What does monitoring the health of a confined aquifer help mitigate?

Monitoring the health of a confined aquifer is crucial for understanding and managing the quality and safety of the water supply contained within it. This type of monitoring helps identify any changes in water quality that could indicate contamination, particularly from sources such as underground storage tanks (USTs).

When USTs leak, harmful substances can seep into the soil and potentially reach the aquifer, posing a significant risk to the water quality and the overall health of ecosystems reliant on that water. By closely monitoring the confined aquifer, authorities can detect contamination early, evaluate its extent, and implement remediation measures to protect the water supply. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring the safety of drinking water and compliance with environmental regulations, ultimately safeguarding public health and environmental integrity.