Prepared in cooperation with

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Groundwater Quality in the Upper Susquehanna 

River Basin, New York, 2009

Open-File Report 2012–1045

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
Cover. Morning mist along East Branch Owego Creek valley, near Hamlet of Berkshire, Tioga County.
Groundwater Quality in the Upper 

Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2009

By James E. Reddy and Amy J. Risen

Prepared in cooperation with

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Open-File Report 2012–1045

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

KEN SALAZAR, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Marcia K. McNutt, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2012

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Suggested citation:

Reddy, J.E., and Risen, A.J., 2012, Groundwater quality in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2009: U.S. 

Geological Survey Open-File Report 2012–1045, 30 p., at http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2012/1045/.
iii

Contents

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

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

Purpose and Scope .............................................................................................................................2

Study Area..............................................................................................................................................2

Methods...........................................................................................................................................................2

Groundwater Quality ....................................................................................................................................4

Physical Properties and Dissolved Gases........................................................................................5

Major Ions .............................................................................................................................................5

Nutrients and Organic Carbon ...........................................................................................................6

Trace Elements and Radiochemicals ...............................................................................................6

Pesticides ..............................................................................................................................................7

Volatile Organic Compounds ..............................................................................................................9

Bacteria .................................................................................................................................................9

Wells Sampled in 2004 and 2009.........................................................................................................9

Summary .........................................................................................................................................................9

References Cited .........................................................................................................................................10

Appendix........................................................................................................................................................13

Tables 1–1 Through 1–13 ............................................................................................................................13

Figures

1. Map showing pertinent geographic features of study area in the Upper

Susquehanna River Basin, New York, and locations of the 30 wells sampled in 2009.

(Well data are provided in table 1–1, at end of report.)..........................................................3

Tables

1. Previous groundwater-quality studies and reports ................................................................2

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

and bedrock aquifers in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2009................6

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

gravel aquifers and bedrock aquifers in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New

York, 2009........................................................................................................................................7

4. Summary statistics for concentrations of trace elements and radiochemicals in

sand and gravel aquifers and bedrock aquifers in the Upper Susquehanna River

Basin, New York, 2009..................................................................................................................8

1-1. Information on wells sampled in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York,

2009 ...............................................................................................................................................15

1-2. Compounds for which groundwater samples from the Upper Susquehanna River

Basin, New York were analyzed but not detected, 2009. –Continued................................16

1-3. Physical properties of groundwater samples from the Upper Susquehanna River

Basin, New York, 2009................................................................................................................18

1-4. Concentrations of major ions in groundwater samples from the Upper

Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2009............................................................................19
iv

1-5. Concentrations of nutrients and total organic carbon in groundwater samples from

the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2009 .........................................................21

1–6. Concentrations of trace elements and radiochemicals in groundwater samples

from the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2009................................................22

1-7. Concentrations of pesticides detected in groundwater samples from the Upper

Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2009............................................................................25

1-8. Concentrations of volatile organic compounds in groundwater samples from the

Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2009................................................................26

1-9. Concentrations of bacteria in unfiltered groundwater samples from the Upper

Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2009............................................................................27

1-10. Physical properties of and concentrations of major ions, nutrients and total organic

carbon, and bacteria in groundwater samples collected in the Upper Susquehanna

River Basin, New York, 2004 and 2009.....................................................................................28

1-11. Concentrations of trace elements and radiochemicals in groundwater samples

collected in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2004 and 2009 ..................29

1-12. Concentrations of pesticides in groundwater samples collected in the Upper

Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2004 and 2009 ...........................................................30

1-13. Concentrations of volatile organic compounds in groundwater samples collected in

the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2004 and 2009 ........................................30
v

Conversion Factors

Inch/Pound to SI

Multiply By To obtain

Length

inch (in.) 2.54 centimeter (cm)

foot (ft) 0.3048 meter (m)

Area

square mile (mi2

) 2.590 square kilometer (km2) 

Volume

million gallons (Mgal) 3,785 cubic meter (m3

)

Flow rate

gallon per minute (gal/min) 0.06309 liter per second (L/s)

gallon per day (gal/d) 0.003785 cubic meter per day (m3

/d)

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

/s)

inch per year (in/yr) 25.4 millimeter per year (mm/yr)

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

°F=(1.8×°C)+32

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

°C=(°F-32)/1.8

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

(NGVD 29).

 Horizontal coordinate information is referenced to the insert North American Datum of 1983 

(NAD 83).

Specific conductance is given in microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius (μS/cm at 

25 °C).

Concentrations of chemical constituents in water are given either in milligrams per liter (mg/L) 

or micrograms per liter (μg/L).

Laboratory reporting level (LRL)—Generally equal to twice the yearly determined long-term 

method detection level (LT–MDL). The LRL controls false negative error. The probability of 

falsely reporting a nondetection for a sample that contained an analyte at a concentration equal 

to or greater than the LRL is predicted to be less than or equal to 1 percent. The value of the 

LRL will be reported with a “less than” remark code for samples in which the analyte was not 

detected. The National Water Quality Laboratory collects quality-control data from selected 

analytical methods on a continuing basis to determine LT–MDLs and to establish LRLs. These 

values are reevaluated annually based on the most current quality-control data, and, therefore, 

may change (Childress and others, 1999).
vi

Abbreviations

AMCL Alternative maximum contaminant level

CFCL USGS Chlorofluorocarbon Laboratory

CFU/mL Colony forming units per milliliter

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

cICP-MS Collision/reaction cell inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

ESA Ethanesulfonic acid

GC-MS Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

HA Health Advisory for drinking water

HPC Heterotrophic plate count

HPLC-MS High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

ICP-AES Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry

ICP-MS Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

ICP-OES Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry

LRL Laboratory Reporting Level

MCL Maximum Contaminant Level

NWQL USGS National Water Quality Laboratory

NYSDEC New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

NYSDOH New York State Department of Health

OIET 2-Hydroxy-4-isopropylamino-6-ethylamino-s-triazine (also called 

hydroxyatrazine)

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)
Groundwater Quality in the Upper Susquehanna River 

Basin, New York, 2009

By James E. Reddy and Amy J. Risen

Abstract

Water samples were collected from 16 production wells and 14 private residential wells in the Upper Susquehanna River 

Basin from August through December 2009 and were analyzed to characterize the groundwater quality in the basin. Wells at 

16 of the sites were completed in sand and gravel aquifers, and 14 were finished in bedrock aquifers. In 2004–2005, six of 

these wells were sampled in the first Upper Susquehanna River Basin study. Water samples from the 2009 study were analyzed 

for 10 physical properties and 137 constituents that included nutrients, organic carbon, major inorganic ions, trace elements, 

radionuclides, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, and 4 types of bacterial analyses. Results of the water-quality analyses 

are presented in tabular form for individual wells, and summary statistics for specific constituents are presented by aquifer type. 

The results are compared with Federal and New York State drinking-water standards, which typically are identical. The results 

indicate that groundwater genrally is of acceptable quality, although concentrations of some constituents exceeded at least one 

drinking-water standard at 28 of the 30 wells. These constituents include: pH, sodium, aluminum, manganese, iron, arsenic, 

radon-222, residue on evaporation, total and fecal coliform including Escherichia coli and heterotrophic plate count. 

Introduction 

Section 305(b) of the Federal Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 requires that states monitor and report biennially on 

the chemical quality of surface water and groundwater within state boundaries (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1997). 

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in 2002, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), developed a program to evaluate groundwater quality throughout the major river basins in New York on a rotating basis. The program parallels the NYSDEC Rotating Intensive Basin Study program, which evaluates surface-water quality 

in 2 or 3 of the 14 major river basins in the State each year. The groundwater-quality program began in 2002 with a pilot study 

in the Mohawk River Basin and has continued throughout upstate New York since then (table 1). Sampling completed in 2008 

represented the conclusion of a first round of groundwater-quality sampling throughout New York State (excluding Long Island, 

which is monitored through local County programs). Groundwater-quality sampling was conducted in 2009 in the Lake Champlain and Upper Susquehanna River Basins; these basins also were sampled in 2004 as part of this study. This report presents the 

results of the 2009 groundwater study in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin in south-central New York. 

Groundwater characteristics are affected by the geology and the land use of the area. Shallow wells that tap into sand and 

gravel aquifers are susceptible to contamination by several kinds of compounds, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 

pesticides, deicing chemicals, and nutrients from upgradient highways, 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 into sandstone and shale aquifers in rural upland areas generally are 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 more vulnerable to contamination from surface runoff because infiltration rates and groundwater flow can be relatively rapid through solution features in the rock. Agricultural land upgradient of wells may be a potential 

source of contamination from fertilizers, pesticides, and fecal waste from livestock; lawns and residential septic systems also are 

a potential source of these contaminants. In addition to anthropogenic contaminants, the aquifers contain naturally derived constituents that may diminish water quality, such as sodium, chloride, sulfate, iron, manganese, arsenic, hydrogen sulfide, methane, 

and radon gases.
2

Table 1. Previous groundwater-quality studies and reports.

Study Area Year Report Reference

Mohawk River Basin 2002 Water-Data Report NY-02-1 Butch and others, 2003

Chemung River Basin 2003 Open-File Report 2004–1329 Hetcher-Aguila, 2005

Lake Champlain Basin 2004 Open-File Report 2006–1088 Nystrom, 2006

Upper Susquehanna River Basin 2004 Open-File Report 2006–1161 Hetcher-Aguila and Eckhardt, 2006

Delaware River Basin 2005 Open-File Report 2007–1098 Nystrom, 2007b

Genesee River Basin 2005 Open-File Report 2007–1093 Eckhardt and others, 2007

St. Lawrence River Basin 2005 Open-File Report 2007–1066 Nystrom, 2007a

Mohawk River Basin 2006 Open-File Report 2008–1086 Nystrom, 2008

Western New York 2006 Open-File Report 2008–1140 Eckhardt and others, 2008

Central New York 2007 Open-File Report 2009–1257 Eckhardt and others, 2009

Upper Hudson River Basin 2007 Open-File Report 2009–1240 Nystrom, 2009

Eastern Lake Ontario Basin 2008 Open-File Report 2011–1074 Risen and Reddy, 2011a

Chemung River Basin 2008 Open-File Report 2011–1112 Risen and Reddy, 2011b

Lower Hudson River Basin 2008 Open-File Report 2010– 1197 Nystrom, 2010

Purpose and Scope 

This report supplements the water-quality study completed in 2004 in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin (Hetcher-Aguila 

and Eckhardt, 2006) by re-sampling 6 of the wells from that study (wells BM 90, BM 375, M 595, OG 6, OG 504, and OG 846) 

and provides analytical results for 24 new wells (fig. 1). This report briefly describes the study area and the sampling methods, 

and presents results of the 2009 water-quality analyses. Summary statistics (number of samples exceeding Federal or State 

drinking-water standards) and the minimum, median, and maximum concentrations of selected analytes for 30 samples from 

wells in sand and gravel and bedrock aquifers are provided in tables 1–3; information on the sampled wells and detailed analytical results for all analytes are provided in tables 1-1 through 1-13 (appendix at end of report).

