U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Open-File Report 2008–1140

Prepared in cooperation with the 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Ground-Water Quality in Western New York, 2006
Cover. The American Falls viewed from the Niagara River at Niagara Falls, New York (photo by H.J. Zajd, Jr., 2007).
Ground-Water Quality in Western 

New York, 2006

By David A.V. Eckhardt, James E. Reddy, and Kathryn L. Tamulonis

Prepared in cooperation with the 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Open-File Report 2008–1140
ii

U.S. Department of the Interior

DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Mark D. Myers, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2008

For more information on the USGS--the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, 

natural hazards, and the environment:

World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov

Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS

Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the 

U.S. Government.

Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to 

reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report.

Suggested citation:

Eckhardt, D.A.V., Reddy, J.E., and Tamulonis, K.L., 2008, Ground-water quality in western New York, 2006: 

U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2008–1140, 36 p., available only online at http://pubs.usgs.gov/

ofr/2008/1140
iii

Contents

Abstract...........................................................................................................................................................1

Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................1

Purpose and Scope ..............................................................................................................................3

Study Area..............................................................................................................................................3

Physiography, Land Use, and Precipitation ............................................................................3

Glacial Deposits ...........................................................................................................................5

Bedrock .........................................................................................................................................5

Population and Water Supply ....................................................................................................5

Methods ..........................................................................................................................................................8

Site Selection.........................................................................................................................................8

Sampling Methods................................................................................................................................8

Ground-Water Quality ..................................................................................................................................9

Physical Properties...............................................................................................................................9

Inorganic Major Ions..........................................................................................................................10

Nutrients and Organic Carbon..........................................................................................................11

Trace Elements and Radon-222 ........................................................................................................11

Pesticides.............................................................................................................................................13

Volatile Organic Compounds and Phenolic Compounds..............................................................13

Bacteria................................................................................................................................................13

Summary .......................................................................................................................................................14

References Cited .........................................................................................................................................14

Appendix........................................................................................................................................................19

Figures

Maps 1–4 showing—

1. Pertinent geographic features of study area in western New York, and 

locations of the 33 wells sampled in 2006........................................................................2

2. Land use in western New York study area and locations of the 33 wells 

sampled in 2006....................................................................................................................4

3. Surficial geology of western New York study area and locations of the 

15 wells screened in sand and gravel aquifers that were sampled in 2006 ..............6

4. Generalized bedrock geology of western New York study area and locations 

of the 18 wells completed in bedrock that were sampled in 2006...............................7

Tables

1. Area and population of the western New York study area, by drainage basin..................3

2. Summary statistics for concentrations of major ions in sand and gravel aquifers 

and bedrock aquifers in western New York, 2006.................................................................10

3. Summary statistics for concentrations of nutrients and organic carbon in 

sand and gravel aquifers and bedrock aquifers in western New York, 2006 ...................11

4. Summary statistics for concentrations of trace elements and radon-222 in 

sand and gravel aquifers and bedrock aquifers in western New York, 2006 ...................12
iv

Abbreviations

AMCL Alternative maximum contaminant level

CFU/ml Colony forming units per milliliter

CIAT 2-chloro-4-isopropylamino-6-amino-s-triazine (also called deethylatrazine)

ESA Ethanesulfonic acid

GWSI Ground-Water Site Inventory

HA Health Advisory for drinking water

HPC Heterotrophic plate count

MCL Maximum contaminant level

MTBE Methyl-tert-butyl ether

NWQL USGS National Water Quality Laboratory

NYSDEC New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

NYSDOH New York State Department of Health

OA Oxanilic acid

OGRL USGS Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory

SMCL Secondary maximum contaminant level

USEPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

USGS U.S. Geological Survey

VOC Volatile organic compound

Other abbreviations in this report:

micrometer μm

micrograms per liter μg/L

milligrams per liter mg/L

microsiemens per centimeter μS/cm

platinum-cobalt units Pt-Co units

picocuries per liter pCi/L

Conversion Factors, Datum, and Abbreviations

Multiply By To obtain

Length

inch (in.) 2.54 centimeter (cm)

foot (ft) 0.3048 meter (m)

square mile (mi2) 2.590 square kilometer (km2

)

million gallons per day (Mgal/d) 0.04381 cubic meter per second (m3

/s)

Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) may be converted to degrees Fahrenheit (°F) as follows:

°F = (1.8 × °C) + 32

Vertical coordinate information is referenced to National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 

(NGVD 29).

Horizontal coordinate information is referenced to the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83).
Ground-Water Quality in Western New York, 2006

By David A.V. Eckhardt, James E. Reddy, and Kathryn L. Tamulonis

Abstract

Water samples were collected from 7 production wells and 26 private residential wells in western New York from 

August through December 2006 and analyzed to characterize the chemical quality of ground water. Wells at 15 of the sites 

were screened in sand and gravel aquifers, and 18 were finished in bedrock aquifers. The wells were selected to represent 

areas of greatest ground-water use and to provide a geographical sampling from the 5,340-square-mile study area. Samples 

were analyzed for 5 physical properties and 219 constituents that included nutrients, major inorganic ions, trace elements, 

radionuclides, pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOC), phenolic compounds, organic carbon, and bacteria. 

 Results indicate that ground water used for drinking supply is generally of acceptable quality, although concentrations of 

some constituents or bacteria exceeded at least one drinking-water standard at 27 of the 33 wells. The cations that were detected 

in the highest concentrations were calcium, magnesium, and sodium; anions that were detected in the highest concentrations 

were bicarbonate, chloride, and sulfate. The predominant nutrients were nitrate and ammonia; nitrate concentrations were higher 

in samples from sand and gravel aquifers than in samples from bedrock. The trace elements barium, boron, copper, lithium, 

nickel, and strontium were detected in every sample; the trace elements with the highest concentrations were barium, boron, 

iron, lithium, manganese, and strontium. Eighteen pesticides, including 9 pesticide degradates, were detected in water from 14 of 

the 33 wells, but none of the concentrations exceeded State or Federal Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). Fourteen volatile 

organic compounds were detected in water from 12 of the 33 wells, but none of the concentrations exceeded MCLs.

Eight chemical analytes and three types of bacteria were detected in concentrations that exceeded Federal and State 

drinking-water standards, which are typically identical. Sulfate concentrations exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency (USEPA) Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL) of 250 milligrams per liter (mg/L) in three samples, and 

chloride concentrations exceeded the SMCL of 250 mg/L in two samples. Sodium concentrations exceeded the USEPA Drinking 

Water Health Advisory of 60 mg/L in nine samples. Iron concentrations exceeded the SMCL of 300 μg/L (micrograms per liter) 

in 14 filtered samples, and manganese exceeded the USEPA SMCL of 50 μg/L in 15 filtered samples, as well as the New York 

State MCL of 300 μg/L in 1 filtered sample. Arsenic exceeded the USEPA MCL of 10 μg/L in two samples, aluminum exceeded 

the SMCL for aluminum of 50 μg/L in one sample, and lead exceeded the MCL of 15 μg/L in one sample. Radon-222 exceeded 

the proposed USEPA MCL of 300 picocuries per liter in 24 samples. Any detection of coliform bacteria indicates a violation of 

New York State health regulations; total coliform was detected in 12 samples, and Escherichia coli was detected in 2 samples. 

The plate counts for heterotrophic bacteria exceeded the MCL (500 colony-forming units per milliliter) in four samples. 

Introduction

Water samples were collected from 7 production wells and 26 private residential wells in the 9 westernmost counties 

of New York from August through December 2006 and analyzed to characterize the chemical quality of ground water in the 

5,340-mi2 study area. All 33 wells were within 3 river or lake basins (fig. 1); 16 were in the Lake Erie and Niagara River 

Basin, 7 were in the western Lake Ontario Basin, which lies between the Niagara River and the Genesee River Basins, and 10 

were in the Allegheny River Basin. Fifteen of the wells were screened in sand and gravel aquifers, and 18 were completed in 

bedrock aquifers. 

 Many studies of ground-water quality in New York have included parts of the study area, such as Crain (1966), La Sala 

(1968), Frimpter (1974), Moore and Staubitz (1984), Erie County (1985), Koszalka and others (1985), and Anderson and others 

(2000). These studies provide much useful information, but a comprehensive and current assessment of the ground-water quality 

throughout the entire area is needed.

Section 305(b) of the Federal Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1997) 

requires all States to implement a comprehensive water-quality-monitoring program for surface-water and ground-water 
2 

Figure 1. Pertinent geographic features of study area in western New York, and locations of the 33 wells sampled in 2006. 

(Well data are given in table A1 at end of report.)

Erie

Allegany Steuben Chautauqua Cattaraugus

Monroe

Niagara

Wyoming Livingston

Genesee

Orleans

Lake Erie Lowlands

Physiographic Map

Lake Ontario Lowlands

Appalachian Plateau

Lake Ontario

Lake

Erie

NEW YORK

PENNSYLVANIA

CANADA

Location Map

Location Map

NY

PA NJ

VT

NH

MA

CT

Lake Ontario

Lake

Erie Study Area

041201 

 Lake Erie - Niagara River Basin

050100 

Allegheny River Basin

04130001

 Western Lake Ontario Basin

AlleghenyRiver

NYS Barge Canal

Chautauqua Lake

Niagara River Niagara River

Tonawada Creek

Lake Erie

Lake Ontario

Erie

Allegany

Cattaraugus

Chautauqua

Monroe

Niagara

Wyoming Livingston

Genesee

Orleans

NEW YORK

PENNSYLVANIA

Jamestown

Buffalo

Niagara Falls

Batavia

Fredonia

Olean

Salamanca

Rochester

CT994

E1084

CT833

GS624

OL291

E2428 WO432

E1507

E1430

E2642

OL264

CT806

E1755

CT819

CT922

NI1093

MO1406 NI1203

CU2195

CU2158

MO1594

CT1071

CU2054

CU1951

CU1092

CU1304

CU1766

OL19

E1904

E1903 WO351

GS216

AG265

79°30' 78°

43°

42°

EXPLANATION

Number is well number assigned by

U.S. Geological Survey; one- or twoletter prefix denotes county.

CU2158 Residential well

E1084 Production well

Basin boundary

0 5 10 20 MILES

0 7.5 15 30 KILOMETERS

Base from U.S. Geological Survey, Seamless Data Distribution System,

accessed in 2007 at http://seamless.usgs.gov 

Universal Transverse Mercator projection, Zone 18
 3

resources. In 2001, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental 

Conservation (NYSDEC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), began an assessment of ground-water 

quality in major river basins throughout the State, as specified in Section 305(b). To date (2008), ground-water-quality studies 

have been completed in the Chemung River Basin (Hetcher-Aguila, 2004), the Lake Champlain Basin (Nystrom, 2006), 

the upper Susquehanna River Basin (Hetcher-Aguila and Eckhardt, 2006), the Delaware River Basin (Nystrom, 2007a), the 

St. Lawrence River Basin (Nystrom, 2007b), the Genesee River Basin (Eckhardt and others, 2007), and the Mohawk River Basin 

(Nystrom, 2008). In 2006, a study of the westernmost region of New York was completed and is the subject of this report. 

Purpose and Scope

This report presents the results of the 2006 ground-water study in western New York. It first describes the study area and 

the sampling methods, then presents results of the water-quality analyses. Summary statistics (number of samples exceeding 

Federal or State drinking-water standards) and the minimum, median, and maximum concentrations of all analytes in surficial 

and bedrock aquifers are given in tables 1–4; detailed analytical results are given in Appendix tables A1–A9 (at end of report). 

Analytical results for selected constituents are compared with Federal and State drinking-water standards, which are typically 

identical. The standards include Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels (SMCLs), 

and Health Advisories (HAs) established by the USEPA (2002; 2004; and 2006) and the New York State Department of Health 

(NYSDOH) (2006). MCLs specify the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water; they are based on human 

health criteria and are legally enforceable by Federal and State authorities. SMCLs are non-enforceable guidelines based on 

cosmetic and aesthetic criteria, such as taste and odor. HAs are estimates of acceptable drinking water levels for contaminants 

that can effect human health; they are non-enforceable standards that provide technical guidance for water use.

Study Area

The study area includes all of Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara Counties and most of Cattaraugus and Orleans Counties; it 

also includes the western parts of Allegany, Genesee, Monroe, and Wyoming Counties (fig. 1). It encompasses parts of the Lake 

Erie and Niagara River Basin, the western Lake Ontario Basin (between the Niagara River and the Genesee River Basins), and 

the Allegheny River Basin (fig. 1, table 1). The parts of these drainage basins that lie outside New York’s boundaries were not 

included in this study.

