Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Aquifers

Map identifying location of stratified and bedrock aquifers in ConnecticutYou probably know that an aquifer has something to do with water supplies.  Its more scientific definition is any geologic formation that allows for the withdrawal of usable amounts of water. Although geologic conditions vary across Connecticut, there’s usually enough groundwater available anywhere to supply the water needs of at least one single family residence and, for this reason, our whole state might be considered an aquifer.

Drawing of cutaway view of principal aquifersConnecticut is mainly comprised of two types of aquifers. Bedrock-till formations underlie the entire state. Stratified drift formations lie in river valleys.

Bedrock-till aquifers are made up of different rock types and are covered by till, a residual glacial mix of rocks, sand, silt and clay. Most till in Connecticut is about fifteen feet thick. A bedrock-till aquifer can yield as much as ten gallons of water per minute, or enough water for a small business or single family home.  The major water transport in bedrock-till aquifers occurs in the fractures and faults of the underlying bedrock.

A stratified drift aquifer is comprised of layered deposits of sand, gravel, silt and clay laid down thousands of years ago by glacial meltwaters. Water yields of millions of gallons per day are possible wherever deep saturated deposits of porous sand and gravel are found.  Some sections of Connecticut that have these high-yield conditions have been developed as municipal water supplies. Because stratified drift aquifers exist mainly in major river valleys-the same places we find most of our cities and large industries unfortunately they can easily become contaminated.

Understanding Groundwater