Study Area

The Upper Susquehanna River Basin lies mostly in south-central New York and partly in north-central Pennsylvania 

(fig. 1). A complete description of the study area is included in the first Upper Susquehanna River Basin report (Hetcher-Aguila 

and Eckhardt, 2006). Briefly, the study area (4,522-square miles (mi2)) includes all or parts of 15 counties in south-central New 

York. The study area lies within the Appalachian Plateau physiographic province and includes the Upper Susquehanna subbasin, the Chenango River subbasin, and the Owego Creek-Wappasening Creek subbasin (fig. 1). The study area is predominantly 

rural, although it contains several small cities (Oneonta, Binghamton, Norwich, and Cortland, fig.1) and many villages. Most of 

the developed areas are within the Susquehanna, Unadilla, Chenango, and Tioughnioga River valleys (fig. 1). The main valley of 

the Susquehanna River trends northeast-southwest and is about 1 mile (mi) wide in most places. The Susquehanna River Basin 

drains most of south-central New York and one-half of Pennsylvania and eventually flows into Chesapeake Bay (fig. 1). 

During deglaciation of the region, sand and gravel were deposited by meltwater streams and clay, silt, and fine sand were 

deposited in proglacial lakes. The glaciofluvial and glaciolacustrine deposits within the study area are described in detail by 

Randall (2001), Fleisher (1977a,b; 1986), MacNish and Randall (1982), and (Coates, 1966). The most productive aquifers 

within the study area are the glaciofluvial deposits of sand and gravel in the valleys. Bedrock aquifers typically are used for 

water supply in upland areas where sand and gravel aquifers are absent. The bedrock aquifers throughout most of the study area 

consist of fractured shale and sandstone; carbonate-bedrock aquifers of fractured and solutioned limestone and dolostone are 

limited to a small area in the northern part of the basin.

Methods

A total of 30 wells (table 1-1) were selected for sample collection as described by Hetcher-Aguila and Eckhardt (2006)—16 

were finished in sand and gravel aquifers, and 14 were finished in bedrock aquifers. Of the 16 wells that tap into sand and gravel 

aquifers, 14 are production wells and 2 are private residential wells. Of the 14 bedrock wells, 2 are production wells and 12 are 
3

Unadilla

Otselic River

Chenango

Cayuta Creek

Butternut Creek

Tioughnioga River

Creek

Schenevus Creek

Ouleout

Charlotte Creek

Cherry Valley Creek

 Creek

Catatonk Creek

 Owego Creek

Nanticoke Creek

Susquehanna River

 River

Wharton

 River

 Creek

Susquehanna River

Creek

Genegantslet

Otego

DELAWARE

OTSEGO

ONEIDA

TIOGA

CAYUGA

BROOME

CHENANGO

MADISON

ONONDAGA

HERKIMER

TOMPKINS

CORTLAND

CHEMUNG

FULTON

OSWEGO

SENECA

SCHOHARIE

WAYNE

SCHUYLER

MONTGOMERY

NEW YORK

PENNSYLVANIA

75°

43°

42°15’

76°30’

Lake Ontario

Lake

Erie

Appalachian

Plateau

Boundary

NY

PA

VT

NJ

CT

MA

NH

Buffalo Albany Study Area

Physiographic Map

CANADA ME

RI

0 10 20 MILES

0 10 20 KILOMETERS

02050101

Upper Susquehanna

River

02050102

Chenango River

02050103

Owego Creek - 

Wappasening Creek

OG 6

M 595 M 502

C 587

BM 90

TI 650

TI 892

OG 846

OG 504

OG 317

OG 316

D 1450

CN 936

CN 935

CN 934

CN 933

CN 932

C 1486

C 1440

C 1027

BM 375

TI 1170

SO 1335

OG 1848

OG 1054

HE 1225

CN 1142

CN 1065

CM 1293

BM 1841

Cortland

Binghamton

Norwich

Oneonta

Base from U.S. Geological Survey, digital data, 1983, 1:100,000

Universal Transverse Mercator projection, Zone 18, NAD 83

EXPLANATION

CM 1293

TI 1170

Well finished in bedrock

Well finished in sand and gravel

Number is well number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey;

one- or two-letter prefix denotes county.

Subbasin boundary and hydrologic unit code

City

Study area

02050102

Chenango River

VA

NY

PA

WV

MD

NJ

DE

Chesapeake Bay

Drainage Area

Chesapeake Bay

Upper

Susquehanna

River Basin

Study Area

Location Map

Figure 1. Pertinent geographic features of study area in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, and locations of the 

30 wells sampled in 2009. (Well data are provided in table 1–1, at end of report.)
4

private residential wells. Samples were collected from August through December 2009. The water samples were analyzed for 10 

physical properties and 137 constituents, including 4 types of bacterial analyses. Two samples (one field blank and one replicate 

sample) were collected for quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC), as required for the Federal 305(b) program.

Samples were collected from every well for these analyses and were processed by methods described in U.S. Geological 

Survey (USGS) manuals for the collection of water-quality data (U.S. Geological Survey, variously dated). A detailed description of the sampling and analytical methods is provided by Hetcher-Aguila and Eckhardt (2006). Samples collected for pesticide 

analyses were processed by the methods of Shelton (1994), Sandstrom and others (2001), and Wilde and others (2004). These 

samples were analyzed through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), as described by Zaugg and others (1995), Furlong and others (2001), Sandstrom 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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and allows detection of the Nation’s most 

commonly used pesticides. VOCs were analyzed by GC-MS using methods described by Connor and others (1998).

Radon-222 activities were measured through liquid-scintillation counting (ASTM International, 2009). Gross alpha and 

gross beta radioactivities were measured through gas flow proportional counting according to USEPA method 900.0 (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1980). Carbon dioxide and methane concentrations were measured through gas chromatography 

with flame ionization detection; dissolved nitrogen gas and argon concentration were measured through gas chromatography 

with thermal conductivity detection. Total organic carbon samples were analyzed by high temperature combustion and catalytic oxidation for measurement by infrared detection (American Public Health Association, 2005, Standard Method 5310 B). 

Mercury concentrations were measured through cold vapor-atomic fluorescence spectrometry according to methods described by 

Garbarino and Damrau (2001). Arsenic, chromium, and nickel analyses used collision/reaction cell inductively coupled plasmamass spectrometry (cICP-MS) as described by Garbarino and others (2006). The remaining trace elements were analyzed by 

inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) (Struzeski and others, 1996), inductively coupled plasmaoptical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) (Garbarino and Struzeski, 1998). In-bottle digestions for trace-element analyses described by Hoffman and others (1996) were followed. Samples for 

bacterial analyses were processed in accordance with New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) guidelines. 

The analyses for physical properties, most trace elements and metals, acid-neutralizing capacity, organic carbon, radiochemicals, and VOCs 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 were measured in filtered and unfiltered samples to provide the total and dissolved concentrations (table 

1-6). Hydrochloric acid was added to samples collected for VOC, and mercury analyses, and nitric acid was added to samples 

collected for gross alpha and gross beta analyses and 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) polyether sulfone capsule filter; samples for pesticide analysis were filtered through a 0.7-μm furnace-baked glass-fiber plate filter by 

the methods of Wilde and others (2004).

All samples except those for radiochemical analyses were chilled to 4 degrees Celsius (°C) or less and were kept chilled 

until delivery to the analyzing laboratory. The samples were delivered directly, or shipped by overnight delivery, to four laboratories: (1) the USGS National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) in Denver, Colorado, for analysis for inorganic major ions, 

nutrients, total organic carbon, inorganic trace elements and radon-222, pesticides and pesticide degradates, and VOCs; (2) the 

USGS Chlorofluorocarbon Laboratory (CFCL) in Reston, Virginia., for select dissolved gases; (3) a NYSDOH-certified laboratory in Richmond, California, for gross alpha and gross beta radioactivities; and (4) a NYSDOH-certified laboratory in Ithaca, 

New York for bacterial analysis.

Groundwater Quality 

Samples from 30 wells were analyzed for 147 constituents and physical properties. Many of these (74) were not detected 

above the laboratory reporting levels (LRLs) in any sample (table 1-2). Results for the remaining 73 constituents and properties 

that were detected are presented in tables 1-3 through 1-13 (at end of report). The categories are as follows: physical properties 

(table 1-3), inorganic constituents (table 1-4), nutrients and total organic carbon (table 1-5), trace elements and radiochemicals 

(table 1-6), pesticides (table 1-7), VOCs (table 1-8), and bacterial water-quality indicators (table 1-9). Some concentrations were 

reported as “estimated” when the detected value was less than the established LRL, or when recovery of a compound has been 

documented to be highly variable (Childress and others, 1999). 

Analytical results for selected constituents were compared with Federal and New York 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 (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1999; 2002; 
5

and 2009) and the NYSDOH (New York State Department of Health, 2007). MCLs are enforceable standards that specify the 

highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in public water drinking supplies; they are not enforceable for private homeowner 

wells, but are presented here as a guideline for evaluation of the water results. SMCLs are nonenforceable guidelines based on 

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

that can affect human health; they are nonenforceable guidelines that provide technical guidance for water use.

The QA/QC field blank contained no constituent in concentrations greater than the LRLs, except mercury, which was 

detected at a trace concentration of 0.39 micrograms per liter (μg/L); however, mercury was not detected in any of the environmental samples at a concentration greater than the LRL. This indicates that little to no contamination occurred through the 

sampling or analytical procedures. The results of analysis of the QA/QC replicate sample indicates that variability in sample 

results meet the precision requirements of the study. The analytes with the largest percent differences between concentration in a 

groundwater sample and that in the replicate sample were acid-neutralizing capacity, residue on evaporation, and low-concentration trace elements (concentrations near the LRL for the elements).

The quality of the sampled groundwater genrally was acceptable, although in samples from 28 of the 30 wells the concentrations of at least 1 constituent exceeded recommended MCLs, SMCLs, or HAs set by the USEPA and the NYSDOH. Exceedances generally involved minerals that occur from natural interactions of water and rock (arsenic, iron, manganese, sodium), 

but also included bacterial contamination. A total of 17 of the wells tested exceeded the USEPA proposed MCL for radon-222, 

which is generated from the natural decay of uranium.

