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

Ground Water
Introduction
We have seen how Morris County's geologic history has resulted in today’s soils, rocks and landscape. These
factors plus land cover, whether vegetative or manmade, influence water’s journey through the hydrological
cycle. The complex path ground water travels to reach the underlying aquifers necessitates informed
managing of the variables affecting this vulnerable resource.
The Hydrological Cycle
The fate of precipitation holds many possibilities as it descends, hitting leaves, dirt, rivers, rooftops, parking
lots, etc. It either evapotranspirates, runs across the landscape toward the nearest body of water, or begins
its migration through the layers of the earth.
Although ground water can be fed from surface water bodies, it is primarily replenished through rainwater
infiltration. Several factors influence infiltration: topography, soil type, climatic conditions such as
antecedent rainfall and seasonal fluctuations, ground compaction of soil by man and animals as well as
porosity due to tunneling animals and plant roots, and retention due to vegetative cover.
Because the county relies heavily on ground water for potable water supplies, understanding and protecting
this resource has become critical. Some tools exist to achieve these goals. The NJ Geological Survey (NJGS)
has devised a method for evaluating the rate and volume of rainfall likely to recharge ground water by utilizing
climate, land use/land cover, and soils data. NJGS is also guiding local groups in locating wellhead areas,
plus continuing their own work in refining aquifer recharge area delineations.
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Ground Water