrock that supplies these communities with potable water. The communities, including the cities of Brownsdale, Cannon Falls, Hayfield, Hokah, Kasson, Lewiston, Lonsdale, Plainview, and Preston, were selected by the SMWRB using criteria supplied by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). A brief addendum to this report also provides hydraulic conductivity estimates for the aquifers used by the cities of Eyota and Dodge Center.