Physical Properties and Dissolved Gases

The pH of the samples (table 1-3) ranged from 6.3 to 9.2; the median was pH 7.5 for sand and gravel wells and pH 7.9 

for bedrock wells. There were four bedrock wells that had pH values outside the accepted USEPA SMCL range of pH 6.5 to 

8.5 (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2009). The temperature of the water ranged from 8.7oC to 17.5oC; the median was 

11.0oC for sand and gravel wells and 12.8oC for bedrock wells. Specific conductance of the samples ranged from 105 to 1,220 

microsiemens per centimeter (μS/cm) at 25°C; the median was 390 μS/cm at 25°C for sand and gravel wells and 378 μS/cm 

at 25°C for bedrock wells. The color of the water samples ranged from less than 1 platinum-cobalt (Pt-Co) unit (the LRL) to 5 

Pt-Co units; the median was less than 1 Pt-Co units for sand and gravel wells and 2 Pt-Co units for bedrock wells.

Dissolved-oxygen concentrations ranged from less than 0.1 milligram per liter (mg/L) (the LRL) to 8.2 mg/L; the median 

was 3.2 mg/L for sand and gravel wells and 0.4 mg/L for bedrock wells. Dissolved-nitrogen concentrations ranged from 18.7 

mg/L to 30.6 mg/L; the median was 20.8 mg/L for sand and gravel wells and 24.6 mg/L for bedrock wells. Carbon dioxide 

concentrations ranged from 0.2 mg/L to 42 mg/L; the median was 17.5 mg/L for sand and gravel wells and 5.6 mg/L for bedrock 

wells. Methane concentrations ranged from less than 0.0005 mg/L (the LRL) to 22.4 mg/L; the median was less than 0.0005 

mg/L for sand and gravel wells and 0.15 mg/L for bedrock wells. Argon concentrations ranged from 0.652 mg/L to 0.935 mg/L; 

the median was 0.735 mg/L for sand and gravel wells and 0.830 mg/L for bedrock wells. The odor of hydrogen sulfide gas, 

which may occur in the absence of oxygen, was noted by field personnel in water from eight bedrock wells.

Major Ions 

The cations that were detected in the greatest concentrations were calcium and sodium (tables 1 and 1-4). Calcium concentrations ranged from 2.21 to 128 mg/L; the median was 45.7 mg/L for sand and gravel wells and 28.2 mg/L for bedrock 

wells. Magnesium concentrations ranged from 0.424 to 20.3 mg/L; the median was 7.37 mg/L for sand and gravel wells and 

4.82 mg/L for bedrock wells. Potassium concentrations ranged from 0.23 to 3.75 mg/L; the median was 1.24 mg/L for sand and 

gravel wells and 0.50 mg/L for bedrock wells. Sodium concentrations ranged from 1.96 to 170 mg/L; the median was 20.3 mg/L 

for sand and gravel wells and 36.8 mg/L for bedrock wells. Results indicate six samples exceeded the USEPA nonregulatory 

drinking-water advisory taste threshold, which recommends that sodium concentrations in drinking water not exceed the range 

of 30 to 60 mg/L (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2002; 2009). 

The anion that was detected in the greatest concentration was bicarbonate, which is a measure of alkalinity and contributes 

to residue on evaporation (tables 1 and 1-4). Bicarbonate concentrations ranged from 45 to 329 mg/L; the median was 181 mg/L 

for sand and gravel wells and 206 mg/L for bedrock wells. Chloride concentrations ranged from 0.71 to 201 mg/L; the median 

was 34.0 mg/L for sand and gravel wells and 5.79 mg/L for bedrock wells. Fluoride concentrations ranged from an estimate of 

0.04 mg/L to 0.74 mg/L; the median was an estimate of 0.06 mg/L for sand and gravel wells and 0.23 mg/L for bedrock wells. 

Silica concentrations ranged from 4.76 mg/L to 14.3 mg/L; the median was 7.13 mg/L for sand and gravel wells and 8.29 mg/L 

for bedrock wells. Sulfate concentrations ranged from an estimate of 0.17 to 36.0 mg/L; the median was 14.5 mg/L for sand and 

gravel wells and 7.51 mg/L for bedrock wells.
6

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

Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2009.

[Concentrations are in milligrams per liter. All samples represent filtered water; --, not applicable; <, less than; E, estimated value—constituent was detected in 

the sample but with low or inconsistent recovery; CaCO3, calcium carbonate]

Constituent Drinkingwater standard

Number of

samples 

exceeding 

standard

Sand and gravel

(16 samples)

Bedrock

(14 samples)

Minimum Median Maximum Minimum Median Maximum

Cations

Calcium -- -- 21.8 45.7 128 2.21 28.2 81.9

Magnesium -- -- 2.62 7.37 20.3 .424 4.82 10.3

Potassium -- -- .58 1.24 3.75 .23 .50 1.50

Sodium 60a 6 1.96 20.3 99.7 2.96 36.8 170

Anions

Bicarbonate -- -- 46 181 329 45 206 287

Chloride 250b 0 1.97 34.0 201 .71 5.79 176

Fluoride 2.0c, 2.2b 0 < .08 E .06 .21 E .04 .23 .74

Sulfate 250b,c 0 3.44 14.5 36.0 E .17 7.51 33.9

Hardness as CaCO3 -- -- 65 145 400 7 96 230

Alkalinity as CaCO3 -- -- 38 148 270 37 168 235

Residue on evaporation 500c 3 83 207 736 60 206 506

a

 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Drinking Water Advisory Taste Threshold.

b

 New York State Department of Health Maximum Contaminant Level.

c

 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level.

Calcium and magnesium contribute to water hardness. Water hardness in the basin ranged from 7 to 400 mg/L (as CaCO3); 

the median was 145 mg/L for sand and gravel wells and 96 mg/L for bedrock wells. Sixteen of the samples were soft to moderately hard (120 mg/L as CaCO3 or less); and 14 wells yielded water that was hard to very hard (greater than 120 mg/L as CaCO3

) 

(Hem, 1985). Wells finished in bedrock were slightly more alkaline (median 168 mg/L as CaCO3) than those finished in sand 

and gravel (median 148 mg/L as CaCO3). Residue on evaporation is a measure of total dissolved solids, and ranged from 60 to 

736 mg/L. The median residue on evaporation was 207 mg/L for sand and gravel wells and 206 mg/L for bedrock wells; three 

samples exceeded the USEPA SMCL of 500 mg/L.

Nutrients and Organic Carbon 

Nitrate was the predominant nutrient in the groundwater samples (tables 2 and 1-5). Nitrate plus nitrite concentrations 

ranged from less than 0.04 (the LRL) to 3.72 mg/L as nitrogen (N); the median concentration was 1.18 mg/L in samples from 

sand and gravel wells and less than 0.04 mg/L in samples from bedrock wells. However, nitrite concentrations were typically 

low; the maximum concentration was 0.040 mg/L. No samples exceeded the nitrate or nitrite MCLs. Ammonia concentrations 

ranged from less than 0.020 (the LRL) to 0.303 mg/L as N. Orthophosphate concentrations ranged from an estimate of 0.005 to 

0.311 mg/L as phosphorus (P). Total organic carbon concentrations ranged from an estimate of 0.4 mg/L to 2.5 mg/L.

Trace Elements and Radiochemicals 

The trace elements detected in the greatest concentrations (>100 μg/L) were barium, boron, copper, iron, lithium, manganese, strontium, and zinc (tables 3 and 1-6). Boron, lithium, and strontium were detected at greater concentrations in bedrock 

wells compared to sand and gravel wells. Barium concentrations ranged from 5.7 μg/L to 944 μg/L. Boron concentrations 
7

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

the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2009.

[All samples represent filtered water except as noted; N, nitrogen; mg/L, milligrams per liter; --, not applicable; <, less than; E, estimated value—constituent 

was detected in the sample but with low or inconsistent recovery; P, phosphorus] 

Constituent

Drinkingwater 

standard

Number of 

samples 

exceeding limit

Sand and gravel

(16 samples)

Bedrock

(14 samples)

Minimum Median Maximum Minimum Median Maximum

Ammonia plus organic N, mg/L as N -- -- < 0.10 E 0.08 0.33 < 0.10 0.18 0.37

Ammonia, mg/L as N -- -- < .020 < .020 .269 < .020 .092 .303

Nitrate plus nitrite, mg/L as N 10a,b 0 < .04 1.18 3.72 < .04 < .04 .89

Nitrite, mg/L as N 1a,b 0 < .002 < .002 < .002 < .002 < .002 .040

Orthophosphate, mg/L as P -- -- E .005 E .008 .311 < .008 .012 .046

Total organic carbon, unfiltered, mg/L -- -- < .6 E .4 1.7 < .6 E .6 2.5

a

 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Drinking Water Advisory Taste Threshold.

b

 New York State Department of Health Maximum Contaminant Level.

ranged from 4.1 to 732 μg/L. Copper concentrations ranged from an estimate of 1.0 μg/L to 267 μg/L. Iron concentrations in 

filtered samples ranged from an estimate of 2 μg/L to 1,400 μg/L; the Federal SMCL and the New York State MCL for iron (300 

μg/L) was exceeded in filtered samples from one sand and gravel well and one bedrock well. Lithium concentrations ranged 

from 0.7 μg/L to 347 μg/L. Manganese concentrations in filtered samples ranged from less than 0.2 μg/L (the LRL) to 937 μg/L; 

the Federal SMCL for manganese (50 μg/L) was exceeded in filtered samples from four sand and gravel wells and four bedrock 

wells. The NYSDOH MCL for manganese (300 μg/L) was exceeded in one filtered sample from a sand and gravel well. Strontium concentrations ranged from 22.8 μg/L to 1,110 μg/L. Zinc concentrations ranged from an estimate of 1.3 to 178 μg/L.

Other trace elements were detected at low to moderate concentrations (as much as 100 μg/L). Aluminum concentrations 

ranged from less than 6 (the LRL) to 59 μg/L; the Federal SMCL (50 μg/L) was exceeded in two bedrock well samples. Arsenic 

concentrations ranged from an estimate of 0.11 to 18.4 mg/L; the Federal and NYSDOH MCL (10 μg/L) was exceeded in one 

sand and gravel well sample. Lead concentrations ranged from an estimate of 0.06 to 6.97 μg/L. Nickel concentrations ranged 

from less than 0.20 (the LRL) to 1.8 μg/L. Uranium concentrations ranged from an estimate of 0.014 to 1.12 μg/L. Some trace 

elements were detected less frequently or at lower concentrations (no more than 1 μg/L); these include antimony, cadmium, 

chromium, cobalt, mercury, selenium, and silver. Beryllium and thallium were not detected in any sample (table 1-2).