Physiography, Land Use, and Precipitation 

The central, southern, and eastern parts of the study area lie within the Appalachian Plateau physiographic province 

(fig. 1, table A1); the northern part lies in the Lake Ontario Lowlands province, and the western part lies in the Lake Erie 

Lowlands province. Forest and pasture dominate the uplands and narrow valleys of the southern and eastern parts of the study 

area; cultivation of row crops, apples, and grapes is common in the Lake Erie and Lake Ontario Lowlands; and row-crop, 

forage-crop, and dairy farming is concentrated in a band of fertile soils between Buffalo and Rochester (fig. 2). The Buffalo 

and Niagara Falls metropolitan area lies near the outlet of Lake Erie and extends northward along the Niagara River. The study 

Table 1. Area and population of the western New York study area, by drainage basin1.

[Locations are shown in fig. 1]

Drainage basin Hydrologic unit code Area (square miles) Population2

Lake Erie and Niagara River 041201 2,378 1,239,000

Lake Ontario, west of Genesee River3 04130001 1,035 568,000

Allegheny River 050100 1,927 159,000

1

 Data represent the part of basin that lies in New York State.

2

 2000 Census (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2000).

3

 Basin area excludes Genesee River Basin.
4 

Figure 2. Land use in western New York study area and locations of the 33 wells sampled in 2006. (Well data are given in table A1.)

Lake Erie

Lake Ontario

Erie

Allegany Cattaraugus Chautauqua

Monroe

Niagara

Wyoming Livingston

Genesee

Orleans

NEW YORK

PENNSYLVANIA

Jamestown

Buffalo

Niagara Falls

Batavia

Fredonia

Olean

Salamanca

Rochester

OL19

E1904

E1903

WO351

GS216

AG265

CT994

E1084

CT833

GS624

OL291

WO432

E2428

E1507

E1430

E2642

OL264

CT806

E1755

CT819

CT922

NI1093

MO1406

NI1203

CU2195

CU2158

MO1594

CU2054 CT1071

CU1951

CU1092

CU1304

CU1766

79°30' 78°

43°

42°

Agriculture

Forest

Urban

Wetland

Water

EXPLANATION

CU2158 Residential well

E1084 Production well

Number is well number assigned by

U.S. Geological Survey; one- or twoletter prefix denotes county.

0 5 10 20 MILES

0 7.5 15 30 KILOMETERS

Land use from National Land Cover Data 1992,

Resolution 1 arc-second (approx. 30m)

Base from U.S. Geological Survey, Seamless Data Distribution System,

accessed in 2007 at http://seamless.usgs.gov 

Universal Transverse Mercator projection, Zone 18
 5

area contains several small lakes, such as Chautauqua Lake, and is crossed by the New York State Barge (Erie) Canal, which 

traverses the State from Albany to Buffalo. 

Land-surface elevations range from about 250 ft at Lake Ontario and 320 ft at Lake Erie to about 2,500 ft in the eastern and 

southern uplands. The climate is humid, and air temperatures are moderated by Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Precipitation ranges 

from about 50 in/yr in the southwestern area near Jamestown (fig. 1) to about 30 in/yr along the Lake Ontario shore; mean 

annual precipitation is about 40 in. About 15 percent of the annual precipitation infiltrates the land surface and recharges the 

sand and gravel and bedrock aquifers (Randall, 2001). 

Glacial Deposits

Glacially derived deposits are generally present throughout New York, except in an area around Salamanca in southern 

Cattaraugus County that was not covered by glacial ice (fig. 3), where a thin layer of colluvium is formed from weathered 

bedrock. Glaciers scoured the hills and valleys of New York and left a thin mantle of till on top of the bedrock in upland areas 

and morainal deposits of fine-grained, poorly sorted material that formed valley plugs and low ridges. During the subsequent 

period of deglaciation, meltwater streams deposited thick layers of stratified drift (fluvial sand and gravel) in front of the glaciers 

and on top, beneath, and alongside them, to form deposits that are seen today as outwash plains, eskers, kettles, kames, and 

kame terraces. Glacial meltwaters also deposited fine particles in proglacial lakes, where they settled to form poorly permeable 

deposits of lacustrine clay, silt, and fine sand. Recent alluvium covers some of the glacial deposits and forms today’s flood 

plains along the larger streams and rivers and on the terraces along the lake shores. The glacial deposits within the study area are 

described in detail by Fairchild (1928), Coates (1966), Gilbert and Kammerer (1971), Frimpter (1974; 1986), Miller and Staubitz 

(1985), Cadwell and Muller (1986), Miller (1988), Yager and others (1997), and Randall (2001).

Bedrock

The bedrock aquifers in the study area (fig. 4) consist of relatively flat-lying, interbedded sedimentary units of shale, 

siltstone, sandstone, limestone, and dolostone of Ordovician, Silurian, and Devonian age (Broughton and others, 1962; Johnston, 

1964; Staubitz and Miller, 1987; Brett and others, 1995; Kappel and Miller, 1996). Two bands of carbonate-rock aquifers—

limestones and dolostones—extend from Buffalo to Batavia and from Niagara Falls to Rochester; interbedded shale, dolostone, 

and evaporites crop out in the area between the carbonate-rock aquifers.

Population and Water Supply

The southern and eastern parts of the study area are predominantly rural, although they contain several small cities 

(Batavia, Fredonia, Jamestown, and Olean) (fig. 1) and many small villages and hamlets. Most of the developed, urban area is 

in the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, their suburbs in Erie and Niagara Counties, and in part of the Rochester metropolitan 

area in Monroe County (fig. 2). Total population of the study area in 2000 was about 1,966,000, about half of which lives in the 

Buffalo and Niagara Falls area (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2000). Production wells provide water to about 40,000 people in 

the villages, towns, and cities within the study area (New York State Department of Health, 2005).

The largest water suppliers are the Erie County Water Authority and the Niagara Falls Water Authority, which provide the 

residents of these areas with water from Lake Erie and the Niagara River, respectively. The Monroe County Water Authority 

provides residents in Monroe, eastern Orleans, and northeastern Genesee Counties with water from Lake Ontario. Many of the 

rural communities and residents in areas that lie beyond these water-system service areas rely on ground water from bedrock 

or from surficial deposits of sand and gravel. Some community systems in areas where surficial aquifers are thin or absent use 

surface water from small reservoirs or lakes; others obtain water from bedrock wells. Most rural homeowners that live beyond 

the service areas of community water systems have private wells that tap surficial deposits or bedrock.

The most productive aquifers within the study area are the glacial and alluvial deposits of sand and gravel (fig. 3). Frimpter 

(1974) estimated that sand and gravel aquifers in the Allegheny River valley can yield more than 220 Mgal/d. Deltaic sand 

and gravel deposits that are tapped for water supply at Jamestown may potentially yield 10 Mgal/d (Crain, 1966), and outwash 

deposits at Batavia yield as much as 1.4 Mgal/d (Cosner, 1984). Till deposits are typically thin and relatively impermeable 

and yield little water to wells. Clay beds yield little or no water to wells but may overlie productive sand and gravel aquifers. 

Bedrock aquifers (fig. 4) are used for water supply where sand and gravel aquifers are absent, typically in upland areas. The 

bedrock aquifers in the study area may yield water of poorer chemical quality than the surficial aquifers; for example, the 

carbonate-rock aquifers typically yield very hard water, whereas shale bedrock aquifers along the shores of Lake Erie and Lake 

Ontario Lowlands often yield salty water at depths greater than 50 ft (Frimpter, 1974; La Sala, 1968).
6 

Figure 3. Surficial geology of western New York study area and locations of the 15 wells screened in sand and gravel aquifers 

that were sampled in 2006. (Well data are given in table A1.) 

Lake Erie

Lake Ontario

Erie

Allegany

Cattaraugus

Chautauqua

Monroe

Niagara

Wyoming

Livingston

Genesee

Orleans

NEW YORK

PENNSYLVANIA

Jamestown

Buffalo

Niagara Falls

Batavia

Fredonia

Olean

Salamanca

Rochester

E1084

CT833

GS624

OL291

WO432

OL264

E1755

NI1093

CU1092

CU1766

E1904

E1903

WO351

GS216

AG265

79°30' 78°

43°

42°

EXPLANATION

Alluvial, fluvial, and

glacial-outwash deposits

(sand and gravel)

Lacustrine sand, silt, and clay

Bedrock

Colluvial deposits

Till deposits

Number is well number assigned by

U.S. Geological Survey; one- or twoletter prefix denotes county.

Stratified drift

Water

CU1092Residential well

E1084 Production well

0 5 10 20 MILES

0 7.5 15 30 KILOMETERS

Surficial Geology from New York State Museum, 1:250,000

Base from U.S. Geological Survey, Seamless Data Distribution System,

accessed in 2007 at http://seamless.usgs.gov 

Universal Transverse Mercator projection, Zone 18
 7

Figure 4. Generalized bedrock geology of western New York study area and locations of the 18 wells completed in bedrock that 

were sampled in 2006. (Well data are given in table A1.) 

Lake Erie

Lake Ontario

Erie

Allegany

Cattaraugus

Chautauqua

Monroe

Niagara

Wyoming Livingston

Genesee

Orleans

NEW YORK

PENNSYLVANIA

Jamestown

Buffalo

Niagara Falls

Batavia

Fredonia

Olean

Salamanca

Rochester

CT994

E2428

E1507

E1430

E2642

CT806

CT819

CT922

MO1406

NI1203

CU2195

CU2158

MO1594

CT1071

CU1951

CU1304

CU2054

OL19

79°30' 78°

43°

42°

Shale/dolostone/evaporites

Limestone/dolostone

Number is well number assigned by

U.S. Geological Survey; one- or twoletter prefix denotes county.

Water

CU2158 Residential well

OL19 Production well

EXPLANATION

Shale/siltstone/sandstone

0 5 10 20 MILES

0 7.5 15 30 KILOMETERS

Bedrock Geology from New York State Museum, 1:250,000

Base from U.S. Geological Survey, Seamless Data Distribution System,

accessed in 2007 at http://seamless.usgs.gov 

Universal Transverse Mercator projection, Zone 18
8 

Methods 

A total of 33 wells were selected for sample collection—15 were finished in sand and gravel aquifers (fig. 3), and 18 

were finished in bedrock aquifers (fig. 4). The 15 wells that tap sand and gravel consisted of 6 production wells and 9 private 

residential wells; the 18 bedrock wells consisted of 1 production well and 17 private residential wells. Sampling was done from 

August through December 2006. The water samples were analyzed for 5 physical properties and 219 constituents, including 4 

types of bacteria. Three samples—two field blanks and one replicate sample—were collected for quality assurance (QA) and 

quality control (QC), as required for the Federal 305(b) program.

Site Selection

The wells were identified through (1) the USGS Ground-Water Site Inventory (GWSI) database, (2) the NYSDEC 

Water-Well Reporting Program, and (3) information from State and county health departments. The Water-Well Reporting 

Program was implemented in 2000 to collect information about newly drilled wells throughout New York from licensed well 

drillers; the resulting database provides useful information for ground-water studies. A letter requesting permission to sample the 

water was sent to owners of residential wells that were identified as potential sampling sites; the letter described the project and 

included a questionnaire asking the location of the well, the most convenient times for sampling, any safety concerns around the 

well, and other information. 

Production wells were identified through the NYSDOH and by local officials from the Allegany, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, 

and Wyoming County Departments of Health and water managers of villages and cities throughout the study area. The water 

managers were sent a project description and a questionnaire similar to those sent to residential well owners. Well owners who 

responded favorably were contacted by telephone to clarify information about the wells and to arrange sampling dates. 

Most of the wells finished in sand and gravel (fig. 3) were in valleys and ranged from 15 to 185 ft deep (table A1). All the 

production wells that tap sand and gravel have slotted screens, whereas most residential wells that tap sand and gravel simply 

have an open-bottomed steel casing. The bedrock wells (fig. 4) were generally in upland terrains and ranged from 27 to 210 ft 

deep (table A1); these wells typically have steel casing set into open boreholes in competent rock. 

Site selection did not target specific municipalities, industries, or agricultural practices; rather, sampling sites were selected 

to represent areas of greatest ground-water use and to obtain a geographical representation of the study area and its aquifers 

(figs. 2–4). Site selection included wells in each of four predominant land-use categories—agriculture, urban, forest, and 

wetland. The land-use classification was done through satellite-image analysis of the predominant land uses within a half-mile 

radius of each well (fig. 2). Most were surrounded by a predominant land use that represented more than 50 percent of the radial 

area surrounding the well; the other wells were surrounded by a combination of land uses. 

