Introduction: The U.S. Geological Survey began a study in 1980 of the quality of water in the principal aquifers of Minnesota. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency funded the study as part of the Underground Injection Control Program, which deals with disposal of liquid wastes beneath land surface. The initial report designated 14 aquifers in the State and provided general information about their geologic, hydrologic, and water-quality characteristics (Adolphson and others, 1981). This report, one in a series that describes individual aquifers in more detail, concerns the Ironton-Galesville aquifer.

From purpose and scope: The purpose of this investigation is to 1) study the hydrologic system in a glaciated terrain typified by numerous lakes, with particular focus on the effects of lake-ground-water interchange, 2) simulate the natural system by using two digital modeling methods--areal (map view) and vertical section, and 3) evaluate the utility of the models and determine the kinds and amount of basic data needed to obtain reasonable simulations.

Purpose and scope: The major purpose of this study is to evaluate the ground-water resources in the Pineland Sands area and their potential for development. The study focuses mainly on the surficial aquifer, the single most readily available source of ground water. Primary objectives of the study are (1) map the areal extent and thickness of the surficial aquifer, (2) determine its ability to transmit water to wells and define the availability of the water, (3) describe the chemical quality of the water, and (4) model the aquifer and simulate probable effects of future development. By evaluating the adequacy of the surficial aquifer, this study should aid in the proper development and management of water resources in the Pineland Sands area.

From abstract: A preliminary quasi-three-dimensional finite-difference ground-water-flow model of the seven-county Twin Cities Metropolitan area was constructed and used to evaluate parameter sensitivity and adequacy of available data.

This report splits the Superior Upland physiographic province of Minnesota into seven regions and concludes that the surficial geology is a result of glacial activity. This report includes several maps and tables.

From abstract: This report uses water samples collected from two sites at the Wild Rice River in Minnesota to "establish baseline water-quality characteristics before construction of a reservoir near Twin Valley, Minnesota for recreation and flood control." It contains a map, graphs, and tables.

From introduction: The objectives of the study were to (1) determine the areal extent, thickness, and water-yielding capability of aquifers in the surficial deposits, (2) estimate the amount of water in storage in the aquifers, (3) determine the chemical quality of water in the aquifers and, (4) establish observation wells to monitor the effects of ground-water development on water levels and storage in the aquifers.

From purpose and scope: The purpose of this report is to describe trends in ground-water use in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, Minnesota, from 1880 to 1980. Water-use trends are discussed in terms of use category, volume of water used over time, aquifer, and well location.

From introduction: The objective of this study are to (1) determine the areal extent and thickness of the Buffalo aquifer and the general occurrence of deeply buried aquifers, (2) determine the potential for development of water supplies from wells in the Buffalo aquifer, (3) investigate and discuss annual recharge to the Buffalo aquifer and the potential for artificially recharging the aquifer, (4) determine the chemical quality of water in the aquifer and in area streams, (5) establish a network of observation wells for monitoring water levels and water quality in the aquifer, (6) determine the relationship between the aquifer and the adjacent streams, and (7) update the information on the flow characteristics of the streams. The main focus of this study is on water in the Buffalo aquifer and on flow characteristics of streams.

Abstract:Data were collected and summarized on the hydrology and hydrogeology of 949 lakes, 10 acres (4 hectares) or larger, in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, Minnesota. Eight tables totaling over 100 pages present data on location, depth, area, lake level, ecological and game-management classification, inflowing and outflowing streams, soils, bedrock type, water added to or take from lake, and reported lake-related problems. SYSTEM 2000, a generalized computer data-base management system, was used to organize the data and prepare the tables. SYSTEM 2000 provides powerful capabilities for future retrieval and analyses of the data. The data base is available to potential users so that questions not implicitly anticipated in the preparation of the published tables can be answered readily, and the user can retrieve data in tabular or other forms to meet his particular needs.

From abstract: This report is one of a series on the hydrogeology and water quality of the 14 principal aquifers in Minnesota prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requested these studies because of the need for information to develop its Underground Injection Control Program.

