Hydrogeologic mapping for groundwater resource investigations in Kane County, IL

The population of Kane County was 317,471 in 1990, and 404,119 in 2000, an increase of about 2710,000 by 2030. In anticipation of the need for reliable information on available water resources, the County has contracted with the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) and Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) to assess these resources. The overall goal of this assessment is to provide Kane County with the scientific basis for developing policies and management strategies for its water resources. Staff at the ISGS compiled a database for Kane County and nearby vicinity of 40,138 water-well and boring records and other point data. Each record was individually assessed for the quality of the geological information and the reliability of the reported location. Records from 4,830 wells and borings were selected and used in generating a three-dimensional, geologic model of the county. Emphasis in the modeling was placed on Quaternary deposits and shallow bedrock geology. The main purpose of the model is to provide a reliable representation of the geology and hydrogeology of Kane County that can be used for county-scale planning. The geologic model data have been used to produce maps of the county depicting major Quaternary aquifers, bedrock geology, aquifer sensitivity and, and geologic cross sections. The ISWS have used the model for input for groundwater flow modeling. Results from that modeling are due out later this year.