Shallow wells that tap sand and gravel aquifers are susceptible to contamination by several types of compounds, including 

volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, deicing chemicals, and nutrients from nearby highways and industrial, 

agricultural, and residential areas. The movement of these contaminants to the water table through the soils and surficial sand 

and gravel can be relatively rapid. Bedrock wells that tap sandstone and shale aquifers in rural upland areas are generally less 

susceptible to contamination from industrial and urban sources, which are mainly in the valleys; but bedrock wells in lowland 

areas underlain by carbonate rock (limestone and dolostone) may be vulnerable to contamination from surface runoff because 

infiltration rates and ground-water flow can be relatively rapid through solution features in the rock. Agricultural land that 

surrounds wells may be a potential source of contamination from fertilizers, pesticides, and fecal waste from livestock; lawns 

and septic systems are also a potential source of these contaminants. In addition to human contaminants, the aquifers contain 

naturally derived elements that may diminish water quality, such as sodium, chloride, sulfate, iron, manganese, and trace 

elements such as arsenic; some also may contain hydrogen sulfide, methane, and radon gases from deep-lying sources.

Sampling Methods

Water samples were analyzed for the physical properties and constituents listed in Appendix tables A2–A9 (at end of 

report). The categories are as follows: physical properties (table A3), inorganic constituents (table A4), nutrients and total 

organic carbon (table A5), trace elements and radon-222 (table A6), and VOCs and phenols (table A8). Samples were collected 

from every well for these analyses and were processed by methods described in the USGS manual for the collection of waterquality data (U.S. Geological Survey, 2006). Additionally, pesticide samples were collected for pesticide analyses (table A7) 
 9

and processed by the methods of Shelton (1994) and Sandstrom and others (2001). These samples were analyzed at the USGS 

National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) and the USGS Kansas Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL) for 

134 pesticides and pesticide degradates through methods described by Zaugg and others (1995), Furlong and others (2001), 

Meyer and others (1993), and Lee and Strahan (2003). The analytical method devised by Zaugg and others (1995) was 

developed in cooperation with the USEPA and allows detection of the nation’s most commonly used pesticides. Samples for 

bacteria analyses (table A9) were processed in accordance with NYSDOH guidelines. 

Sampling was done at all sites as follows: the well pump was turned on (many of the production wells were already 

running) and allowed to run until at least five casing-volumes of well water had passed the sampling point. A raw-water tap 

between the well and the pressure tank was opened, and the water was allowed to flush for several minutes. During this time, 

a general visual evaluation of the area surrounding the well was conducted to identify potential sources of contamination that 

could affect the well water. Samples were collected from the raw-water tap to avoid all water-treatment systems and to ensure 

that the water collected was representative of the water in the aquifer. A Teflon discharge line was then connected to the tap, and 

samples were analyzed with a multiprobe meter for physical properties (temperature, specific conductance, dissolved-oxygen 

concentration, and pH). After the measurements of these properties had stabilized, a second Teflon discharge line was connected 

to the first with a stainless-steel quick-connect fitting and was directed into a sample-collection chamber mounted upon a plastic 

box; this chamber was used to minimize sample exposure to dust and other potential sources of contamination. Bottles were 

filled within the chamber according to standard USGS field methods (U.S. Geological Survey, 2006). 

The analyses for physical properties, most trace elements and metals, acid-neutralizing capacity, organic carbon, radon-222, 

VOCs, and phenols were done on unfiltered water samples to obtain total whole-water concentrations. Dissolved concentrations 

of nutrients, major inorganic constituents, three metals, and pesticides were obtained from filtered samples. Concentrations of 

iron and manganese in unfiltered samples were compared with those in filtered samples to obtain the difference between the total 

and dissolved concentrations (table A6). Sulfuric acid was added to the samples collected for phenol analysis, hydrochloric acid 

was added to samples collected for total organic carbon and VOC analyses, and nitric acid was added to some of the samples 

collected for trace-element analyses to prevent sample degradation. Samples collected for dissolved inorganic-compound 

analyses were filtered through a 0.45-micrometer (μm) cellulose capsule filter that was attached to the Teflon discharge line 

inside the sample-collection chamber; samples for pesticide analysis were filtered through a 0.7-μm furnace-baked glass-fiber 

plate filter.

All Teflon discharge lines were cleaned in the laboratory before each sampling day and in the field between each sample 

collection. New bags were used at each sampling site. Samples for radon analysis were obtained through an in-line septum 

chamber with a disposable syringe to avoid atmospheric contamination. Samples for bacterial analysis were collected in sterile 

containers provided by the bacteriological laboratory; the connection of the sampling tube to the well tap was not sterilized. 

The samples were stored on ice in coolers and delivered directly, or shipped by overnight delivery, to one of four 

laboratories: (1) the USGS NWQL in Denver, Colo., for analysis for inorganic major ions, nutrients, inorganic trace elements 

and radon-222, some pesticides, and VOCs (U.S. Geological Survey, 2007); (2) the USGS Kansas OGRL in Lawrence, Kans., 

for other pesticides; (3) a New York State-certified private laboratory in Waverly, N.Y., for total organic carbon and phenolic 

compounds; and (4) a laboratory in Lackawanna, N.Y., approved by New York State for bacteria analysis.

Ground-Water Quality 

The 33 ground-water samples collected during this study were analyzed for 5 physical properties and 219 constituents. 

Most (137) of the 215 chemical constituents were not detected in any sample (table A2). The concentrations of the 78 detected 

chemical constituents are listed in tables A4–A8, and the results for 4 types of bacteria are listed in table A9. The quality of the 

sampled ground water was generally acceptable, except where concentrations of certain constituents exceeded recommended 

MCLs, SMCLs, or HAs set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2006) and the New York State Department of 

Health (2006). 

The QA/QC field blanks contained no constituent in concentrations above the laboratory reporting levels; this indicates that 

no contamination had occurred through the sampling or analytical procedures. The results of the two QA/QC replicate samples 

indicated that variability in sample results met the precision requirements of the study. The analytes with the largest percent 

differences between concentration in a ground-water sample and that in the replicate sample were acid-neutralizing capacity, 

residue on evaporation, and low-concentration trace elements (concentrations near the reporting level for the elements).
10 

Physical Properties

 The pH of the samples (table A3) ranged from 6.4 to 8.2; pH of 1 of the 33 samples was outside the accepted SMCL 

range of 6.5 to 8.5 (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2006). Specific conductance of the samples ranged from 171 to 

5,500 μS/cm. Dissolved-oxygen concentrations ranged from less than 0.3 mg/L at four wells to 6.7 mg/L. None of the samples 

had a water color that exceeded the SMCL of 15 platinum-cobalt units. The odor of hydrogen sulfide gas was noted by field 

personnel in water from 10 of the 33 wells.

Inorganic Major Ions

Water from the wells was generally a calcium-bicarbonate type, although water from three wells—CT 994, CU 1304, and 

CU 1766 (fig. 1)—was a sodium-bicarbonate type; water from two wells (CU 2158 and E 2642) was a calcium-sulfate type; 

water from two wells (AG 265 and MO 1594) was a calcium-chloride type; and water from one well (NI 1203) was a sodiumchloride type (Hem, 1985). The cations that were detected in the highest concentrations were calcium, magnesium, and sodium 

(tables 2 and A4). Calcium concentrations ranged from 6.04 to 197 mg/L, and magnesium concentrations ranged from 1.46 to 

57.4 mg/L. Calcium and magnesium contribute to water hardness, and 18 of the 33 wells yielded water with hardness greater 

than 180 mg/L, which is classified as “very hard” (Hem, 1985). Sodium concentrations ranged from 2.87 to 929 mg/L, and nine 

samples exceeded the USEPA Health Advisory, which recommends that sodium concentrations in drinking water not exceed 

60 mg/L to minimize the taste. This HA for sodium is not federally enforceable but is intended as a guideline for consumers 

(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2002; 2006).

The anions that were detected in the highest concentrations were bicarbonate (alkalinity), chloride, and sulfate (tables 2 

and A4). Bicarbonate concentrations ranged from 90 to 486 mg/L (as CaCO3), chloride concentrations ranged from 0.78 to 

1,590 mg/L, and sulfate concentrations ranged from less than 0.18 to 371 mg/L. The chloride SMCL of 250 mg/L was exceeded 

in two samples, and the sulfate SMCL of 250 mg/L was exceeded in three samples.

Table 2. Summary statistics for concentrations of major ions in sand and gravel aquifers and bedrock aquifers in western 

New York, 2006.

[Concentrations are in milligrams per liter. All samples represent filtered water; No., number; --, not applicable; <, less than]

Constituent

Drinkingwater 

standard

No. of 

samples 

exceeding 

standard

Sand and gravel 

(15 samples)

Bedrock 

(18 samples)

Minimum Median Maximum Minimum Median Maximum

Cations

Calcium -- -- 12.2 91.2 150 6.04 49.1 197

Magnesium -- -- 2.72 19.4 57.4 1.46 13.6 47.1

Potassium -- -- 0.81 1.9 4.2 0.73 1.9 26.1

Sodium 60a 9 3.82 35.3 75.5 2.87 35.3 929

Anions

Bicarbonate -- -- 109 299 390 90 240 486

Chloride 250b 2 10.8 38.6 140 .78 43.1 1,590

Fluoride 2.2b 0 < .1 .1 .69 .11 .3 .77

Sulfate 250b,c 3 < .18 30.9 136 1.09 24.0 371

Hardness, mg/L as CaCO3 42 320 500 21 180 680

Alkalinity, mg/L as CaCO3 89 245 320 74 197 398

Residue on evaporation, mg/L 203 403 652 100 315 3,250

a

 USEPA Drinking Water Advisory Taste Threshold.

b

 NYSDOH Maximum Contaminant Level.

c

 USEPA Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level.
 11

Nutrients and Organic Carbon

Nitrate and ammonia were the predominant nutrients in the ground-water samples (table A5); nitrite and organic nitrogen 

concentrations were negligible in most samples. Nitrate plus nitrite concentrations ranged from less than 0.06 (the analytical 

detection limit) to 6.92 mg/L as nitrogen (N), and ammonia concentrations ranged from less than 0.01 to 3 mg/L as N. The 

nitrate MCL of 10 mg/L (as N) was not exceeded in any sample, and the concentrations in 20 of the 33 samples were below the 

detection limit (less than 0.06 mg/L). Of the samples in which nitrate was detected, those from wells finished in sand and gravel 

had a higher median nitrate concentration (2.40 mg/L) than those from wells finished in bedrock (0.18 mg/L). Orthophosphate 

was detected in 30 of the 33 samples, but concentrations were typically low; the maximum concentration was 0.109 mg/L (as 

phosphorus). Total organic carbon was detected in 10 of the 33 samples; concentrations ranged from less than 1.0 mg/L (the 

analytical detection limit) to 3.6 mg/L.

Trace Elements and Radon-222

The most commonly detected trace elements were barium, boron, copper, lithium, nickel, and strontium, all of which 

were detected in every sample (tables 4 and A6). The elements detected in the highest concentrations were barium, boron, 

iron, lithium, manganese, and strontium. Barium concentrations ranged from 21.7 to 1,660 μg/L, but the MCL for barium 

(2,000 μg/L) was not exceeded. Boron concentrations ranged from 12 to 2,430 μg/L, but MCLs have not been established 

for boron. Iron was detected in 29 of the 33 filtered samples at concentrations ranging from 3 to 3,220 μg/L, and the SMCL 

for iron (300 μg/L) was exceeded in 14 samples. Lithium concentrations ranged from 1.2 to 917 μg/L, but MCLs have not 

been established for lithium. Manganese was detected in 29 of the 33 filtered samples at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 

696 μg/L; the Federal SMCL for manganese (50 μg/L) was exceeded in 15 samples, and the New York State MCL (300 μg/L) 

was exceeded in 1 sample. Strontium concentrations ranged from 48.5 to 10,600 μg/L, but MCLs have not been established 

for strontium.

Aluminum was detected in 21 of the 33 samples, and the SMCL (50 μg/L) was exceeded in 1 sample. Arsenic was detected 

in 32 samples, and the MCL (10 μg/L) was exceeded in 2 samples. Lead was detected in 31 samples, and the MCL (15 μg/L) 

was exceeded once. 

Table 3. Summary statistics for concentrations of nutrients and organic carbon in sand and gravel aquifers and bedrock aquifers in 

western New York, 2006.

[All samples represent filtered water except as noted; No., number; -- not applicable; <, less than; N, nitrogen; P, phosphorus]

Constituent

Drinkingwter 

standard

No. of 

samples 

exceeding 

limit

Sand and gravel

(15 samples)

Bedrock

(18 samples)

Minimum Median Maximum Minimum Median Maximum

Ammonia plus 

organic N, mg/L as N

-- -- < 0.1 0.14 3.1 < 0.1 0.30 2.8

Ammonia, mg/L as N -- -- <0.02 0.054 3.00 < 0.01 0.076 2.61

Nitrate plus nitrite, mg/L as N 10 a,b 0 <0.06 < 0.06 6.92 < 0.06 < 0.06 2.33

Nitrite, mg/L as N 1a,b 0 < 0.002 < 0.002 0.208 < 0.002 < 0.002 0.006

Orthophosphate, mg/L as P -- -- < 0.006 0.006 0.109 < 0.006 0.007 0.026

Total organic carbon, unfiltered, mg/L -- -- < 1.0 < 1.0 1.8 < 1.0 < 1.0 3.6

a

 USEPA Drinking Water Advisory Taste Threshold.

b

 NYSDOH Maximum Contaminant Level.
12 

Table 4. Summary statistics for concentrations of trace elements and radon-222 in sand and gravel aquifers and bedrock aquifers in 

western New York, 2006.

