A Natural Resource Management Guide for the County of Morris A ...

Infiltration, a function of soil permeability, has critical implications for ground water recharge, septic
suitability, and stormwater management. Because ninety-five percent of Morris County's potable water is
supplied by ground water, recharge protection is a priority. Due to the roles that soils play in the hydrologic
regime, it is possible to assess areas in terms of potential for, and volume of, ground water recharge utilizing
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soils, climate, and land use/land cover data. This methodology was tested by the County Planning Board
on the Black River watershed (tributary to the Raritan). The resulting map depicts areas of poor, moderate,
and excellent recharge potential (Figure 1).
Figure 1 - Ground Water Recharge Potential - Black River Watershed
2 Emmanuel G. Charles and others, A Method for Evaluating Ground-Water-Recharge Areas
in New Jersey, N.J. Geological Survey Report GSR-32, 1993.
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Soils