Three measures of radioactivity were employed (tables 3 and 1-6). Gross alpha activity ranged from less than 0.58 to 4.9 

pico curies per liter (pCi/L). Gross beta activity ranged from 0.7 to 5.0 pCi/L. Radon-222 was detected in every sample, and 

activity ranged from 22 to 1,140 pCi/L. The median activity was 600 pCi/L in samples from sand and gravel wells and 222 

pCi/L in samples from bedrock wells. Radon currently is not regulated in drinking water; however, the USEPA proposed MCL 

of 300 pCi/L for radon-222 in drinking water was exceeded in 17 samples, but the USEPA proposed Alternate Maximum Contaminant Level (AMCL) of 4,000 pCi/L was not exceeded. The AMCL is the proposed allowable activity of radon in raw-water 

samples where the State has implemented mitigation programs to address the health risks of radon in indoor air. The proposed 

MCL and AMCL for radon are under review and have not been adopted (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1999, 2009).

Pesticides 

Five herbicides and 1 degradate were detected in samples from 12 sand and gravel wells and 1 bedrock well (table 1-7). 

The term degradate refers to a pesticide breakdown product resulting from biological or chemical processes. Atrazine or the 

triazine degradate CIAT (2-chloro-4-isopropylamino-6-amino-s-triazine, also called deethylatrazine) were detected in samples 

from 12 of the 16 sand and gravel wells. Estimated measurements were made for most of the atrazine and CIAT detections, 
8

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

aquifers in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2009.

[All concentrations are in micrograms per liter except as noted. All samples unfiltered except as noted; <, less than ; E, estimated value—constituent was 

detected in the sample but with low or inconsistent recovery; --, not applicable; pCi/L, picocuries per liter; mrem/yr, millirem per year]

Constituent

Drinkingwater 

standard

Number of 

samples 

exceeding 

standard

Sand and gravel

(16 samples)

Bedrock

(14 samples)

Minimum Median Maximum Minimum Median Maximum

Aluminum 50c 2 < 6 < 6 24 < 6 E 4 59

Antimony 6a,b 0 < .4 < .4 E .2 < .4 < .4 < .4

Arsenic 10a,b 1 .25 < .64 18.4 E .11 .56 5.1

Barium 2,000a,b 0 5.7 65.0 640 14.6 86.6 944

Boron, filtered -- -- 7.6 21 87 4.1 236 732

Cadmium 5a,b 0 < .04 < .04 .07 < .04 < .06 .04

Chromium 100a,b 0 < .40 < .42 E .33 < .40 < .4 E .31

Cobalt -- -- < .04 E .04 .13 < .04 < .10 .11

Copper 1,000c 0 E .10 2.8 51.5 2.9 5.2 267

Iron, filtered 300b,c 2 E 2 6 1,400 E 3 20 346

Iron 300b,c 5 < 9 14 1,420 E 10 68 990

Lead 15d 0 E .06 .24 6.97 < .10 .30 1.94

Lithium -- -- .7 2.9 13.4 1.6 31.4 347

Manganese, filtered 50c

, 300b 8, 1 < .2 .5 937 E .2 32.1 183

Manganese 50c

, 300b 10, 1 < .8 .8 1,060 E .4 33.2 184

Mercury 2a,b 0 < .010 < .010 < .010 < .010 < .010 E .010

Molybdenum -- -- < .1 E .1 .7 < .1 .2 5.0

Nickel -- -- < .20 E .34 1.8 < .20 E .14 1.3

Selenium 50a,b 0 < .10 E .07 .30 < .10 < .12 E .07

Silver 100a,b 0 < .02 < .02 E .01 < .02 < .06 < .06

Strontium -- -- 43.0 128 444 22.8 358 1,110

Uranium 30a,b 0 E .020 .183 1.12 E .014 .034 .574

Zinc 5,000b,c 0 E 1.3 5.8 178 < 2.0 3.8 67.7

Gross alpha radioactivity, pCi/L 15a,b 0 < .58 < 1.1 2.6 < .62 .7 4.9

Gross beta radioactivity, pCi/L 4 mrem/yra,b -- .7 1.6 5.0 < .86 1.2 5.0

Radon-222, pCi/L 300e 17 57 600 1,130 22 222 1,140

a

 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Maximum Contaminant Level.

b

 New York State Department of Health Maximum Contaminant Level.

c

 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level.

d

 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Treatment Technique.

e

 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Proposed Maximum Contaminant Level.
9

however atrazine concentrations above the reporting level were present in the samples from three wells; the values ranged from 

0.01 to 0.09 μg/L. Alachlor was detected in one sample at an estimate of 0.002 μg/L. Metalochlor was detected in one sample at 

0.058 μg/L. Prometon was detected below the LRL in samples from three wells and above the LRL in a sample from one well at 

a concentration of 0.01 μg/L . Simazine was detected below the LRL at one well. No pesticide concentration exceeded Federal 

or New York State MCLs, and no Federal MCLs currently have been established for the pesticide degradation product CIAT. 

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 groundwater throughout New York State.

Volatile Organic Compounds 

Eight VOCs were detected in samples from six sand and gravel wells and two bedrock wells (table 1-8). None of the 

detected compounds exceeded State or Federal drinking-water standards. Trichloromethane, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, tribromomethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethane, and cis-1,2-dichloroethene were detected in 

samples from five production wells at concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 2.5 μg/L. The first four compounds are trihalomethanes (THMs), which typically are formed as by-products when chlorine or bromine is used to disinfect water. The THMs were 

detected at three production wells. The State and Federal MCLs for total THMs (80 μg/L) were not exceeded. The three chlorinated solvents—1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethane, and cis-1,2-dichloroethene—were detected at two production wells. 

The NYSDOH MCL of 5 μg/L for these solvents was not exceeded. Toluene was detected in samples from three private residential wells at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.2 μg/L. One of the private residential wells was finished in sand and gravel 

and the other two private residential wells were finished in bedrock. The concentrations of toluene at these wells are below the 

NYSDOH MCL of 5 μg/L.

Bacteria 

All samples were analyzed for total coliform, fecal coliform, E. coli, and heterotrophic bacteria. Coliform bacteria were 

detected in nine samples, and fecal coliforms were detected in two samples (table 1-9). Coliform bacteria were detected in two 

samples from sand and gravel wells and in seven samples from bedrock wells. The NYSDOH and USEPA MCL violation for 

total coliform bacteria occurs when 5 percent of finished water samples collected in 1 month test positive for total coliform (if 

40 or more samples are collected per month) or when 2 samples are positive for total coliform (if fewer than 40 samples are collected per month). Escherichia coli (E. coli) were detected in one bedrock well, exceeding the MCL. Heterotrophic plate counts 

(HPCs) ranged from less than 1 (absent) to 566 colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL); the Federal MCL (500 CFU/mL) 

was exceeded in one sample. 

Wells Sampled in 2004 and 2009

Six of the wells sampled as part of this study in 2009 (wells BM 90, BM 375, M 595, OG 6, OG 504, and OG 846) were 

sampled previously in 2004. Of the constituents and physical properties common to the 2004 and 2009 analyses, 54 were 

detected in both years for at least 1 of the 6 wells sampled (tables 1-10 through 1-13). The differences between 2004 and 2009 

results for the same well were typically less than the results between different wells.

Summary 

In 2002, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 

(NYSDEC), began an assessment of groundwater quality in bedrock and sand and gravel aquifers throughout New York State. 

As a part of this assessment, the Upper Susquehanna River Basin was studied in 2004 and again in 2009. The 2009 study is the 

subject of this report and includes analysis of 30 water samples collected from 16 production wells and 14 private residential 

wells from August through December 2009. Water samples were analyzed for 147 physical properties and constituents that 

included inorganic major ions, nutrients, organic carbon, trace elements, radon-222, gross alpha and gross beta radioactivities, 

select dissolved gases, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, and bacterial analyses. Six wells (BM 90, BM 375, M 595, OG 

6, OG 504, and OG 846) were tested in both studies and a comparison was made of the results. The measurements for most of 

the constituents changed little between 2004 and 2009. No major changes were observed in the water quality of the six wells that 

were sampled in both years. 
10

The quality of the sampled groundwater generally was acceptable in 2004 and 2009. However, 28 of the 30 wells sampled 

in 2009 had at least 1 constituent that exceeded a Federal or New York State drinking-water standard. Recommended Maximum 

Contaminant Levels (MCL), Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels, or Health Advisories set by the U.S.Environmental 

Protection Agency (USEPA) and New York State Department of Health were exceeded for trace elements (arsenic, manganese, 

and iron) at 10 wells, bacterial analyses (total and fecal coliform or both) at 9 wells, and residue on evaporation at 3 wells. The 

USEPA drinking-water advisory taste threshold was exceeded for one inorganic ion (sodium) at six wells. The USEPA proposed MCL for the radioactive isotope radon-222 was exceeded at 17 wells. Eight volatile organic chemicals (trichloromethane, 

bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, tribromomethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethane, cis-1,2-dichloroethene, and toluene) were detected at five production wells (for which there are public reporting requirements) and three 

residential wells. 

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13

Appendix

Tables 1–1 Through 1–13
14
15

Table 1-1. Information on wells sampled in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2009.