[All concentrations are in micrograms per liter except as noted. All samples unfiltered except as noted. pCi/L, picocuries per liter; No., number; 

-- not applicable; <, less than; E, estimated]

Constituent

Drinkingwater 

standard

No. of 

samples 

exceeding 

standard

Sand and gravel

(15 samples)

Bedrock

(18 samples)

Minimum Median Maximum Minimum Median Maximum

Aluminum 50c 1 <2 <2 30 <2 2 85

Antimony 6a,b 0 <0.2 <0.2 0.5 <0 .2 <0.2 3.8

Arsenic 10a 2 <.12 .60 111 E .06 .77 20.9

Barium 2,000a,b 0 33.4 153 817 21.7 120 1,660

Beryllium 4a,b 0 <.06 <.06 <.06 <.06 <.06 0.52

Boron, filtered -- -- 12 32 365 13 156 2,430

Cadmium 5a,b 0 <.02 <.02 .05 <.09 <.04 4.02

Chromium 100a,b 0 <.6 <.6 2.1 <.04 .105 1.8

Cobalt -- -- E .027 .189 .478 <.04 .118 2.85

Copper 1,000c 0 E .6 2.2 49.9 E .4 2.85 441

Iron, filtered 300b,c 14 <6 28 3,220 <6 276 1,580

Iron 300b,c 16 E 4 187 2,870 <6 301 1,620

Lead 15d 1 <.6 .17 15.3 <.06 .46 4.48

Lithium -- -- 1.2 6.2 58.4 2.2 27.1 917

Manganese, filtered 50c–300b 15 - 1 <.6 22.7 152 <.6 54.2 696

Manganese 50c–300b 16 - 1 <.6 22.2 146 <.6 53.3 625

Molybdenum -- -- <.2 1.1 8 E .1 .45 14.7

Nickel -- -- .31 .86 2.52 .21 .44 8.66

Selenium 50a,b 0 <.08 <.08 .8 <.08 <.08 1.6

Silver 100a,b 0 <.02 <.02 .06 <.02 <.16 2.23

Strontium -- -- 90.2 237 976 48.5 320 10,600

Thallium -- -- <.18 <.18 <.18 <.18 <.18 .45

Zinc 5,000b,c 0 <2 7.0 196 E 1 7 100

Radon-222, pCi/L 300e 24 40 500 1,200 70 510 2,160

Uranium 30a 0 <.012 .152 347 <.012 .113 6.45

a

 USEPA Maximum Contaminant Level.

b

 NYSDOH Maximum Contaminant Level.

c

 USEPA Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level.

d

 USEPA Treatment Technique.

e USEPA Proposed Maximum Contaminant Level.
 13

Uranium was detected in 26 samples, but none exceeded the MCL of 30 μg/L. The MCLs for antimony (6 μg/L), beryllium 

(4 μg/L), cadmium (5 μg/L), chromium (100 μg/L), selenium (50 μg/L), and silver (100 μg/L) and the SMCLs for copper 

(1,000 μg/L) and zinc (5,000 μg/L) were not exceeded in any sample. Mercury was not detected in any sample (table A2).

Radon-222 was detected in every sample (table A6), and concentrations ranged from 40 to 2,160 pCi/L. The proposed 

MCL of 300 pCi/L for radon-222 in drinking water was exceeded in 24 samples, but the proposed AMCL of 4,000 pCi/L was 

not exceeded. The AMCL is the proposed allowable concentration of radon in raw-water samples where programs have been 

implemented to address the health risks of radon in indoor air, but none of the 33 well sites sampled in this study had such 

implementation. The proposed MCL and AMCL for radon are under review and have not been adopted (U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency, 2004; 2006).

Pesticides

Eighteen pesticides (including 9 pesticide degradates) were detected in water from 14 of the 33 wells (table A7), but 

none of the concentrations exceeded MCLs. Eight of the samples containing pesticides were from sand and gravel aquifers, 

and six were from bedrock aquifers. Caffeine, which is not a pesticide and can be an indicator of human wastes, is included in 

table A7 because it is measured as part of the pesticide analyses and was detected at a trace level in one sample. The pesticide 

compounds that were detected most frequently were herbicide degradation products— CIAT (2-chloro-4-isopropylamino6-amino-s-triazine, also called deethylatrazine, a degradation product of atrazine), alachlor ESA (a degradation product of 

alachlor), and metolachlor ESA and OA (degradation products of metolachlor). CIAT was detected in six samples; the maximum 

concentration was 0.019 μg/L. Metolachlor and siduron were detected in three samples; their maximum concentrations were 

0.400 μg/L and 0.01 μg/L, respectively. Atrazine was detected in two samples; the maximum concentration was 0.104 μg/L. 

Alachlor was detected in one sample, at a concentration of 1.03 μg/L. No Federal MCLs currently have been established for 

pesticide degradation products, and no pesticide concentration exceeded the New York State MCL of 50 μg/L. These trace-level 

detections of pesticides are similar to those reported by Eckhardt and others (2001), Phillips and others (1999), and Eckhardt and 

Stackelberg (1995) from studies of pesticides in ground water throughout New York State.

Volatile Organic Compounds and Phenolic Compounds

Fourteen VOCs were detected in 12 samples (table A8), but none of the concentrations exceeded MCLs. Phenolic 

compounds, which are semivolatile, were detected in one sample at a concentration of 8 μg/L. Toluene was detected in four 

samples; the maximum concentration was 0.9 μg/L. Trichloromethane was detected in three samples, and tribromomethane 

and dibromochloromethane were each detected in one sample; these compounds are called trihalomethanes and are typically 

formed as disinfection by-products that result from chlorination of water. Xylene compounds were detected in three samples; the 

maximum concentration was 29.8 μg/L for the meta plus para isomers. Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a gasoline additive that 

can infiltrate into ground water from leaking fuel tanks, was detected in two samples; the maximum concentration was 1.3 μg/L. 

The New York State MCL for MTBE is 10 μg/L, which was not exceeded. No Federal MCL has been established for MTBE, 

although the USEPA has suggested a limit of 20 to 40 μg/L on the basis of taste and odor of drinking water (U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency, 2006). 

Bacteria

All samples were analyzed for total coliform, fecal coliform, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and heterotrophic bacteria. Total 

coliform was detected in 12 samples, and E. coli in 2 samples (table A9). These bacteria were detected in four samples from 

sand and gravel aquifers and in nine samples from bedrock aquifers; eight of these samples were from private residential wells, 

and one was from a production well (E 1084, fig. 1), which taps a sand and gravel aquifer. Any detection of these bacteria is 

considered a violation of New York State health regulations, and well owners were notified of positive results upon receipt 

of laboratory results. The raw-water samples collected in this study were collected prior to disinfection treatments, and most 

production wells have chlorination systems that eliminate potential contamination by bacteria before the water is distributed to 

consumers; however, private residential wells generally lack a chlorination system. 

Heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs) ranged from less than 2 to greater than 738 colony-forming units per milliliter 

(CFU/mL). The USEPA MCL for HPC is 500 CFU/mL, and four samples exceeded this limit. 
14 

Summary 

In 2001, the USGS, in cooperation with the NYSDEC and the USEPA, began an assessment of ground-water quality in 

river basins throughout New York State. As a part of this assessment, water samples were collected from 33 production wells 

and private residential wells throughout western New York from August through December 2006 and were analyzed for 5 

physical properties and 219 constituents that included inorganic major ions, nutrients, organic carbon, trace elements, radon-222, 

VOCs, phenolic compounds, pesticides, and bacteria. The quality of the sampled ground water was generally acceptable, except 

where concentrations of certain constituents exceeded recommended MCLs, SMCLs, or HAs set by the USEPA and NYSDOH. 

Of the 78 constituents that were detected, 8 exceeded Federal and State MCLs, SMCLs, or HAs at specific wells; 3 types of 

bacteria also were detected in concentrations that exceeded MCLs at some wells. 

The cations that were detected in the highest concentrations were calcium, magnesium, and sodium; the anions that 

were detected in the highest concentrations were bicarbonate, chloride, and sulfate. The predominant nutrients were nitrate 

and ammonia; no sample exceeded the MCL (10 mg/L as N) for nitrate. The HA for sodium in drinking water (60 mg/L) was 

exceeded in 9 of the 33 samples; the sulfate SMCL (250 mg/L) was exceeded in 3 samples; and the chloride SMCL (250 mg/L) 

was exceeded in 2 samples.

The trace elements detected in the highest concentrations were barium, boron, iron, lithium, manganese, and strontium, 

but of these, only dissolved iron, manganese, and aluminum concentrations exceeded SMCLs. Iron was detected in 29 of 

the 33 filtered samples at concentrations ranging from 3 to 3,220 μg/L, and the SMCL for iron (300 μg/L) was exceeded in 

14 samples. Manganese was detected in 29 filtered samples at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 696 μg/L; the USEPA SMCL 

for manganese (50 μg/L) was exceeded in 15 samples, and the New York State MCL (300 μg/L) was exceeded in 1 sample. 

Aluminum was detected in 21 samples, and the SMCL (50 μg/L) was exceeded once. Arsenic was detected in 32 samples, 

and the MCL for arsenic (10 μg/L) was exceeded in 2 samples. Lead was detected in 32 samples, and the MCL (15 μg/L) 

was exceeded once. Radon-222 was detected in every sample; the proposed Federal MCL for radon-222 in drinking water 

(300 pCi/L) was exceeded in 24 samples, but the proposed AMCL (4,000 pCi/L) was not exceeded in any sample. 

Eighteen pesticides, including 9 pesticide degradates, were detected in water from 14 of the 33 wells; most of the 

concentrations were at or near the detection limits, and no concentration exceeded an MCL. Eight of the samples containing 

pesticides were from sand and gravel aquifers, and six were from bedrock aquifers. Caffeine was detected at a trace level in one 

sample. Fourteen VOCs were detected in 12 samples, but no concentration exceeded an MCL. Any detection of total coliform 

or fecal coliform bacteria is considered a violation of New York State MCLs; in this study, total coliform was detected in 12 

samples, and E. coli was detected in 2 samples. Heterotrophic plate counts exceeded the MCL of 500 CFU/mL in four samples. 

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Phillips, P.J., Eckhardt, D.A., Terracciano, S.A., and Rosenmann, L.R., 1999, Pesticides and their metabolites in wells of Suffolk 

County, New York, 1998: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 99–4095, 12 p.

Randall, A.D., 2001, Hydrogeologic framework of stratified-drift aquifers in the glaciated Northeastern United 

States: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1415–B, 179 p.

Sandstrom, M.W., Stroppel, M.E., Foreman, W.T., and Schroeder, M.P., 2001, Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological 

Survey National Water Quality Laboratory—Determination of moderate-use pesticides and selected degradates in water 

by C-18 solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources 

Investigations Report 01–4098, 70 p.

Shelton, L.R., 1994, Field guide for collecting and processing stream-water samples for the National Water-Quality Assessment 

Program: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 94–455, 42 p. 

Staubitz, W.W., and Miller, T.S., 1987, Geology and hydrology of the Onondaga aquifer in eastern Erie County, New York, 

with emphasis on ground-water-level declines since 1982: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 

86–4317, 44 p.

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accessed January 2007, at http://www.census.gov/geo/www/index.html

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1997, Guidelines for preparation of the comprehensive state water quality assessments 

(305(b) reports and electronic updates: Washington, D.C., Office of Water, EPA 841–B–97–002A and EPA 841–B–97–002B, 

PL 95–217.

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analysis on sodium: Washington, D.C., Office of Water, EPA 822–R–02–032, 34 p.

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accessed January 2007, at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/radon/proposal.html

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Water, EPA 822–R–06–013, Oct. 1996, 12 p.

U.S. Geological Survey, 2006, Field methods: accessed January 2007, at http://water.usgs.gov/owq/Fieldprocedures.html

U.S. Geological Survey, 2007, National Water Quality Laboratory: accessed January 2007, at http://nwql.usgs.gov
 17

Yager, R.M., Miller, T.S., and Thayer, John, 1997, Delineation of areas contributing recharge to municipal wells in three 

selected confined-glacial aquifers in Erie County, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 

96–4229, 40 p.