Introduction: The U.S. Geological Survey began a study in 1980 of the quality of water in the 14 principal aquifers in Minnesota. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency funded the study as part of the Underground Injection Control Program, which deals with disposal of liquid wastes beneath land surface. The initial report designated the 14 aquifers and provided general information about their geologic, hydrologic, and water-quality characteristics (Adolphson and others, 1981). This report, one in a series that describes individual aquifers in more detail, concerns the Upper Carbonate aquifer.

From abstract: This report is one of a series on the hydrogeology and water quality of the 14 principal aquifers in Minnesota prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requested these studies because of the need for information to develop its Underground Injection Control Program.

From introduction: This report describes the quality of the waters and the potential water-quality impacts of redesigning a levee that surrounds the city of Chaska, in Carver County, Minn.

Abstract: The Viking Basin consists of six glacial outwash areas in Douglas, Ottertail, and Todd Counties, west-central Minnesota. Total area is 340 square miles (880 square kilometers). Soils are sandy and excessively well-drained. Crops grown on the outwash would benefit from supplemental irrigation. Irrigation supplies can be obtained from wells in the surface outwash aquifer in significant parts of the large outwash areas near Carlos and Parkers Prairie and the small outwash area near Clotho. Irrigation supplies are unlikely in the outwash areas near Alexandria, Urbank, and Rose City. Major use of ground water for irrigation may lower ground-water levels sufficiently to affect lake and marsh levels and streamflow out of the irrigation areas. Water from the outwash is of excellent chemical quality for irrigation.

From Purpose and Objectives: This study was made primarily to provide a means to depict and forecast stream quality based on known causative or apparent correlative factors.

This report presents the results of water sampling from three lakes in Dakota County over an eighteen-month period. The author determined that "the lakes were shallow, non-stratified, and nutrient-enriched." It includes tables and other figures.

Report outlining a survey of the Pineland Sands area in central Minnesota as well as a digital model, created to predict the development of its surficial aquifer. It contains maps, graphs, and figures.

From abstract: This report is one of a series on the hydrogeology and water quality of the 14 principal aquifers in Minnesota prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requested these studies because of the need for information to develop its Underground Injection Control Program.

From abstract: This report presents data collected from four lakes in Lakeville, Minnesota to determine water-quality characteristics and evaluate "changes that may occur in the lakes because of urbanization." It contains a map, graphs, tables, and a glossary.

Abstract: Alimagnet, Farquar, and Long Lakes, in Apple Valley, Minnesota, were sampled from 1973-79 to determine their physical and chemical characteristics. A storm-sewer inlet to Alimagnet Lake was also sampled during two storms in 1978. The 1976-77 drought caused a more noticeable effect on the quality of the lakes than any other factor. Chloride concentrations were 10 to 15 milligrams per liter before the drought, but increased 2 to 4 times during the drought. Dissolved solids reacted similarly . Dissolved oxygen and pH were governed mainly by biological activity. In February 1977, dissolved-oxygen concentration was less than 0.5 milligrams per liter in the three lakes. Ratios between mean total nitrogen and mean total phosphorus ranged from 22:1 to 26:1. Tropic-state indices indicate that the lakes are eutrophic. Blue-green algae dominated the phytoplankton populations. Storms sampled at a storm-sewer inlet to Alimagnet Lake showed higher concentrations pf chromium, copper, nickel, and zinc than of lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. Total phosphorus for the September 1978 storm had a concentration of 1.7 milligrams per liter, which means that approximately 29 pounds entered the lake during the 5.5-hour sampling period.

This report determines the possible effects of constructing an interstate highway on the nearby Rogers Lake in Dakota County, Minnesota by testing multiple water and bed material samples. This report also includes several tables and other figures.

Purpose and scope: The purpose of this report is to describe and make preliminary interpretations of: (1) Limnological characteristics of Williams Lake, based on physical, chemical, and biological data collected in 6 days in 6 different months in 1979; (2) chemical quality of ground water near the lake, based on samples collected during the summer of 1979; and (3) mineralogy of the lake sediment cores obtained in February 1978. The period of study extended from March, when the lake was covered by ice, through the period of open water, to December, when it was again covered by ice.

From introduction: This report summarizes data currently available to obtain low-flow characteristics for Minnesota streams. The data include expected annual low-flows for specific recurrence intervals at 161 continuous-record gaging stations.