[Well locations are shown in figure 1; --, information not available; well types: P, production; D, domestic]

Well number 1

U.S. Geological Survey 

site identifier Date sampled

Well depth, 

feet below land 

surface

Casing depth, 

feet below land 

surface

Well 

type Bedrock type

Sand and gravel wells

BM 90 420540076030701 9/21/2009 145 -- P --

BM 375 421954075583501 8/18/2009 25 20 P --

C 1027 423453076074201 9/15/2009 38 38 D -- 

CN 934 424119075334501 11/16/2009 60 50 P --

CN 935 423916075462901 11/17/2009 85 75 P --

CN 936 423244075311201 12/8/2009 198.5 170 P -- 

CN 1065 422605075480301 9/30/2009 189 189 P --

CN 1142 421733075283601 12/8/2009 205 191 P --

D 1450 422050075095701 11/23/2009 80 70 P --

HE 1225 425304075111801 10/5/2009 46 24 P --

OG 6 421918075191001 10/28/2009 99 90 P --

OG 316 423938075024001 11/18/2009 43.6 37 P --

OG 317 423241074491101 12/15/2009 50 50 P --

TI 650 420049076314001 10/19/2009 50 40 P --

TI 892 421350076110301 11/4/2009 180 -- P --

TI 1170 420710076225301 9/30/2009 108 108 D --

Bedrock wells

BM 1841 420712075432301 9/21/2009 60 20 D Shale and sandstone

C 587 424430076014901 11/9/2009 102 45 P Shale and sandstone

C 1440 422452076140301 10/27/2009 140 42 D Shale

C 1486 422947075573901 9/15/2009 180 50 D Shale

CM 1293 421350076362401 10/14/2009 220 29 D Shale

CN 932 423354075414301 9/14/2009 137 -- D Shale

CN 933 421529075470301 11/11/2009 530 48 P Shale

M 502 424928075315301 8/24/2009 142 20 D Shale and sandstone

M 595 424750075502401 9/28/2009 359 63 D Shale

OG 504 424604075110301 9/8/2009 109 57 D Shale and sandstone

OG 846 424204074501901 9/9/2009 230 34 D Shale and sandstone

OG 1054 422946075131501 9/2/2009 313 16 D Shale and sandstone

OG 1848 425036075014601 9/1/2009 205 196 D Shale and sandstone

SO 1335 423231074403301 8/26/2009 97 21 D Shale and sandstone

1

 Prefix denotes county: BM, Broome; C, Cortland; CM, Chemung; CN, Chenango; D, Delaware; HE, Herkimer; 

 M, Madison; OG, Otsego; SO, Schoharie; TI, Tioga; number is local well-identification number assigned by

 U.S. Geological Survey.
16

Table 1-2. Compounds for which groundwater samples from the Upper Susquehanna 

River Basin, New York were analyzed but not detected, 2009. –Continued

USGS parameter 

code

Constituent Laboratory

reporting level,

micrograms per 

liter

Trace elements in unfiltered water

01012 Beryllium 0.02-0.04

01059 Thallium .12

Pesticides in filtered water

82660 2,6-Diethylaniline .006

49260 Acetochlor .01

34253 alpha-HCH .004-.008

82686 Azinphos-methyl .120

82673 Benfluralin .014

04028 Butylate .002-.004

82680 Carbaryl .06-.2

82674 Carbofuran .060

38933 Chlorpyrifos .010

82687 cis-Permethrin .014

04041 Cyanazine .022-.040

82682 DCPA .006-.008

62170 Desulfinyl fipronil .012

62169 Desulfinylfipronil amide .029

39572 Diazinon .005

39381 Dieldrin .009

82677 Disulfoton .04-.05

82668 EPTC .002

82663 Ethalfluralin .006-.009

82672 Ethoprop .016

62167 Fipronil sulfide .013

62168 Fipronil sulfone .024

62166 Fipronil .018-.040

04095 Fonofos .004-.010

39341 Lindane .004-.014

82666 Linuron .06

39532 Malathion .016-.020

82667 Methyl parathion .008

82630 Metribuzin .012-.016

82671 Molinate .002-.003

82684 Napropamide .008-.018

34653 p,p’-DDE .002-.003

39542 Parathion .020

82669 Pebulate .016

82683 Pendimethalin .012

82664 Phorate .020
17

Table 1-2. Compounds for which groundwater samples from the Upper Susquehanna 

River Basin, New York were analyzed but not detected, 2009. –Continued

04024 Propachlor .006-.012

82679 Propanil .010-.014

82685 Propargite .02

82676 Propyzamide .004

82670 Tebuthiron .02-.03

82665 Terbacil .024-.040

82675 Terbufos .02

82681 Thiobencarb .016

82678 Triallate .006

82661 Trifluralin .012-.018

Volatile organic compounds, in unfiltered water

77652 1,1,1-Trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane .1

34501 1,1-Dichloroethene .1

34536 1,2-Dichlorobenzene .1

32103 1,2-Dichloroethane .2

34541 1,2-Dichloropropane .1

34566 1,3-Dichlorobenzene .1

34571 1,4-Dichlorobenzene .1

34030 Benzene .1

34301 Chlorobenzene .1

34668 Dichlorodifluoromethane .2

34423 Dichloromethane .2

81576 Diethyl ether .2

81577 Diisopropyl ether .2

34371 Ethylbenzene .1

78032 Methyl tert-butyl ether .2

50005 Methyl tert-pentyl ether .2

85795 m + p Xylene .2

77135 o-Xylene .1

77128 Styrene .1

50004 tert-Butyl ethyl ether .1

34475 Tetrachloroethene .1

32102 Tetrachloromethane .2

34546 trans-1,2-Dichloroethene .1

39180 Trichloroethene .1

34488 Trichlorofluoromethane .2

39175 Vinyl Choride .2
18

Table 1-3. Physical properties of groundwater samples from the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2009.

[Well locations are shown in figure 1 (00080), National Water Information System (NWIS) parameter code; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25°C; 

mg/L, milligrams per liter; <, less than. Bold values exceed one or more drinking-water standard]

Well 

number1

Water 

color,

filtered,

platinum

cobalt 

units

(00080)

pH, field,

standard 

units

(00400)

Specific 

conductance, field, 

μS/cm

(00095)

Water

temperature,

degrees 

Celsius

(00010)

Dissolvedoxygen 

unfiltered,

 field, mg/L

(00300)

Dissolved

nitrogen 

gas

unfiltered

mg/L

(00597)

Carbon

dioxide

unfiltered,

mg/L

(00405)

Methane

unfiltered,

mg/L

(85574)

Argon

unfiltered,

mg/L

(82043)

Hydrogen

sulfide 

odor

field,

(71875)

Sand and gravel wells

BM 90 5 7.3 1,220 14.9 0.3 22.8 31 0.0430 0.698 Absent

BM 375 <1 7.1 1,140 12.9 1.9 20.8 41 <.0005 .731 Absent

C 1027 2 8.2 256 15.3 3.7 19.1 2.2 <.0005 .652 Absent

CN 934 <1 7.4 802 11.7 3.8 21.4 30 <.0005 .747 Absent

CN 935 <1 8.2 152 11.5 2.7 19.9 1.9 <.0005 .707 Absent

CN 936 2 7.9 453 10.5 .60 24.5 7.4 .0770 .768 Absent

CN 1065 2 8.2 353 11.2 .50 26.1 4.7 .105 .856 Absent

CN 1142 2 8.2 366 10.1 2.8 21.8 2.5 <.0005 .757 Absent

D 1450 <1 7.1 356 9.4 5.8 20.6 26 <.0005 .743 Absent

HE 1225 <1 7.6 561 8.7 8.2 19.9 15 <.0005 .739 Absent

OG 6 <1 7.4 590 10.8 1.8 20.9 30 <.0005 .729 Absent

OG 316 <1 6.7 282 10.5 4.6 20.7 40 <.0005 .719 Absent

OG 317 2 6.5 413 10.6 4.1 19.6 42 <.0005 .729 Absent

TI 650 <1 7.4 780 11.8 5.2 18.7 20 <.0005 .690 Absent

TI 892 <1 8.0 368 10.8 4.7 20.9 4.1 <.0005 .744 Absent

TI 1170 5 8.1 273 14.6 .30 23.9 3.3 <.0005 .797 Absent

Bedrock wells

BM 1841 <1 7.7 288 14.2 <.30 24.6 6.5 <.0005 .840 Present

C 587 2 7.1 333 9.7 3.0 22.3 30 .0061 .756 Present

C 1440 <1 8.1 437 13.1 <.10 29.0 5.5 .920 .919 Present

C 1486 5 8.1 360 15.3 <.30 24.1 3.9 .943 .822 Present

CM 1293 5 7.9 284 12.3 3.2 21.9 4.6 <.0005 .769 Absent

CN 932 2 6.3 105 12.5 4.2 26.0 35 <.0005 .857 Absent

CN 933 <1 8.3 393 10.1 1.2 28.1 3.0 1.41 .911 Present

M 502 2 7.2 491 13.4 3.8 19.2 29 <.0005 .707 Absent

M 595 <1 8.8 953 11.5 <.30 30.6 1.0 7.44 .935 Present

OG 504 2 7.8 316 11.5 .60 25.6 5.6 .261 .838 Absent

OG 846 5 7.9 406 13.3 .30 23.6 5.8 9.58 .790 Absent

OG 1054 2 9.1 363 14.8 1.0 23.4 .2 <.0005 .785 Absent

OG 1848 5 7.9 440 17.5 <.20 24.7 5.9 .0456 .813 Present

SO 1335 5 9.2 668 12.5 <.50 26.5 .2 22.4 .883 Present

1

Prefix denotes county: BM, Broome; C, Cortland; CM, Chemung; CN, Chenango; D, Delaware; HE, Herkimer; M, Madison; OG, Otsego; SO, Schoharie; 

TI, Tioga. Number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
19

Table 1-4. Concentrations of major ions in groundwater samples from the Upper Susquehanna River Basin,

New York, 2009.

[Well locations are shown in figure 1. mg/L, milligrams per liter; CaCO3, calcium carbonate; (29805), USGS National Water Information System 

(NWIS) parameter code; E, estimated value—constituent was detected in the sample but with low or inconsistent recovery; <, less than. 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

BM 90 400 128 20.3 2.14 70.4 269 270

BM 375 310 102 14.6 1.37 99.7 265 266

C 1027 110 35.1 4.57 .82 6.69 106 106

CN 934 290 97.0 11.2 3.75 48.6 265 265

CN 935 68 23.0 2.62 .63 1.96 60 60

CN 936 190 56.3 13.1 .81 13.2 166 167

CN 1065 140 41.5 7.65 .60 22.8 183 184

CN 1142 130 44.8 5.38 1.19 14.3 108 108

D 1450 120 38.8 6.14 1.00 16.4 60 60

HE 1225 230 79.4 7.85 2.12 17.8 209 209

OG 6 250 86.5 7.09 1.80 23.4 202 202

OG 316 65 21.8 2.67 2.09 27.2 63 63

OG 317 82 24.0 5.34 1.30 37.3 38 38

TI 650 290 91.1 16.0 1.33 40.8 213 216

TI 892 150 46.6 8.00 .98 15.6 129 129

TI 1170 120 37.5 5.31 .58 10.4 113 113

Bedrock wells

BM 1841 120 33.7 8.46 1.50 12.6 139 138

C 587 140 49.8 3.64 .48 13.5 157 158

C 1440 140 39.5 10.3 .51 41.4 210 211

C 1486 110 31.2 7.67 .71 32.3 180 181

CM 1293 82 25.2 4.64 .53 24.3 128 128

CN 932 44 14.5 2.00 .3 2.96 36 37

CN 933 73 21.1 5.00 .73 50.3 178 179

M 502 230 81.9 5.30 .38 12.8 236 235

M 595 58 18.8 2.80 .50 170 200 199

OG 504 120 38.3 7.00 .46 17.2 158 156

OG 846 40 12.2 2.23 .55 70.7 117 129

OG 1054 7 2.21 .424 .23 77.1 149 154

OG 1848 130 35.2 9.04 1.35 46.4 192 197

SO 1335 16 4.29 1.18 .38 127 192 191

1

Prefix denotes county: BM, Broome; C, Cortland; CM, Chemung; CN, Chenango; D, Delaware; HE, Herkimer; M, Madison; OG, Otsego; 

SO, Schoharie; TI, Tioga. Number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.