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National Water Quality Laboratory—Determination of pesticides in water by C-18 solid-phase extraction and capillarycolumn gas chromatography with selective-ion monitoring: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 95–181, 49 p.

 19

Appendix 
20 

Table A1. Information on wells sampled in western New York study area, 2006.

[Well locations are shown in figure 1. --, information not available]

Well 

number 1

Date

sampled

Basin

name 2

 Well

type 3

Well depth,

feet below

land surface

Casing depth,

feet below

land surface

Physiographic

province

Sand and gravel wells

AG 265 10/17/2006 A P 70 -- Appalachian Plateau

CT 833 8/16/2006 A R 85 85 Appalachian Plateau

CU 1092 8/15/2006 A R 185 185 Appalachian Plateau

CU 1766 8/16/2006 A R 80 80 Appalachian Plateau

E 1084 12/13/2006 E P 28 -- Appalachian Plateau

E 1903 11/8/2006 E P 177 141 Appalachian Plateau

E 1904 12/13/2006 E P 45 45 Lake Ontario Lowland

E 1755 8/23/2006 E R 23 23 Appalachian Plateau

GS 216 10/26/2006 E P 69 56 Lake Ontario Lowland

GS 624 11/8/2006 E R 65 64 Appalachian Plateau

NI 1093 12/12/2006 O R 15 15 Lake Ontario Lowland

OL 264 10/4/2006 O R 32 32 Lake Ontario Lowland

OL 291 11/7/2006 O R 37 37 Lake Ontario Lowland

WO 351 10/25/2006 E P 36 36 Appalachian Plateau

WO 432 10/29/2006 E R 27 27 Appalachian Plateau

Bedrock wells

CT 806 8/30/2006 A R 70 48 Appalachian Plateau

CT 819 8/23/2006 A R 210 184 Appalachian Plateau

CT 922 8/22/2006 A R 170 73 Appalachian Plateau

CT 994 9/14/2006 A R 113 85 Appalachian Plateau

CT 1071 9/14/2006 A R 88 74 Appalachian Plateau

CU 1304 8/29/2006 E R 45 33 Lake Erie Lowland

CU 1951 8/30/2006 A R 124 20 Appalachian Plateau

CU 2054 9/13/2006 A R 80 56 Appalachian Plateau

CU 2158 10/11/2006 E R 55 15 Lake Erie Lowland

CU 2195 10/26/2006 E R 50 15 Lake Erie Lowland

E 1430 10/5/2006 E R 80 46 Lake Erie Lowland

E 1507 10/18/2006 E R 50 12 Appalachian Plateau

E 2428 10/18/2006 E R 143 40 Appalachian Plateau

E 2642 10/5/2006 E R 160 20 Lake Ontario Lowland

MO 1406 9/20/2006 O R 41 23 Lake Ontario Lowland

MO 1594 9/19/2006 O R 27 15 Lake Ontario Lowland

NI 1203 9/20/2006 O R 74 18 Lake Ontario Lowland

OL 19 10/24/2006 O P 32 -- Lake Ontario Lowland

1

 Two-letter prefix denotes county: AG, Allegany; CT, Cattaraugus; CU, Chatauqua; E, Erie; GS, Genesee; MO, Monroe; NI, Niagara; OL, Orleans; WO, 

Wyoming; number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.

2

 A, Allegheny River; E, Lake Erie and Niagara River; O, Western Lake Ontario.

3

 P, Production well; R, Residential well.
 21

Table A2. Compounds for which ground-water samples from western New York were analyzed but not 

detected, 2006.—Continued

USGS 

parameter 

code

Constituent

Laboratory reporting level,

micrograms per liter

(μg/L)

Trace elements in unfiltered water

71900 Mercury 0.190 - 0.200

Pesticides in filtered water

50470 2,4-D methyl ester 0.016

39732 2,4-D 0.04

82660 2,6-Diethylaniline 0.006

50355 2-Hydroxy-4-isopropyl-amino-6-ethylamino-s-triazine 0.032 - 0.080

49260 Acetochlor 0.006

61029 Acetochlor ethanesulfonic acid 0.02

61030 Acetochlor oxanilic acid 0.02

62847 Acetochlor sulfynilacetic acid 0.02

49315 Acifluorfen 0.028 - 0.060

62849 Alachlor ethanesulfonic acid second 

amide

0.02

61031 Alachlor oxanilic acid 0.02

63781 Alachlor second amide 0.02

62848 Alachlor sulfynilacetic acid 0.02

49313 Aldicarb sulfone 0.02 - 0.08

49314 Aldicarb sulfoxide 0.040 - 0.100

49312 Aldicarb 0.04 - 0.15

34253 alpha-HCH 0.005

82686 Azinphos-methyl 0.050 - 0.080

50299 Bendiocarb 0.04 - 0.08

50300 Benomyl 0.020 - 0.022

61693 Bensulfuron 0.02 - 0.06

38711 Bentazon 0.02

04029 Bromacil 0.02 - 0.04

49311 Bromoxynil 0.04 - 0.12

04028 Butylate 0.004

49310 Carbaryl 0.02

82680 Carbaryl 0.041 - 0.060

49309 Carbofuran 0.016 - 0.060

82674 Carbofuran 0.020

61188 Chloramben methyl ester 0.02 - 0.10

50306 Chlorimuron 0.032 - 0.080

04039 Chlorodiamino-s-triazine 0.04 - 0.12

38933 Chlorpyrifos 0.005

82687 cis-Permethrin 0.006 - 0.010
22 

Table A2. Compounds for which ground-water samples from western New York were analyzed but not 

detected, 2006.—Continued

USGS 

parameter 

code

Constituent

Laboratory reporting level,

micrograms per liter

(μg/L)

Pesticides in filtered water

49305 Clopyralid 0.06 - 0.07

04041 Cyanazine 0.018

04031 Cycloate 0.01 - 0.06

49304 Dacthal monoacid 0.02 - 0.03

82682 DCPA 0.003

63778 Dechloroacetochlor 0.02

63777 Dechloroalachlor 0.02

63779 Dechlorodimethenamid 0.02

63780 Dechlorometolachlor 0.02

62170 Desulfinyl fipronil 0.012

39572 Diazinon 0.005 - 0.026

38442 Dicamba 0.04 - 0.08

49302 Dichlorprop 0.03 - 0.04

39381 Dieldrin 0.009

61951 Dimethenamid ethanesulfonic acid 0.02

62482 Dimethenamid oxanilic acid 0.02

61588 Dimethenamid 0.02

49301 Dinoseb 0.04

04033 Diphenamid 0.01 - 0.04

82677 Disulfoton 0.02

49300 Diuron 0.02 - 0.04

82668 EPTC 0.004

82663 Ethalfluralin 0.009

82672 Ethoprop 0.012

49297 Fenuron 0.04 - 0.10

62169 Desulfinylfipronil amide 0.029

62167 Fipronil sulfide 0.013

62168 Fipronil sulfone 0.024

62166 Fipronil 0.016

61952 Flufenacet ethanesulfonic acid 0.02

62483 Flufenacet oxanilic acid 0.02

62481 Flufenacet 0.02

61694 Flumetsulam 0.04 - 0.06

38811 Fluometuron 0.02 - 0.04

04095 Fonofos 0.005 - 0.006

63784 Hydroxyacetochlor 0.02

63785 Hydroxymetolachlor 0.02

64045 Hydroxydimethenamid 0.02
 23

Table A2. Compounds for which ground-water samples from western New York were analyzed but not 

detected, 2006.—Continued

USGS 

parameter 

code

Constituent

Laboratory reporting level,

micrograms per liter

(μg/L)

Pesticides in filtered water

50356 Imazaquin 0.04

50407 Imazepyr 0.04

61695 Imidacloprid 0.020 - 0.060

39341 Lindane 0.004

38482 MCPA 0.06 - 0.07

38487 MCPB 0.10 - 0.20

50359 Metalaxyl 0.03 - 0.04

38501 Methiocarb 0.034 - 0.040

49296 Methomyl 0.060 - 0.070

82667 Methyl parathion 0.015

82630 Metribuzin 0.028

61697 Metsulfuron 0.07 - 0.14

82671 Molinate 0.003

61692 N-(4-Chlorophenyl)-N ́-methylurea 0.04 - 0.06

82684 Napropamide 0.007 0.018

49294 Neburon 0.01 - 0.02

50364 Nicosulfuron 0.04 - 0.10

49293 Norflurazon 0.02 - 0.04

49292 Oryzalin 0.02 - 0.04

38866 Oxamyl 0.04 - 0.05

34653 p,p ́-DDE 0.003

39542 Parathion 0.010

82669 Pebulate 0.004

82683 Pendimethalin 0.022

82664 Phorate 0.011 - 0.055

49291 Picloram 0.03 - 0.12

04037 Prometon 0.01

82676 Propyzamide 0.004

62766 Propachlor ethanesulfonic acid 0.05

62767 Propachlor oxanilic acid 0.02

82679 Propanil 0.011

82685 Propargite 0.02

49236 Propham 0.030 - 0.060

50471 Propiconazole 0.01 - 0.060

38538 Propoxur 0.008 - 0.040

50337 Sulfometuron 0.060 - 0.090

82670 Tebuthiuron 0.026 - 0.040

82665 Terbacil 0.034 - 0.040
24 

Table A2. Compounds for which ground-water samples from western New York were analyzed but not 

detected, 2006.—Continued

USGS 

parameter 

code

Constituent

Laboratory reporting level,

micrograms per liter

(μg/L)

Pesticides in filtered water

04032 Terbacil 0.026 - 0.040

82675 Terbufos 0.01 - 0.02

82681 Thiobencarb 0.010

82678 Triallate 0.006

49235 Triclopyr 0.03 - 0.04

82661 Trifluralin 0.006 - 0.009

Volatile organic compounds, in unfiltered water

77652 1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane 0.1

34501 1,1-Dichloroethene 0.1

34536 1,2-Dichlorobenzene 0.1

32103 1,2-Dichloroethane 0.2

34541 1,2-Dichloropropane 0.1

34566 1,3-Dichlorobenzene 0.1

34571 1,4-Dichlorobenzene 0.1

34030 Benzene 0.1

32101 Bromodichloromethane 0.1

34301 Chlorobenzene 0.1

77093 cis-1,2-Dichloroethene 0.1

81576 Diethyl ether 0.2

81577 Diisopropyl ether 0.2

50005 Methyl tert-pentyl ether 0.2

77128 Styrene 0.1 - 0.3

50004 tert-Butyl ethyl ether 0.1

32102 Tetrachloromethane 0.2

34546 trans-1,2-Dichloroethene 0.1

34488 Trichlorofluoromethane 0.2

39175 Vinyl Choride 0.2
 25

Table A3. Physical properties of ground-water samples from western New York study area, 2006.

[Well locations are shown in figure 1. mg/L, milligrams per liter; <, less than; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; (00080), National Water 

Information System (NWIS) parameter code; --, no data]

Well 

number 1

Water color,

filtered,

platinum

cobalt units

(00080)

Dissolvedoxygen 

concentration,

 field, mg/L

(00300)

pH, field,

standard 

units

(00400)

Specific 

conductance, 

field, μS/cm

(00095)

Water

temperature,

degrees Celsius

(00010)

Sand and gravel wells

AG 265 5 3.0 6.4 495 12.7

CT 833 < 1 6.3 7.4 369 9.6

CU 1092 12 < 0.3 7.5 740 19.7

CU 1766 12 < 0.3 7.6 317 11.0

E 1084 2 4.7 7.2 808 12.5

E 1903 5 0.4 7.3 830 11.3

E 1904 2 0.5 7.0 1,040 13.6

E 1755 5 < 0.3 7.0 370 13.2

GS 216 2 2.1 7.2 1,100 12.6

GS 624 8 0.4 7.5 575 13.6

NI 1093 5 5.4 7.6 1,060 14.3

OL 264 2 0.6 7.4 655 15.8

OL 291 2 0.4 7.3 1,040 12.5

WO 351 2 2.6 7.5 465 12.1

WO 432 2 6.7 7.2 653 10.2

Bedrock wells

CT 806 8 -- 7.4 383 10.8

CT 819 10 0.5 7.3 333 14.7

CT 922 2 3.2 7.7 171 15.1

CT 994 8 0.4 8.2 531 17.7

CT 1071 8 0.7 7.6 480 11.2

CU 1304 8 -- 8.0 603 14.1

CU 1951 2 -- 7.5 464 12.6

CU 2054 10 0.4 7.3 303 13.0

CU 2158 2 3.5 7.0 1,260 16.7

CU 2195 2 3.3 7.1 576 13.2

E 1430 2 0.5 7.4 1,030 12.9

E 1507 8 0.6 7.4 461 16.0

E 2428 5 0.5 7.4 350 13.4

E 2642 5 -- 7.2 1,370 11.9

MO 1406 5 0.7 7.4 851 17.7

MO 1594 5 < 0.3 7.1 1,850 17.3

NI 1203 2 1.1 7.5 5,500 14.4

OL 19 2 1.0 7.1 765 12.3

1

 Two-letter prefix denotes county: AG, Allegany; CT, Cattaraugus; CU, Chatauqua; E, Erie; GS, Genesee; MO, Monroe; NI, Niagara; OL, Orleans; 

WO, Wyoming; number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
26 

Table A4. Concentrations of inorganic constituents in ground-water samples from western New York study area, 2006.

