Comparing public-supply and shallow aquifer groundwater quality in the North San Francisco Bay Aquifers, California

Abstract

Groundwater quality in the North San Francisco Bay area Public-Supply and Shallow Aquifer Systems was investigated by the GAMA-PBP. The North San Francisco Bay Public-Supply Aquifer System study unit (NSF-PA) was sampled in 2004. The North San Francisco Bay Shallow Aquifer System study unit (NSF-SA) was sampled in 2012. The NSF-PA and NSF-SA largely coincide areally; however, they represent different parts of the aquifer system vertically. The NSF-PA examined deeper groundwater primarily used for public supply, whereas the NSF-SA examined relatively shallow groundwater primarily used for domestic supply. Both study units were divided into two study areas: (1) alluvium-filled groundwater basins called the Valleys and Plains study area and (2) volcanic, metamorphic, and ultramafic hard-rock highlands surrounding the Valleys and Plains called the Highlands study area.