2

Fixed-endpoint titration at pH 4.5.

3

Calculated from alkalinity.
20

Table 1-4. Concentrations of major ions in groundwater samples from the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2009.—

Continued

[Well locations are shown in figure 1. mg/L, milligrams per liter; CaCO3, calcium carbonate; (29805), USGS National Water Information System (NWIS) 

parameter code; E, estimated value—constituent was detected in the sample but with low or inconsistent recovery; <, less than. Bold values exceed one or 

more drinking-water standard]

Well 

number1

Bicarbonate,3

filtered,

mg/L

(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

BM 90 329 201 E.07 10.7 36.0 736

BM 375 325 180 E.05 7.16 22.9 621

C 1027 129 11.5 E.05 6.02 6.34 143

CN 934 323 79.7 <.08 7.10 17.2 456

CN 935 73 1.97 <.08 5.40 8.55 83

CN 936 204 26.2 .08 11.1 27.7 253

CN 1065 224 2.40 .13 10.8 3.44 197

CN 1142 132 33.8 <.08 6.78 19.1 200

D 1450 73 56.6 E.06 8.78 11.5 202

HE 1225 255 32.3 E.06 4.76 21.5 306

OG 6 246 42.5 E.06 8.01 18.8 334

OG 316 77 34.3 .10 5.56 10.4 144

OG 317 46 88.1 <.08 5.61 11.4 212

TI 650 264 99.3 .09 8.51 16.8 419

TI 892 157 26.3 <.08 6.05 9.79 195

TI 1170 138 9.80 .21 10.8 12.2 146

Bedrock wells

BM 1841 168 .71 .20 14.3 12.4 173

C 587 193 4.51 .08 6.25 8.59 178

C 1440 257 9.35 .22 10.8 10.1 244

C 1486 221 8.18 .13 10.3 1.38 199

CM 1293 156 1.30 .23 8.87 16.9 153

CN 932 45 5.03 E.04 7.37 7.41 60

CN 933 218 5.28 .32 11.1 6.70 201

M 502 287 6.30 E.08 5.78 12.1 269

M 595 243 176 .74 7.71 2.48 506

OG 504 190 4.90 .11 12.3 3.56 178

OG 846 157 48.5 .34 7.06 3.14 231

OG 1054 188 17.0 .43 7.57 7.60 212

OG 1848 240 1.54 .25 9.10 33.9 263

SO 1335 233 88.0 .34 7.71 E.17 368

1

Prefix denotes county: BM, Broome; C, Cortland; CM, Chemung; CN, Chenango; D, Delaware; HE, Herkimer; M, Madison; OG, Otsego; SO, Schoharie; 

TI, Tioga. Number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.

2

Fixed-endpoint titration at pH 4.5.

3

Calculated from alkalinity.
21

Table 1-5. Concentrations of nutrients and total organic carbon in groundwater samples from the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, 

New York, 2009.

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

BM 90 0.33 0.269 <.04 <.002 0.311 1.7

BM 375 E.08 <.020 1.79 <.002 E.008 1

C 1027 .26 <.020 .30 <.002 E.008 .9

CN 934 E.09 <.020 3.67 <.002 E.005 E.4

CN 935 E.07 <.020 1.15 <.002 E.006 <.6

CN 936 E.10 .066 <.04 <.002 .010 E.4

CN 1065 E.09 .091 <.04 <.002 .175 E.4

CN 1142 <.10 <.020 .76 <.002 .009 E.3

D 1450 <.10 <.020 1.88 <.002 E.007 <.6

HE 1225 E.07 <.020 2.75 <.002 E.006 1.1

OG 6 E.06 <.020 3.72 <.002 E.005 <.6

OG 316 E.09 <.020 1.34 <.002 .010 .8

OG 317 .10 <.020 1.20 <.002 .011 E.5

TI 650 <.10 <.020 1.84 <.002 E.005 E.4

TI 892 E.06 <.020 1.03 <.002 E.005 E.5

TI 1170 E.07 .057 <.04 <.002 .021 E.4

Bedrock wells

BM 1841 .24 .079 <.04 <.002 E.008 .7

C 587 E.06 .036 .89 E.002 E.005 E.5

C 1440 .20 .155 <.04 E.001 .022 <.6

C 1486 .25 .258 <.04 <.002 .013 E.3

CM 1293 E.07 <.020 .05 <.002 .011 E.4

CN 932 E.06 <.020 .27 <.002 .011 .8

CN 933 .29 .233 <.04 <.002 .015 <.6

M 502 E.07 <.020 .80 <.002 <.008 .7

M 595 .31 .303 <.04 <.002 .031 <.6

OG 504 <.10 .063 <.04 <.002 .012 E.6

OG 846 .17 .105 .14 .040 .022 2.2

OG 1054 E.10 .043 E.03 .027 .023 E.6

OG 1848 .37 .303 <.04 <.002 <.008 1.7

SO 1335 .26 .188 <.04 <.002 .046 2.5

1

Prefix denotes county: BM, Broome; C, Cortland; CM, Chemung; CN, Chenango; D, Delaware; HE, Herkimer; M, Madison; OG, Otsego; SO, Schoharie; 

TI, Tioga. Number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
22

Table 1–6. Concentrations of trace elements and radiochemicals in groundwater samples from the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, 

New York, 2009.

[Well locations are shown in figure 1. pCi/L, picocuries per liter; 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 

number1

Aluminum, 

unfiltered, 

μg/L (01105)

Antimony, 

unfiltered, 

μg/L (01097)

Arsenic, 

unfiltered, 

μg/L (01002)

Barium, 

unfiltered, 

μg/L (01007)

Boron, 

filtered, 

μg/L (01020)

Cadmium, 

unfiltered, 

μg/L (01027)

Chromium, 

unfiltered, 

μg/L (01034)

Cobalt, 

unfiltered, 

μg/L (01037)

Copper, 

unfiltered, 

μg/L (01042)

Sand and gravel wells

BM 90 <6 <.4 9.7 640 37 <.06 <.40 E.09 E3.2

BM 375 <6 <.4 1.6 72.5 38 <.06 E.30 E.09 <4.0

C 1027 <6 <.4 .61 15.6 9.1 <.06 <.40 <.10 <4.0

CN 934 <6 <.4 .45 57.6 28 <.04 E.33 .08 34.9

CN 935 E3 <.4 .26 14.7 7.6 <.04 <.42 <.04 2.7

CN 936 <6 <.4 .98 111 23 <.04 <.42 .04 2.8

CN 1065 <6 <.4 18.4 482 87 <.06 <.40 <.10 E2.0

CN 1142 <6 E.2 1.2 149 22 <.04 <.42 E.02 51.5

D 1450 <6 <.4 .36 117 11 <.04 <.42 E.04 13.0

HE 1225 <6 <.4 1.2 49.1 20 <.04 E.23 .04 E1.3

OG 6 <6 <.4 .66 112 39 <.04 <.42 .13 3.5

OG 316 <6 <.4 .29 5.7 13 <.04 <.42 E.03 4.7

OG 317 <6 <.4 .25 8.1 14 .07 <.42 E.04 E.93

TI 650 6 <.4 .56 148 22 <.04 E.22 .06 4.3

TI 892 24 <.4 .44 34.1 9.7 <.04 E.32 <.04 E1.0

TI 1170 <6 <.4 .93 29.1 16 <.06 <.40 <.10 <4.0

Bedrock wells

BM 1841 <6 <.4 1.2 116 104 <.06 <.40 <.10 4.7

C 587 30 <.4 .61 92.9 73 <.04 E.31 .11 2.9

C 1440 <6 <.4 .57 169 237 .04 <.42 <.04 22.3

C 1486 <6 <.4 .43 944 236 <.06 <.40 <.10 <4.0

CM 1293 59 <.4 .56 150 126 <.04 <.42 .06 5.8

CN 932 <6 <.4 .32 23.5 4.1 <.06 <.40 <.10 267

CN 933 E5 <.4 E.18 356 308 <.04 <.42 <.04 25.4

M 502 <6 <.4 .93 53.8 69 <.06 <.40 <.10 E3.8

M 595 E4 <.4 .29 722 732 <.06 <.40 <.10 <4.0

OG 504 <6 <.4 .79 66.5 156 <.06 <.40 <.10 <4.0

OG 846 8 <.4 .58 44.2 401 <.06 <.40 <.10 6.2

OG 1054 57 <.4 5.1 14.6 287 <.06 E.31 <.10 E2.4

OG 1848 <6 <.4 .39 62.7 551 <.06 <.40 <.10 17.4

SO 1335 11 <.4 E.11 80.4 537 <.06 <.40 <.10 11.5
23

Table 1–6. Concentrations of trace elements and radiochemicals in groundwater samples from the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, 

New York, 2009.—Continued

[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 

number1

Gross alpha 

radioactivity, 

pCi/L (01519)

Gross beta 

radioactivity, 

pCi/L (85817)

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)

Mercury, 

unfiltered, 

μg/L (71900)