[Well locations are shown in figure 1. mg/L, milligrams per liter; (00900), USGS National Water Information System (NWIS) parameter code. Bold values 

exceed one or more drinking-water standard]

Well 

number 1

Hardness,

filtered,

mg/L as CaCO3

(00900)

Calcium,

filtered,

mg/L

(00915)

Magnesium,

filtered,

mg/L

(00925)

Potassium,

filtered,

mg/L

(00935)

Sodium,

filtered,

mg/L

(00930)

Acid-neutralizing

capacity,2

unfiltered,

mg/L as CaCO3

(90410)

Alkalinity,2

filtered,

mg/L as CaCO3

(29801)

Sand and gravel wells

AG 265 140 41.8 8.21 1.91 38.6 89 89

CT 833 160 53.7 7.15 0.81 8.99 152 151

CU 1092 180 44.5 17.7 1.85 75.5 296 298

CU 1766 42 12.2 2.72 1.89 63.4 139 140

E 1084 320 97.3 19.4 1.73 37.7 269 268

E 1903 420 122 28.7 1.30 16.0 259 259

E 1904 480 150 25.4 3.28 33.6 299 299

E 1755 100 29.5 7.60 2.04 36.1 160 161

GS 216 400 110 29.6 3.99 74.4 319 318

GS 624 320 91.5 22.7 0.87 3.82 246 245

NI 1093 450 113 41.0 1.59 51.4 274 264

OL 264 330 76.0 33.1 4.15 7.25 163 162

OL 291 500 105 57.4 3.70 35.3 320 320

WO 351 200 63.1 10.9 1.55 18.2 176 176

WO 432 300 91.2 18.3 2.51 19.1 238 238

Bedrock wells

CT 806 180 49.4 13.1 1.48 10.2 174 175

CT 819 130 33.5 10.1 1.41 23.9 165 165

CT 922 82 25.9 4.30 0.73 2.87 74 74

CT 994 21 6.04 1.46 1.36 109 197 197

CT 1071 140 38.0 10.0 1.79 51.2 197 199

CU 1304 110 30.6 6.95 2.08 78.6 150 150

CU 1951 110 34.8 6.69 1.61 43.7 157 158

CU 2054 150 38.7 12.0 2.34 5.53 154 154

CU 2158 680 197 45.1 1.91 21.9 349 347

CU 2195 240 61.0 21.7 3.23 19.9 196 197

E 1430 340 101 21.1 1.75 82.0 231 232

E 1507 180 48.8 14.1 1.38 26.9 209 209

E 2428 160 44.8 12.2 1.51 5.67 143 143

E 2642 660 188 47.1 4.43 52.5 256 255

MO 1406 250 52.4 28.7 12.8 82.2 286 286

MO 1594 580 173 35.3 9.74 166 398 398

NI 1203 510 155 28.7 26.1 929 196 196

OL 19 380 108 25.6 2.34 17.7 285 284

1 Two-letter prefix denotes county: AG, Allegany; CT, Cattaraugus; CU, Chatauqua; E, Erie; GS, Genesee; MO, Monroe; NI, Niagara; OL, Orleans; 

WO, Wyoming; number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.

2

 Fixed-endpoint titration at pH 4.5.

3

 Calculated from alkalinity.
 27

Table A4. Concentrations of inorganic constituents in ground-water samples from western New York study area, 2006.—Continued 

[Well locations are shown in figure 1. mg/L, milligrams per liter; (29805), USGS National Water Information System (NWIS) parameter code; <, less than; 

E, estimated value—constituent was detected in the sample but with low or inconsistent recovery. Bold values exceed one or more drinking-water standard]

Well 

number 1

Bicarbonate,3

filtered,

mg/L as CaCO3

(29805)

Chloride,

filtered,

mg/L

(00940)

Fluoride,

filtered,

mg/L

(00950)

Silica,

filtered,

mg/L

(00955)

Sulfate,

filtered,

mg/L

(00945)

Residue on

evaporation,

at 180° Celsius,

filtered, mg/L

(70300)

Sand and gravel wells

AG 265 109 88.0 E 0.08 6.31 12.9 272

CT 833 184 19.3 < 0.10 8.14 11.7 203

CU 1092 364 56.6 0.41 5.96 < 0.18 403

CU 1766 171 37.4 0.57 8.88 1.69 225

E 1084 327 71.3 E 0.09 10.1 30.9 456

E 1903 316 37.9 < 0.10 11.8 136 534

E 1904 365 79.9 0.10 9.67 135 629

E 1755 196 15.3 0.30 14.8 14.6 211

GS 216 388 140 0.14 8.96 43.6 612

GS 624 299 10.8 E 0.07 14.5 60.8 362

NI 1093 322 91.7 0.15 16.2 120 650

OL 264 198 26.6 0.69 9.99 121 403

OL 291 390 85.9 0.22 19.5 130 652

WO 351 215 29.9 E 0.09 6.75 17.7 258

WO 432 290 38.6 E 0.07 7.25 25.4 366

Bedrock wells

CT 806 214 3.91 0.13 10.5 26.8 223

CT 819 201 2.61 0.22 11.6 15.0 196

CT 922 90 0.78 0.12 7.63 17.4 100

CT 994 240 50.1 0.61 8.04 5.60 312

CT 1071 243 28.3 0.29 12.5 23.5 298

CU 1304 183 103 0.29 9.55 1.09 328

CU 1951 193 44.6 0.29 9.29 5.33 251

CU 2054 188 0.96 0.27 16.1 9.30 187

CU 2158 423 22.2 0.17 11.0 345 922

CU 2195 240 61.8 0.39 16.8 8.36 317

E 1430 283 141 0.16 15.2 81.0 615

E 1507 255 10.1 0.33 12.3 24.4 259

E 2428 174 20.2 0.28 15.1 7.59 195

E 2642 311 93.6 0.73 6.58 371 952

MO 1406 349 78.7 0.28 13.8 54.4 490

MO 1594 486 340 0.17 8.05 87.0 1,070

NI 1203 239 1,590 0.77 8.41 271 3,250

OL 19 346 41.5 0.11 11.8 63.3 462

1

 Two-letter prefix denotes county: AG, Allegany; CT, Cattaraugus; CU, Chatauqua; E, Erie; GS, Genesee; MO, Monroe; NI, Niagara; OL, Orleans; 

WO, Wyoming; number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
28 

Table A5. Concentrations of nutrients and total organic carbon in ground-water samples from western New York study area, 2006.

[Well locations are shown in figure 1. mg/L, milligrams per liter; N, nitrogen; P, phosphorus; <, less than; (00623), National Water Information System (NWIS) 

parameter code; E, estimated value—constituent was detected in the sample but with low or inconsistent recovery]

Well 

number 1

Ammonia plus

organic nitrogen,

filtered,

mg/L as N

(00623)

Ammonia,

filtered,

mg/L as N

(00608)

Nitrate plus

nitrite,

filtered,

mg/L as N

(00631)

Nitrite,

filtered,

mg/L as N

(00613)

Orthophosphate,

filtered,

mg/L as P

(00671)

Total organic

carbon,

unfiltered,

mg/L

(00680)

Sand and gravel wells

AG 265 E 0.06 < 0.020 2.40 < 0.002 0.012 < 1.0

CT 833 < 0.10 E 0.006 1.45 < 0.002 0.007 < 1.0

CU 1092 3.1 3.00 < 0.06 < 0.002 0.109 1.8

CU 1766 0.46 0.465 < 0.06 < 0.002 0.008 < 1.0

E 1084 E 0.07 E 0.010 4.58 < 0.002 E 0.004 < 1.0

E 1903 E 0.10 0.055 < 0.06 < 0.002 0.006 < 1.0

E 1904 0.23 0.154 < 0.06 < 0.002 E 0.005 1.0

E 1755 0.59 0.536 < 0.06 < 0.002 0.021 < 1.0

GS 216 E 0.06 E 0.013 0.72 < 0.002 E 0.003 < 1.0

GS 624 E 0.10 0.054 < 0.06 < 0.002 0.009 < 1.0

NI 1093 0.34 E 0.019 < 0.06 < 0.002 E 0.004 < 1.0

OL 264 0.19 0.074 2.59 0.208 < 0.006 < 1.0

OL 291 0.17 0.078 < 0.06 < 0.002 E 0.005 1.3

WO 351 < 0.10 < 0.020 1.38 < 0.002 0.006 < 1.0

WO 432 E 0.07 < 0.020 6.92 < 0.002 E 0.003 < 1.0

Bedrock wells

CT 806 < 0.10 0.015 < 0.06 < 0.002 E 0.004 < 1.0

CT 819 E 0.09 0.078 < 0.06 E 0.001 0.026 < 1.0

CT 922 E 0.05 < 0.010 0.24 < 0.002 0.007 < 1.0

CT 994 0.32 0.242 < 0.06 < 0.002 0.013 < 1.0

CT 1071 0.32 0.302 < 0.06 < 0.002 0.009 < 1.0

CU 1304 0.46 0.344 < 0.06 < 0.002 E 0.005 < 1.0

CU 1951 0.11 0.058 E 0.04 0.005 E 0.005 < 1.0

CU 2054 E 0.07 0.042 < 0.06 < 0.002 0.011 < 1.0

CU 2158 0.25 0.073 0.12 < 0.002 < 0.006 < 1.0

CU 2195 0.27 0.057 0.96 0.005 0.009 1.1

E 1430 0.81 0.684 < 0.06 < 0.002 0.009 1.1

E 1507 0.53 0.411 < 0.06 < 0.002 0.007 < 1.0

E 2428 0.43 0.355 < 0.06 < 0.002 0.006 < 1.0

E 2642 0.61 < 0.020 < 0.06 E 0.001 < 0.006 1.6

MO 1406 0.83 0.727 < 0.06 < 0.002 0.008 2.4

MO 1594 0.16 0.018 E 0.04 0.006 E 0.005 3.6

NI 1203 2.8 2.61 < 0.06 E 0.002 E 0.006 1.5

OL 19 E 0.09 E 0.016 2.33 < 0.002 0.006 1.2

1

 Two-letter prefix denotes county: AG, Allegany; CT, Cattaraugus; CU, Chatauqua; E, Erie; GS, Genesee; MO, Monroe; NI, Niagara; OL, Orleans; 

WO, Wyoming; number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
 29

Table A6. Concentrations of trace elements and radon-222 in ground-water samples from western New York study area, 2006.

