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Local researchers warn of breaches in Memphis aquifer protective layer; community group pushes groundwater protection plan
Summary
Researchers and Protect Our Aquifer representatives told commissioners data show younger, faster-moving groundwater and known contamination plumes approaching some well fields, and urged creation of a coordinated groundwater protection plan and stronger monitoring.
Speakers at the County's public-works committee on Monday outlined new findings about the Memphis aquifer's vulnerabilities and urged coordinated local action to protect the county's sole drinking water source.
Researchers' briefing. Leslie Taylor (presentation lead) and Scott Schaeffenacker summarized results from a University of Memphis aquifer study funded partly by MLGW ratepayers that found the geologic clay layer that protects the Upper Memphis aquifer is discontinuous in places and contains breaches where contaminants can migrate more rapidly. The study's analyses of "water age" show some production wells sample ancient water (2,000+ years old) while others contain a higher share of younger groundwater (decades-old), which increases vulnerability to recent surface contamination.
Contamination and well-field risk. Presenters noted specific concerns near the Davis, Allen and Sheehan well fields and near Collierville, where legacy industrial contamination and Superfund sites have encroached on well fields and, in some cases, forced closures of production wells. The group warned that groundwater moves slowly (decades), meaning contamination released years ago can still be migrating to production wells.
Groundwater protection plan. Protect Our Aquifer and University of Memphis presenters urged the county to adopt a coordinated groundwater protection plan that would include: wellhead protection overlay districts; more monitoring wells and a public monitoring network; a recharge-zone mapping and zoning overlay; site-specific observation/warning requirements for facilities that store hazardous materials; and funding/fee updates to ensure program staff can carry out monitoring and enforcement.
Funding and governance. Presenters said the county's Groundwater Board exists but meets irregularly; the Health Department houses water-quality staff who administer well permits and septic permits and could provide technical support. The group recommended updating the existing meter fee (55 cents per meter set in 1990) and clarifying fee-setting authority to fund monitoring, staff and programs. They also encouraged greater public education and K-12 outreach on the aquifer.
Ending: Commissioners asked staff to arrange presentations from MLGW and continue planning a county-level response. Protect Our Aquifer said it will provide draft menu-of-options for a groundwater protection plan and requested the county's participation in upcoming studies and advisory processes.