Sand and gravel wells

BM 90 2.6 2.2 1,400 1,420 0.14 13.4 937 1,060 <.010

BM 375 <1.7 1.7 E2 <14 E.06 1.9 .6 .8 <.010

C 1027 1.2 1.9 4 15 .15 .7 .2 .4 <.010

CN 934 <1.1 2.7 13 30 1.71 5.9 E.2 <.8 <.010

CN 935 <.72 <1.4 <6 <9 .22 1.9 <.2 <.8 <.010

CN 936 1.0 .7 28 36 .18 7.9 262 271 <.010

CN 1065 2.2 2.1 120 131 .16 9.6 114 118 <.010

CN 1142 <.58 1.6 8 12 .17 4.6 1.7 2.0 <.010

D 1450 <.86 .9 124 123 6.97 1.5 3.9 3.8 <.010

HE 1225 <1.1 2.3 E4 62 .85 1.3 <.2 <.8 <.010

OG 6 <.83 5.0 <6 <9 .27 3.7 <.2 <.8 <.010

OG 316 1.1 2.7 <6 <9 .64 2.1 .3 E.4 <.010

OG 317 <.88 <.91 11 12 .12 1.3 .4 E.7 <.010

TI 650 <.73 1.1 <6 12 2.49 4.8 .8 1.4 <.010

TI 892 <.95 1.6 <6 E6 .80 3.9 <.2 <.8 <.010

TI 1170 .7 <.89 118 320 .53 1.6 192 196 <.010

Bedrock wells

BM 1841 <.95 1.6 37 76 .30 24.0 183 184 <.010

C 587 <.87 <.95 23 394 .86 29.9 32.3 61.5 <.010

C 1440 <.79 5.0 15 17 .09 32.9 55.8 61.4 <.010

C 1486 4.9 <1.3 51 82 E.09 34.0 31.9 31.7 <.010

CM 1293 <.87 <.86 E5 70 .47 18.7 1.6 4.6 <.010

CN 932 <.62 1.1 5 E10 1.94 1.6 .3 E.4 E.010

CN 933 3.0 <.94 17 34 .36 63.4 48.9 52.4 <.010

M 502 1.2 1.2 E3 E11 .67 19.7 E.2 E.4 <.010

M 595 3.0 1.8 69 67 .10 347 35.9 33.7 <.010

OG 504 <1.1 <1.3 346 375 <.10 19.8 123 120 <.010

OG 846 <.83 1.3 32 54 .26 80.2 25.4 32.6 <.010

OG 1054 1.8 <.91 17 80 .31 29.1 .4 2.6 <.010

OG 1848 .7 1.2 117 990 .27 46.1 55.1 53.7 <.010

SO 1335 1.8 <1.1 10 57 .95 194 13.8 13.6 <.010
24

Table 1–6. Concentrations of trace elements and radiochemicals in groundwater samples from the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, 

New York, 2009.—Continued

[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 

number1

Molybdenum, 

unfiltered, 

μg/L (01062)

Nickel, 

unfiltered, 

μg/L (01067)

Selenium, 

unfiltered, 

μg/L (01147)

Silver, 

unfiltered, 

μg/L (01077)

Strontium, 

unfiltered, 

μg/L (01082)

Radon-222, 

unfiltered, 

pCi/L (82303)

Uranium, 

unfiltered, 

μg/L (28011)

Zinc, 

unfiltered, 

μg/L (01092)

Sand and gravel wells

BM 90 0.4 0.78 <.12 <.06 394 276 1.120 7.5

BM 375 E.1 .59 .30 <.06 157 780 .755 3.9

C 1027 <.1 <.20 <.12 <.06 54.0 520 .094 9.6

CN 934 <.1 .67 .13 E.01 159 520 .173 21.0

CN 935 <.1 E.34 E.06 <.02 43.0 600 .033 4.0

CN 936 .3 E.25 <.10 <.02 444 135 .619 E1.8

CN 1065 .6 E.12 <.12 <.06 271 57 .044 2.8

CN 1142 .2 E.35 0.23 <.02 89.7 890 .721 7.4

D 1450 <.1 .62 E.08 <.02 86.4 1,130 E.020 48.1

HE 1225 .4 .36 .19 <.02 407 300 .329 2.8

OG 6 <.1 E.30 .30 <.02 129 810 .196 4.2

OG 316 .1 E.20 E.06 <.02 58.5 880 .114 E1.3

OG 317 <.1 1.8 E.10 <.02 74.7 700 <.028 24.3

TI 650 E.1 .62 .19 <.02 128 590 .193 3.6

TI 892 <.1 <.36 <.10 <.02 78.8 620 .099 18.5

TI 1170 .7 E.15 <.12 <.06 146 370 .574 178

Bedrock wells

BM 1841 .4 1.3 <.12 <.06 901 550 .027 24.1

C 587 E.1 .38 E.07 <.02 268 560 .171 10.0

C 1440 .2 <.36 <.10 <.02 1,030 70 .057 E1.9

C 1486 <.1 <.20 <.12 <.06 713 80 <.020 67.7

CM 1293 .2 E.28 E.07 <.02 393 251 .115 6.5

CN 932 <.1 .28 <.12 <.06 22.8 1,010 .034 10.1

CN 933 .2 <.36 <.10 <.02 748 118 .035 2.1

M 502 <.1 .31 <.12 <.06 143 300 .214 3.3

M 595 .5 <.20 <.12 <.06 1,110 169 .030 <2.0

OG 504 .4 <.20 <.12 <.06 324 192 .072 6.4

OG 846 .1 E.14 <.12 <.06 284 175 E.014 2.4

OG 1054 5.0 E.13 <.12 <.06 38.7 1,140 .574 4.3

OG 1848 3.0 .31 <.12 <.06 848 22 E.018 E1.8

SO 1335 .1 <.20 <.12 <.06 258 320 <.020 E1.4

1

Prefix denotes county: BM, Broome; C, Cortland; CM, Chemung; CN, Chenango; D, Delaware; HE, Herkimer; M, Madison; OG, Otsego; SO, Schoharie; 

TI, Tioga. Number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
25

Table 1-7. Concentrations of pesticides detected in groundwater samples from the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2009.

[Well locations are shown in figure 1. CIAT, 2-Chloro-4-isopropylamino-6-amino-s-triazine; μg/L, micrograms per liter; (04040), 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; --, no 

data; M, measured but not quantified]

Well 

number1

CIAT,

filtered,

μg/L

(04040)

Alachlor,

filtered,

μg/L

(46342)

Atrazine,

filtered,

μg/L

(39632)

 Metalochlor,

filtered,

μg/L

(39415)

Prometon,

filtered,

μg/L

(04037)

 Simazine,

filtered,

μg/L

(04035)

Sand and gravel wells

BM 90 <.014 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.010

BM 375 E.006 E.002 E.003 <.014 E.01 E.004

C 1027 E.022 <.008 .021 <.014 E.01 <.010

CN 934 E.058 <.008 .09 0.058 .01 <.006

CN 935 E.003 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.006

CN 936 <.014 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.006

CN 1065 <.014 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.010

CN 1142 E.002 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.006

D 1450 E.002 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.006

HE 1225 E.011 <.008 .01 <.014 <.01 <.006

OG 6 E.005 <.008 E.002 <.014 <.01 <.006

OG 316 E.005 <.008 E.003 <.014 <.01 <.006

OG 317 E.003 <.008 E.002 <.014 <.01 <.006

TI 650 E.003 <.008 E.002 <.014 <.01 <.006

TI 892 E.015 <.008 E.003 <.014 <.01 <.006

TI 1170 <.014 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.010

Bedrock wells

BM 1841 <.014 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.010

C 587 <.014 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.006

C 1440 <.014 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.006

C 1486 <.014 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.010

CM 1293 <.014 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.006

CN 932 <.014 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.010

CN 933 -- -- -- -- -- --

M 502 <.014 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.010

M 595 <.014 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.010

OG 504 <.014 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.010

OG 846 <.014 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.010

OG 1054 <.014 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.010

OG 1848 <.014 <.008 <.007 <.014 <.01 <.010

SO 1335 <.014 <.008 <.007 <.014 M <.010

1

Prefix denotes county: BM, Broome; C, Cortland; CM, Chemung; CN, Chenango; D, Delaware; HE, Herkimer; M, Madison; OG, Otsego; SO, Schoharie; 

TI, Tioga. Number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
26

Table 1-8. Concentrations of volatile organic compounds in groundwater samples from the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New 

York, 2009.

[ Well locations are shown in figure 1. μg/L, micrograms per liter; (32106), USGS National Water Information System parameter code; <, less than]

Well 

number1

Trichloromethane,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(32106)

Bromodichloromethane,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(32101)

Dibromochloromethane,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(32105)

Tribromomethane,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(32104)

1,1,1-

Trichloroethane,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(34506)

1,1-

Dichloroethane,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(34496)

cis-1,2-

Dichloroethene,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(77093)

Toluene,

unfiltered,

μg/L

(34010)

Sand and gravel wells

BM 90 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 1.3 2.5 <.1

BM 375 .5 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

C 1027 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 .1

CN 934 .9 .9 1.1 .5 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

CN 935 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

CN 936 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

CN 1065 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

CN 1142 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

D 1450 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

HE 1225 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

OG 6 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 .6 <.1 <.1 <.1

OG 316 .2 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

OG 317 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

TI 650 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

TI 892 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

TI 1170 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

Bedrock wells

BM 1841 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 .2

C 587 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

C 1440 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

C 1486 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

CM 1293 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

CN 932 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

CN 933 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

M 502 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

M 595 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

OG 504 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

OG 846 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

OG 1054 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

OG 1848 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 .2

SO 1335 <.1 <.1 <.2 <.2 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

1

Prefix denotes county: BM, Broome; C, Cortland; CM, Chemung; CN, Chenango; D, Delaware; HE, Herkimer; M, Madison; OG, Otsego; SO, Schoharie; 

TI, Tioga. Number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
27

Table 1-9. Concentrations of bacteria in unfiltered groundwater samples from the Upper Susquehanna River 

Basin, New York, 2009.