[Well locations are shown in figure 1. μg/L, micrograms per liter; (01105), USGS National Water Information System (NWIS) parameter code; <, less than; 

E, estimated value—constituent was detected in the sample but with low or inconsistent recovery. Bold values exceed one or more drinking-water standard]

Well 

number 1

Aluminum,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01105)

Antimony,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01097)

Arsenic,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01002)

Barium,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01007)

Beryllium,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01012)

Boron,

filtered,

μg/L

(01020)

Cadmium,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01027)

Chromium,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01034)

Sand and gravel wells

AG 265 < 2 E 0.1 2.2 124 < 0.06 32 0.02 < 0.60

CT 833 E 1 < 0.2 0.32 236 < 0.06 12 < 0.04 0.22

CU 1092 5 < 0.2 111 817 < 0.06 222 < 0.04 0.12

CU 1766 2 < 0.2 < 0.12 412 < 0.06 365 < 0.04 0.14

E 1084 < 2 < 0.2 0.42 175 < 0.06 32 < 0.02 1.1

E 1903 E 2 < 0.2 0.24 48.1 < 0.06 52 < 0.02 < 0.60

E 1904 < 2 < 0.2 0.41 153 < 0.06 71 E 0.01 < 0.60

E 1755 30 < 0.2 E 0.08 294 < 0.06 172 < 0.04 0.17

GS 216 < 2 < 0.2 1.3 178 < 0.06 55 E 0.01 E 0.40

GS 624 3 < 0.2 E 0.19 184 < 0.06 15 0.02 < 0.60

NI 1093 2 E 0.2 1.7 33.4 < 0.06 20 < 0.02 2.1

OL 264 E 2 0.5 0.60 94.5 < 0.06 22 0.05 < 0.60

OL 291 < 2 < 0.2 4.2 79.2 < 0.06 92 E 0.02 < 0.60

WO 351 E 1 < 0.2 3.2 93.2 < 0.06 26 < 0.02 < 0.60

WO 432 < 2 < 0.2 1.1 99.1 < 0.06 18 < 0.02 < 0.60

Bedrock wells

CT 806 11 < 0.2 0.31 21.7 < 0.06 50 < 0.04 0.11

CT 819 < 2 < 0.2 3.6 84.1 < 0.06 106 < 0.04 0.13

CT 922 E 2 < 0.2 0.42 36.0 < 0.06 13 < 0.04 0.13

CT 994 E 1 < 0.2 E 0.06 276 < 0.06 292 < 0.04 0.10

CT 1071 E 2 < 0.2 0.79 56.2 < 0.06 185 < 0.04 0.15

CU 1304 E 1 < 0.2 0.75 1,660 < 0.06 157 < 0.04 0.12

CU 1951 5 < 0.2 0.97 1,410 < 0.06 182 < 0.04 0.08

CU 2054 E 2 < 0.2 0.93 128 < 0.06 38 < 0.04 0.41

CU 2158 85 3.8 3.5 22.6 0.52 51 4.02 1.8

CU 2195 29 < 0.2 0.47 873 < 0.06 154 < 0.02 < 0.60

E 1430 < 2 < 0.2 0.48 120 < 0.06 197 < 0.02 < 0.60

E 1507 7 < 0.2 0.34 607 < 0.06 120 < 0.02 < 0.60

E 2428 E 1 < 0.2 E 0.17 325 < 0.06 58 < 0.02 < 0.60

E 2642 < 2 0.2 0.83 31.3 < 0.06 385 < 0.09 0.99

MO 1406 < 2 < 0.2 20.9 105 < 0.06 375 0.08 < 0.04

MO 1594 3 < 0.2 0.53 334 < 0.06 298 0.32 < 0.04

NI 1203 <6 < 0.6 1.2 100 < 0.18 2,430 0.94 < 0.12

OL 19 < 2 < 0.2 2.2 119 < 0.06 35 < 0.02 E .38

1

 Two-letter prefix denotes county: AG, Allegany; CT, Cattaraugus; CU, Chatauqua; E, Erie; GS, Genesee; MO, Monroe; NI, Niagara; OL, Orleans; 

WO, Wyoming; number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
30 

Table A6. Concentrations of trace elements and radon-222 in ground-water samples from western New York study area, 

2006.—Continued

[Well locations are shown in figure 1. μg/L, micrograms per liter; (01037), USGS National Water Information System (NWIS) parameter code; <, less than; 

E, estimated value—constituent was detected in the sample but with low or inconsistent recovery; Bold values exceed one or more drinking-water standard]

Well 

number 1

Cobalt,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01037)

Copper,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01042)

Iron,

filtered,

μg/L

(01046)

Iron,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01045)

Lead,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01051)

Lithium,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01132)

Manganese,

filtered,

μg/L

(01056)

Manganese,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01055)

Molybdenum,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01062)

Sand and gravel wells

AG 265 0.121 31.4 28 187 1.64 1.2 57.5 67.1 0.1

CT 833 0.103 E 0.6 E 5 E 4 0.53 3.3 < 0.6 < 0.6 < 0.2

CU 1092 0.149 1.6 3,220 2,870 0.07 2.3 65.2 57.1 2.8

CU 1766 E 0.027 1.1 10 12 0.09 23.2 20.5 18.2 < 0.2

E 1084 0.234 1.8 E 6 11 0.17 5.4 2.2 2.2 1.1

E 1903 0.245 1.5 1,630 1,540 E 0.04 8.5 136 133 1.9

E 1904 0.369 E 1.0 888 806 < 0.06 28.5 107 107 2.6

E 1755 0.083 11.1 471 644 2.65 58.4 152 146 < 0.2

GS 216 0.226 1.9 < 6 E 4 0.07 10.2 E 0.5 E 0.4 1.6

GS 624 0.182 12.4 775 716 0.07 6.2 22.7 22.2 1.5

NI 1093 0.478 49.9 < 6 458 15.3 17.7 45.0 50.7 0.8

OL 264 0.277 5.5 109 122 1.77 5.5 18.9 20.0 8.0

OL 291 0.333 2.5 2,570 2,570 0.45 30.9 64.5 62.6 4.5

WO 351 0.118 2.2 E 3 27 0.33 2.9 < 0.6 < 0.6 0.4

WO 432 0.189 5.4 < 6 E 4 E 0.05 2.1 < 0.6 < 0.6 0.1

Bedrock wells

CT 806 0.171 3.3 1,510 1,620 0.67 13.3 696 625 0.6

CT 819 0.062 E 0.5 1,360 1,390 E 0.04 15.7 188 182 E 0.2

CT 922 0.044 E 0.4 < 6 < 6 0.07 4.1 < 0.6 < 0.6 0.5

CT 994 < 0.040 2.6 219 215 0.08 31.8 14.2 13.1 0.8

CT 1071 0.081 3.1 346 359 0.91 22.4 88.3 83.2 0.4

CU 1304 0.097 1.2 363 527 1.01 41.3 83.2 74.5 1.8

CU 1951 0.091 5.0 6 12 1.17 13.9 22.0 19.9 E 0.1

CU 2054 0.124 1.3 1,580 1,440 0.56 17.7 394 388 0.3

CU 2158 2.85 2.6 30 154 4.48 2.2 13.9 35.4 1.6

CU 2195 0.112 6.9 E 6 47 0.35 125 13.9 14.8 0.2

E 1430 0.189 E 0.9 44 57 < 0.06 133 38.3 40.6 0.1

E 1507 0.101 7.6 262 317 1.14 32.0 67.1 64.6 0.4

E 2428 0.083 E 0.6 128 146 1.15 11.8 68.2 65.7 0.6

E 2642 0.459 441 23 269 0.36 52.7 14.9 16.3 0.4

MO 1406 0.165 1.8 966 867 0.09 64.2 65.0 62.5 7.1

MO 1594 0.375 12.1 938 1,330 1.98 78.9 43.3 44.1 2.7

NI 1203 0.250 5.2 290 285 0.32 917 157 155 14.7

OL 19 0.227 6.6 304 316 0.12 7.4 28.0 27.7 0.4

1

 Two-letter prefix denotes county: AG, Allegany; CT, Cattaraugus; CU, Chatauqua; E, Erie; GS, Genesee; MO, Monroe; NI, Niagara; OL, Orleans; 

WO, Wyoming; number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
 31

Table A6. Concentrations of trace elements and radon-222 in ground-water samples from western New York study area, 

2006.—Continued

[Well locations are shown in figure 1. μg/L, micrograms per liter; (01067), USGS National Water Information System (NWIS) parameter code; <, less than; 

E, estimated value—constituent was detected in the sample but with low or inconsistent recovery. Bold values exceed one or more drinking-water standard]

Well 

number 1

Nickel,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01067)

Selenium,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01147)

Silver,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01077)

Strontium,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01082)

Thallium,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01059)

Radon-222,

unfiltered,

picocuries

per liter

(pCi/L)

(82303)

Uranium,

(natural),

unfiltered,

μg/L

(28011)

Zinc,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(01092)

Sand and gravel wells

AG 265 1.16 E 0.07 0.06 94.1 < 0.18 1,200 0.017 196

CT 833 0.53 < 0.08 < 0.16 90.2 < 0.18 780 0.083 < 2

CU 1092 0.83 < 0.08 < 0.16 976 < 0.18 770 < 0.012 31

CU 1766 0.32 < 0.08 < 0.16 163 < 0.18 670 < 0.012 E 2

E 1084 2.15 0.16 < 0.02 145 < 0.18 500 0.618 3

E 1903 0.86 < 0.08 < 0.02 237 < 0.18 190 0.074 39

E 1904 2.52 0.54 < 0.02 631 < 0.18 170 0.473 16

E 1755 0.39 < 0.08 < 0.16 246 < 0.18 430 < 0.012 3

GS 216 0.87 0.80 < 0.02 364 < 0.18 470 0.837 7

GS 624 0.75 < 0.08 < 0.02 191 < 0.18 160 0.016 13

NI 1093 2.33 E 0.06 0.02 244 < 0.18 40 0.842 30

OL 264 1.42 E 0.05 < 0.02 370 < 0.18 500 2.80 25

OL 291 0.96 < 0.08 < 0.02 693 < 0.18 1,140 3.47 2

WO 351 0.31 0.23 < 0.02 111 < 0.18 680 0.170 3

WO 432 0.56 0.18 < 0.02 115 < 0.18 590 0.152 E 2

Bedrock wells

CT 806 0.62 < 0.08 < 0.16 124 < 0.18 1,010 0.179 32

CT 819 0.27 < 0.08 < 0.16 278 < 0.18 1,700 0.332 E 1

CT 922 0.21 E 0.04 < 0.16 48.5 < 0.18 1,570 0.107 8

CT 994 0.27 < 0.08 < 0.16 103 < 0.18 230 < 0.012 3

CT 1071 0.37 < 0.08 < 0.16 470 < 0.18 140 0.020 15

CU 1304 0.37 < 0.08 < 0.16 314 < 0.18 390 0.013 E 1

CU 1951 0.33 < 0.08 < 0.16 251 < 0.18 940 0.119 4

CU 2054 0.41 < 0.08 < 0.16 220 < 0.18 580 0.093 E 2

CU 2158 0.81 1.6 2.23 60.6 0.45 480 1.27 62

CU 2195 0.45 E 0.06 < 0.02 550 < 0.18 70 0.018 32

E 1430 1.15 < 0.08 < 0.02 1,090 < 0.18 170 < 0.012 E 1

E 1507 0.43 E 0.04 < 0.02 346 < 0.18 400 < 0.012 2

E 2428 0.21 < 0.08 < 0.02 325 < 0.18 410 < 0.012 E 2

E 2642 8.66 0.08 E 0.01 10,600 < 0.18 190 0.272 180

MO 1406 1.54 < 0.08 < 0.16 1,580 < 0.18 1,420 0.423 9

MO 1594 1.24 0.10 < 0.16 1,920 < 0.18 2,080 6.45 8

NI 1203 2.06 < 0.24 < 0.48 4,900 < 0.54 2,160 0.160 14

OL 19 0.66 0.27 < 0.02 189 < 0.18 540 0.720 6

1

 Two-letter prefix denotes county: AG, Allegany; CT, Cattaraugus; CU,Chatauqua; E, Erie; GS, Genesee; MO, Monroe; NI, Niagara; OL, Orleans; 

WO, Wyoming; number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
32 

Table A7. Concentrations of pesticides and caffeine detected in ground-water samples from western New York study area, 2006.

[Well locations are shown in figure 1. μg/L, micrograms per liter; <, less than; (04040), USGS National Water Information System (NWIS) parameter code; 

CEAT, 2-Chloro-6-ethylamino-4-amino-s-triazine; CIAT, 2-Chloro-4-isopropylamino-6-amino-s-triazine; ESA, ethanesulfanic acid; OA, oxanilic acid; E, 

estimated value—constituent was detected in the sample but with low or inconsistent recovery]

Well 

number 1

CIAT,

filtered,

μg/L

(04040)

CEAT,

filtered,

μg/L

(04038)

2-[(2-Ethyl6-methylphenyl)

amino]2-oxo-ESA,

filtered,

μg/L

(62850)

Acetochlor 

3rd amide,

filtered,

μg/L

(63782)

Alachlor 

ESA,

filtered,

μg/L

(50009)

Alachlor,

filtered,

μg/L

(46342)

Atrazine,

filtered,

μg/L

(39632)

Benfluralin,

filtered,

μg/L

(82673)

Caffeine,

filtered,

μg/L

(50305)

Sand and gravel wells

AG 265 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.006 < 0.040

CT 833 E 0.004 E 0.01 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.010 < 0.018

CU 1092 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.010 < 0.018

CU 1766 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.010 E 0.008

E 1084 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.006 < 0.040

E 1903 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.006 < 0.040

E 1904 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.006 < 0.040

E 1755 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.010 < 0.018

GS 216 E 0.005 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.006 < 0.040

GS 624 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.006 < 0.040

NI 1093 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.006 < 0.040

OL 264 E 0.009 < 0.08 0.40 < 0.02 0.08 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.006 < 0.040

OL 291 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.006 < 0.040

WO 351 E 0.005 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.006 < 0.040

WO 432 E 0.006 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 0.07 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.006 < 0.040

Bedrock wells

CT 806 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.010 < 0.018

CT 819 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.010 < 0.018

CT 922 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.010 < 0.018

CT 994 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.010 < 0.018

CT 1071 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 E 0.001 < 0.018

CU 1304 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.010 < 0.018

CU 1951 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.010 < 0.018

CU 2054 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 E 0.001 < 0.018

CU 2158 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.006 < 0.040

CU 2195 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.006 < 0.040

E 1430 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.006 < 0.040

E 1507 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.006 < 0.040

E 2428 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.006 < 0.040

E 2642 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.006 < 0.040

MO 1406 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.010 < 0.018

MO 1594 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.005 < 0.007 < 0.010 < 0.018

