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

Results of the investigation, based on modeled projections for increased pumpage, indicated:
decreased discharge to the river from the aquifer system;
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increased downward flow from and decreased upward flow to lower valley-fill aquifer;
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increased lateral flow of ground water into S. Branch Raritan River basin from Lamington River Basin;
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and slight increase in tributary-stream leakage to aquifer system. 7
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A connection between human activities and ground water quality was validated by volatile organic compounds
found in each water bearing unit, in addition to concentrations of nitrates and chloride.
Ground Water Quality In Morris County
Ground water quality data for the county is piecemeal. Ground water quality in the Highlands is very good
for most purposes, with some local areas requiring treatment for undesirable characteristics and constituents.
Occasionally State-recommended secondary drinking water standards (those affecting aesthetics, e.g.,
appearance, taste, or odor) were exceeded. These parameters included corrosivity, hardness, iron, manganese,
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sodium and gross alpha particle activity. Primary drinking water standards pertain to potential for adverse
affect on human health.
During the early eighties' investigation of the Pequannock River and upper Rockaway River watersheds,
chemical analyses of the ground water resulted in good to excellent quality designations. Total Iron and
Manganese were the only parameters in excess of potable water standards. Specific examples of this occurred
in samples from some municipal wells in Mountain Lakes and the Town of Boonton. These wells, adjacent
to the Rockaway River and tapping the stratified drift aquifer, were receiving Iron and Manganese loads from
infiltrating surface water. Though excessive levels of Iron and Manganese pose an aesthetic problem, as in
staining of sinks and fabrics, they are not considered a health problem.
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The Passaic River Coalition's investigation of the Buried Valley aquifer system revealed limited incidences
of high sulfate levels. These were associated with sulfate minerals occurring in basalt and red shale. The sand
and gravel aquifers also exhibited increased incidences of hard water.
Management Considerations
Variables including human health, status of ecological resources, cost of water treatment and provision of
alternative supplies justify comprehensive groundwater management. Since activities on the land impact the
quality and quantity of ground water and its recharge areas, emphasis is on land use management. With
drawdown occurring in the southeast, regular water shortages in the northwest, contamination to the east and
elsewhere, there is an obvious need for greater geotechnical research on the extent and capability of bedrock
as well as surficial aquifers.
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Ground Water