[Well locations are shown in figure 1. mL, milliliter; (61213), National Water Information System (NWIS) parameter code; CFU, 

colony-forming unit; <, less than; >, greater than. 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

BM 90 <1 <1 <1 7

BM 375 32 <1 <1 9

C 1027 <1 <1 <1 7

CN 934 <1 <1 <1 1

CN 935 <1 <1 <1 <1

CN 936 <1 <1 <1 1

CN 1065 <1 <1 <1 24

CN 1142 <1 <1 <1 <1

D 1450 <1 <1 <1 2

HE 1225 <1 <1 <1 1

OG 6 <1 <1 <1 1

OG 316 <1 <1 <1 3

OG 317 >200 <1 <1 5

TI 650 <1 <1 <1 1

TI 892 <1 <1 <1 7

TI 1170 <1 <1 <1 29

Bedrock wells

BM 1841 <1 <1 <1 6

C 587 <1 <1 <1 2

C 1440 <1 <1 <1 46

C 1486 <1 <1 <1 3

CM 1293 <1 <1 <1 27

CN 932 4 <1 <1 2

CN 933 <1 <1 <1 1

M 502 4 1 <1 1

M 595 27 <1 <1 6

OG 504 <1 <1 <1 3

OG 846 9 <1 <1 566

OG 1054 8 1 2 24

OG 1848 10 <1 <1 12

SO 1335 88 <1 <1 16

1

Prefix denotes county: BM, Broome; C, Cortland; CM, Chemung; CN, Chenango; D, Delaware; HE, Herkimer; M, Madison; 

OG, Otsego; SO, Schoharie; TI, Tioga. Number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
28

Table 1-10. Physical properties of and concentrations of major ions, nutrients and total organic carbon, and bacteria in groundwater samples collected in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2004 and 2009.[Well locations are shown in figure 1. NWIS, National Water Information System; wf, filtered water; <, less than; wu, unfiltered water; mg/L, milligrams per liter; μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius; CaCO3, calcium carbonate; E, estimated value—constituent was detected in the sample but with low or inconsistent recovery; N, nitrogen; P, phosphorus; --, no data; CFU, colony-forming unit; mL, milliliter. Bold values exceed one or more drinking-water standard]

U.S. Geological

Survey NWIS

parameter 

code

Constituent

BM 901 BM 3751 M 5951 OG 61 OG 5041 OG 8461

2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009

00080 Color, wf, platinum-cobalt units 25 5 2 <1 2 <1 <1 <1 10 2 <1 5

00300 Dissolved oxygen, wu, mg/L 7.2 .3 6.9 1.9 6.5 <.3 2.3 1.8 .3 .6 3.5 .300400 pH, wu 7.6 7.3 7.1 7.1 8.6 8.8 8.0 7.4 8.6 7.8 8.8 7.900095 Specific conductance, wu, μS/cm 969 1,220 1,010 1,140 1,330 953 566 590 307 316 455 40600010 Temperature, wu, degrees Celsius 11.8 14.9 8.4 12.9 8.4 11.5 10.5 10.8 9.6 11.5 9.5 13.300915 Calcium, wf, mg/L 126 128 104 102 32.1 18.8 87.3 86.5 41.0 38.3 13.0 12.200925 Magnesium, wf, mg/L 19.9 20.3 14.7 14.6 4.83 2.80 7.48 7.09 6.98 7.00 2.38 2.2300935 Potassium, wf, mg/L 2.00 2.14 1.29 1.37 .65 .5 2.00 1.80 .49 .46 .50 .5500930 Sodium, wf, mg/L 53.7 70.4 85.6 99.7 23.4 170 21.5 23.4 15.1 17.2 76.8 70.790410 Acid neutralizing capacity, wu, fixed

endpoint, lab, mg/L as CaCO3

258 269 254 265 188 200 159 202 127 158 147 117

29801 Alkalinity, wf, fixed end point,

laboratory, mg/L as CaCO3

258 270 254 266 197 199 203 202 154 156 146 129

29805 Bicarbonate, wf, fixed endpoint, 

laboratory, mg/L

315 329 310 325 240 243 248 246 188 190 174 157

00940 Chloride, wf, mg/L 140 201 144 180 297 176 39.5 42.5 2.92 4.90 50.6 48.500950 Fluoride, wf, mg/L E.1 E.06 E.1 E.05 .8 .74 E.1 E.06 .1 .11 .4 .3400955 Silica, wf, mg/L 11.2 10.7 7.34 7.16 8.40 7.71 9.28 8.01 13.6 12.3 8.07 7.0600945 Sulfate, wf, mg/L 33.9 36.0 17.2 22.9 3.2 2.48 17.5 18.8 3.6 3.56 2.4 3.1470300 Residue on evaporation @180C, wf, 

mg/L

546 736 518 621 705 506 325 334 175 178 251 231

00623 Ammonia + organic-N, wf, mg/L as N .26 .33 E.5 E.08 .36 .31 <.10 E.06 <.10 <.10 .22 .1700608 Ammonia, wf, mg/L as N .25 .269 <.04 <.020 .34 .303 E.02 <.020 .06 .063 .16 .10500631 Nitrate plus nitrite, wf, mg/L as N <.06 <.04 3.36 1.79 <.06 <.04 3.89 3.72 <.06 <.04 E.05 .1400613 Nitrite, wf, mg/L as N <.008 <.002 <.008 <.002 <.008 <.002 <.008 <.002 <.008 <.002 E.005 .04000671 Orthophosphate, wf, mg/L as P -- .311 <.02 E.008 .02 .031 <.02 E.005 <.02 .012 .02 .02200680 Total organic carbon, wu, mg/L 1.46 1.7 1.5 1 <1.00 <.6 <1.00 <.6 <1.00 E.6 <1.00 2.231692 Heterotrophic plate count, wu, CFU per 

ml

<1 7 2 9 <1 6 <1 1 <1 3 248 566

61213 Total coliform, wu, CFU per 100 mL <1 <1 18 32 <1 27 <1 <1 <1 <1 39 9

1 Well number. Prefix denotes county: BM, Broome; M, Madison; OG, Otsego. Number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
29

Table 1-11. Concentrations of trace elements and radiochemicals in groundwater samples collected in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2004 and 2009.[Well locations are shown in figure 1. NWIS, National Water Information System; wu, unfiltered water; μg/L, micrograms per liter; E, estimated value—constituent was detected in the sample but with low or inconsistent recovery; <, less than; wf, filtered water; M, constituent was detected in the sample but was not quantified; pCi/L, picocuries per liter. Bold values exceed one or more drinking-water standard]

U.S. Geological

Survey NWIS

parameter 

code

Constituent

BM 901 BM 3751 M 5951 OG 61 OG 5041 OG 8461

2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009

01105 Aluminum, wu, μg/L E1 <6 <2 <6 13 E4 2 <6 E2 <6 11 8

01002 Arsenic, wu, μg/L 7 9.7 <2 1.6 <2 .29 <2 .66 <2 .79 <2 .58

01007 Barium, wu, μg/L 508 640 61 72.5 1,420 722 109 112 55 66.5 48 44.2

01020 Boron, wf, μg/L 47 37 31 38 624 732 43 39 118 156 489 401

01034 Chromium, wu, μg/L <.8 <.40 <.8 E.30 E.5 <.40 1.5 <.42 <.8 <.40 <.8 <.40

01037 Cobalt, wu, μg/L .507 E.09 .354 E.09 .11 <.10 .481 .13 .145 <.10 .066 <.10

01042 Copper, wu, μg/L 7.5 E 3.2 2.0 <4.0 2.6 <4.0 1.6 3.5 E.3 <4.0 1.8 6.2

01046 Iron, wf, μg/L 1,230 1,400 <6 E2 <6 69 <6 <6 303 346 6 32

01045 Iron, wu, μg/L 1,150 1,420 <6 <14 240 67 M <9 350 375 50 54

01051 Lead, wu, μg/L E.04 .14 .07 E.06 .31 .1 .08 .27 E.05 <.10 .14 .26

01132 Lithium, wu, μg/L 10.8 13.4 1.0 1.9 425 347 3.2 3.7 14.2 19.8 132 80.2

01056 Manganese, wf, μg/L 969 937 .6 .6 62.1 35.9 <.6 <.2 138 123 41.1 25.4

01055 Manganese, wu, μg/L 975 1,060 E.5 .8 59.5 33.7 <.6 <.8 134 120 37.6 32.6

71900 Mercury, wu, μg/L <.01 <.010 <.01 <.010 <.01 <.010 E.01 <.010 <.01 <.010 <.01 <.010

01062 Molybdenum, wu, μg/L .4 .4 <.2 E.1 .50 0.5 <.2 <.1 .5 .4 .2 .1

01067 Nickel, wu, μg/L 2.45 .78 1.05 .59 .53 <.20 1.26 E.30 .61 <.20 .55 E.14

01147 Selenium, wu, μg/L .6 <.12 .6 .30 3.00 <.12 .5 .30 E.4 <.12 .8 <.12

01082 Strontium, wu, μg/L 340 394 127 157 2,400 1,110 117 129 281 1,110 322 284

82303 Radon-222, wu, pCi/L 290 276 840 780 90 169 1,180 810 280 169 110 175

28011 Uranium, wu, μg/L .869 1.120 .505 .755 .033 .03 .182 .196 .088 .03 .018 E.014

01092 Zinc, wu, μg/L 19 7.5 5 3.9 E2 <2.0 E1 4.2 7.0 <2.0 E1 2.4

1Well number. Prefix denotes county: BM, Broome; M, Madison; OG, Otsego. Number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
30

Table 1-12. Concentrations of pesticides in groundwater samples collected in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2004 and 2009.[Well locations are shown in figure 1. NWIS, National Water Information System; wf, filtered water; μg/L, micrograms per liter; <, less than; E, estimated value—constituent was detected in the sample but with low or inconsistent recovery. Bold values indicate detections]

U.S. Geological

Survey NWIS

parameter 

code

Constituent

BM 901 BM 3751 M 5951 OG 61 OG 5041 OG 8461

2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009

04040 2-Chloro-4-isopropylamino-6-amino-s-triazine (CIAT), wf, μg/L < .006 < .014 < .006 E .006 < .006 < .014 E .003 E .005 < .006 < .014 < .006 < .014

46342 Alachlor, wf, μg/L < .004 < .008 < .005 E .002 < .005 < .008 < .004 < .008 < .004 < .008 < .004 < .008

39632 Atrazine, wf, μg/L < .007 < .007 < .007 E .003 < .007 < .007 < .007 E .002 < .007 < .007 < .007 < .007

1Well number. Prefix denotes county: BM, Broome; M, Madison; OG, Otsego. Number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.

Table 1-13. Concentrations of volatile organic compounds in groundwater samples collected in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2004 and 2009.[Well locations are shown in figure 1. NWIS, National Water Information System; wu, unfiltered water; μg/L, micrograms per liter; <, less than. Bold values indicate detections]

U.S. Geological

Survey NWIS

parameter code

Constituent

BM 901 BM 3751 M 5951 OG 61 OG 5041 OG 8461

2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009 2004 2009

32106 Trichloromethane, wu, μg/L <.1 <.1 <.1 .5 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

34506 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, wu, μg/L .1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 .7 .6 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

34496 1,1-Dichloroethane, wu, μg/L 1.2 1.3 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

77093 cis-1,2-Dichloroethene, wu, μg/L 2.5 2.5 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

34010 Toluene, wu, μg/L <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 .1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1 <.1

1Well number. Prefix denotes county: BM, Broome; M, Madison; OG, Otsego. Number is local well-identification number assigned by U.S. Geological Survey.
Prepared by the Pembroke and Rolla Publishing 

Service Centers

For additional information write to:

New York Water Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey

30 Brown Rd.

Ithaca, NY 14850

Information requests:

(518) 285-5602

or visit our Web site at:

http://ny.water.usgs.gov
Reddy and Risen—Groundwater Quality in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, New York, 2009—Open-File Report 2012–1045