NI 1203 < 0.014 < 0.08 < 0.02 0.10 < 0.02 1.03 0.104 < 0.010 < 0.018

OL 19 E 0.019 < 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.02 0.08 < 0.005 0.026 < 0.006 < 0.040

1 Two-letter prefix denotes county: AG, Allegany; CT, Cattaraugus; CU, Chatauqua; E, Erie; GS, Genesee; MO, Monroe; NI, Niagara; OL, Orleans; 

WO, Wyoming; number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
 33

Table A7. Concentrations of pesticides and caffeine detected in ground-water samples from western New York study area, 

2006.—Continued

[Well locations are shown in figure 1. μg/L, micrograms per liter; <, less than; (49308), USGS National Water Information System (NWIS) parameter code; 

CEAT, 2-Chloro-6-ethylamino-4-amino-s-triazine; CIAT, 2-Chloro-4-isopropylamino-6-amino-s-triazine; ESA, ethanesulfanic acid; OA, oxanilic acid; 

E, estimated value—constituent was detected in the sample but with low or inconsistent recovery]

Well 

number1

3-Hydroxy

 carbofuran,

filtered,

μg/L

(49308)

Hydroxy

 alachlor,

filtered,

μg/L

(63783)

Linuron,

filtered,

μg/L

(82666)

Malathion,

filtered,

μg/L

(39532)

Metol-

 chlor ESA,

filtered,

μg/L

(61043)

Metol-

 chlor OA,

filtered,

μg/L

(61044)

Metolachlor,

filtered,

μg/L

(39415)

Propachlor,

filtered,

μg/L

(04024)

Siduron,

filtered,

μg/L

(38548)

Simazine,

filtered,

μg/L

(04035)

Sand and gravel wells

AG 265 < 0.020 < 0.02 < 0.060 < 0.016 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.010 < 0.010 < 0.04 < 0.006

CT 833 < 0.008 < 0.02 < 0.035 < 0.027 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.006 < 0.010 < 0.02 < 0.005

CU 1092 < 0.008 < 0.02 < 0.035 < 0.027 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.006 < 0.010 < 0.02 < 0.005

CU 1766 < 0.008 < 0.02 < 0.035 < 0.027 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.006 < 0.010 < 0.02 < 0.005

E 1084 < 0.020 < 0.02 < 0.060 < 0.016 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.010 < 0.010 E 0.01 < 0.006

E 1903 < 0.020 < 0.02 < 0.060 < 0.016 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.010 < 0.010 < 0.04 < 0.006

E 1904 < 0.020 < 0.02 < 0.060 < 0.016 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.010 < 0.010 E 0.01 < 0.006

E 1755 < 0.008 < 0.02 < 0.035 < 0.027 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.006 < 0.010 < 0.02 < 0.005

GS 216 < 0.020 < 0.02 < 0.060 < 0.016 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.010 < 0.010 < 0.04 < 0.006

GS 624 < 0.020 < 0.02 < 0.060 < 0.016 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.010 < 0.010 < 0.04 < 0.006

NI 1093 < 0.020 < 0.02 < 0.060 < 0.016 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.010 < 0.010 E 0.01 < 0.006

OL 264 < 0.020 < 0.02 < 0.060 0.046 2.81 1.88 < 0.010 < 0.010 < 0.04 < 0.006

OL 291 < 0.020 < 0.02 < 0.060 < 0.016 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.010 < 0.010 < 0.04 < 0.006

WO 351 < 0.020 < 0.02 < 0.060 < 0.016 0.08 < 0.02 < 0.010 < 0.010 < 0.04 < 0.006

WO 432 < 0.020 < 0.02 < 0.060 < 0.016 0.54 < 0.02 < 0.010 < 0.010 < 0.04 < 0.006

Bedrock wells

CT 806 < 0.008 < 0.02 < 0.035 < 0.027 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.006 < 0.010 < 0.02 < 0.005

CT 819 < 0.008 < 0.02 < 0.035 < 0.027 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.006 < 0.010 < 0.02 < 0.005

CT 922 < 0.008 < 0.02 < 0.035 < 0.027 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.006 < 0.010 < 0.02 < 0.005

CT 994 < 0.008 < 0.02 < 0.035 < 0.027 < 0.02 < 0.02 E 0.001 < 0.010 < 0.02 < 0.005

CT 1071 < 0.008 < 0.02 < 0.035 < 0.027 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.006 < 0.010 < 0.02 < 0.005

CU 1304 < 0.008 < 0.02 < 0.035 < 0.027 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.006 < 0.010 < 0.02 < 0.005

CU 1951 < 0.008 < 0.02 < 0.035 < 0.027 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.006 < 0.010 < 0.02 < 0.005

CU 2054 < 0.008 < 0.02 < 0.035 < 0.027 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.006 < 0.010 < 0.02 < 0.005

CU 2158 < 0.020 < 0.02 < 0.060 < 0.016 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.010 < 0.010 < 0.04 < 0.006

CU 2195 E 0.003 < 0.02 < 0.060 < 0.016 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.010 < 0.010 < 0.04 < 0.006

E 1430 < 0.020 < 0.02 < 0.060 < 0.016 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.010 < 0.010 < 0.04 < 0.006

E 1507 < 0.020 < 0.02 < 0.060 < 0.016 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.010 < 0.010 < 0.04 < 0.006

E 2428 < 0.020 < 0.02 < 0.060 < 0.016 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.010 < 0.010 < 0.04 < 0.006

E 2642 < 0.020 < 0.02 < 0.060 < 0.016 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.010 < 0.010 < 0.04 < 0.006

MO 1406 < 0.008 < 0.02 < 0.035 < 0.027 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.006 < 0.010 < 0.02 < 0.005

MO 1594 < 0.008 < 0.02 < 0.035 < 0.027 < 0.02 < 0.02 < 0.006 < 0.010 < 0.02 < 0.005

NI 1203 < 0.008 0.07 E 0.017 < 0.027 < 0.02 < 0.02 0.400 0.111 < 0.02 0.015

OL 19 < 0.020 < 0.02 < 0.060 < 0.016 0.32 0.06 E 0.002 < 0.010 < 0.04 < 0.006

1

 Two-letter prefix denotes county: AG, Allegany; CT, Cattaraugus; CU, Chatauqua; E, Erie; GS, Genesee; MO, Monroe; NI, Niagara; OL, Orleans; 

WO, Wyoming; number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
34 

Table A8. Concentrations of volatile organic compounds and phenolic compounds in ground-water samples from western New York 

study area, 2006.

[ Well locations are shown in figure 1. μg/L, micrograms per liter; <, less than; (32730), USGS National Water Information System parameter code; E, 

estimated value—constituent was detected in the sample but with low or inconsistent recovery]

Well 

number1

Phenolic

compounds, 

total

recoverable,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(32730)

1,1,1-

Trichloroethane,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(34506)

1,1-

Dichloroethane,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(34496)

Dibromochloromethane,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(32105)

Tribromomethane,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(32104)

Trichloromethane,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(32106)

Dichlorodifluoromethane,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(34668)

Dichloromethane,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(34423)

Sand and gravel wells

AG 265 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 E 0.1 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

CT 833 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

CU 1092 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 0.7 < 0.2 0.2

CU 1766 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

E 1084 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

E 1903 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

E 1904 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

E 1755 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

GS 216 < 4 0.6 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 0.3 < 0.2 < 0.2

GS 624 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

NI 1093 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

OL 264 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

OL 291 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

WO 351 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

WO 432 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

Bedrock wells

CT 806 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

CT 819 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

CT 922 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

CT 994 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

CT 1071 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

CU 1304 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

CU 1951 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 0.3 < 0.2 < 0.2

CU 2054 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

CU 2158 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

CU 2195 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

E 1430 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

E 1507 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

E 2428 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

E 2642 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

MO 1406 8 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 E 0.1 < 0.2

MO 1594 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

NI 1203 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

OL 19 < 4 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < .1 < 0.2 < 0.2

1

 Two-letter prefix denotes county: AG, Allegany; CT, Cattaraugus; CU, Chatauqua; E, Erie; GS, Genesee; MO, Monroe; NI, Niagara; OL, Orleans; 

WO, Wyoming; number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
 35

Table A8. Concentrations of volatile organic compounds and total phenols in ground-water samples from western New York study 

area, 2006.—Continued

[ Well locations are shown in figure 1. μg/L, micrograms per liter; <, less than; (34371), USGS National Water Information System parameter code; 

E, estimated value—constituent was detected in the sample but with low or inconsistent recovery]

Well 

number1

Ethylbenzene,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(34371)

m + p

Xylene,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(85795)

o-Xylene,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(77135)

Methyl tertbutyl ether,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(78032)

Tetrachloroethene,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(34475)

Trichloroethene,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(39180)

Sand and gravel wells

AG 265 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 0.2 < 0.1

CT 833 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

CU 1092 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

CU 1766 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

E 1084 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

E 1903 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

E 1904 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 1.3 < 0.1 < 0.1

E 1755 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

GS 216 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 0.4 0.3

GS 624 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

NI 1093 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

OL 264 7.6 29.8 5.4 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

OL 291 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 0.3 < 0.1 < 0.1

WO 351 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

WO 432 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

Bedrock wells

CT 806 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

CT 819 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

CT 922 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

CT 994 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

CT 1071 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

CU 1304 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

CU 1951 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

CU 2054 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

CU 2158 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 0.2

CU 2195 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

E 1430 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

E 1507 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

E 2428 < 0.1 E 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

E 2642 1.8 7.4 2.2 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

MO 1406 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

MO 1594 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

NI 1203 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

OL 19 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.1 < 0.1

1

 Two-letter prefix denotes county: AG, Allegany; CT, Cattaraugus; CU, Chatauqua; E, Erie; GS, Genesee; MO, Monroe; NI, Niagara; OL, Orleans; 

WO, Wyoming; number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
36 

Table A9. Concentrations of bacteria in unfiltered ground-water samples from western New York study area, 2006.

[Well locations are shown in figure 1. mL, milliliter; <, less than; > greater than; CFU per mL, colony-forming units per milliliter; (61213), National Water 

Information System (NWIS) parameter code. Bold values exceed one or more drinking-water standard]

Well 

number1

Total coliform

colonies per 100 mL

(61213)

Fecal coliform

colonies per 100 mL

(61215)

Escherichia coli,

colonies per 100 mL

(31691)

Heterotrophic plate count,

CFUs per mL

(31692)

Sand and gravel wells

AG 265 < 1 < 1 < 1 < 2

CT 833 < 1 < 1 < 1 2

CU 1092 < 1 < 1 < 1 < 2

CU 1766 1 < 1 < 1 8

E 1084 6 < 1 < 1 6

E 1903 < 1 < 1 < 1 17

E 1904 < 1 < 1 < 1 19

E 1755 < 1 < 1 < 1 > 738

GS 216 < 1 < 1 < 1 2

GS 624 < 1 < 1 < 1 10

NI 1093 173 < 1 3 38

OL 264 12 < 1 < 1 > 738

OL 291 < 1 < 1 < 1 < 2

WO 351 < 1 < 1 < 1 10

WO 432 < 1 < 1 < 1 3

Bedrock wells

CT 806 < 1 < 1 4 11

CT 819 < 1 < 1 < 1 15

CT 922 < 1 < 1 < 1 8

CT 994 7 < 1 < 1 22

CT 1071 2 < 1 < 1 79

CU 1304 < 1 < 1 < 1 83

CU 1951 < 1 < 1 < 1 18

CU 2054 99 < 1 < 1 45

CU 2158 23 < 1 < 1 680

CU 2195 228 < 1 < 1 > 738

E 1430 3 < 1 < 1 65

E 1507 < 1 < 1 < 1 264

E 2428 < 1 < 1 < 1 25

E 2642 < 1 < 1 < 1 16

MO 1406 179 < 1 < 1 84

MO 1594 48 < 1 < 1 74

NI 1203 < 1 < 1 < 1 9

OL 19 < 1 < 1 < 1 3

1

 Two-letter prefix denotes county: AG, Allegany; CT, Cattaraugus; CU, Chatauqua; E, Erie; GS, Genesee; MO, Monroe; NI, Niagara; OL, Orleans; 

WO, Wyoming; number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
For additional information write to:

New York Water Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey

30 Brown Rd.

Ithaca, N.Y. 14850

Information requests:

(518) 285-5602

or visit our Web site at:

http://ny.water.usgs.gov
Eckhardt, Reddy, and Tamulonis—Ground-Water Quality in Western New York, 2006—Open-File Report 2008–1140