Over the years, Wake County has conducted several studies to better understand groundwater resources. The US Geological Survey (USGS) has conducted several studies as well.
New groundwater study underway in Wake County
Wake County, in partnership with USGS, has started a groundwater resource study that includes a county-wide groundwater level monitoring network. The network is possible through support and collaboration from the City of Raleigh, Town of Cary, Town of Holly Springs, NC Department of Environmental Quality, Wake County Public School System, Wake County Parks & Open Space, Northern Wake Fire Department, NC State University and private citizens.
USGS will track water levels in network monitoring wells. Groundwater monitoring information will be used to develop a groundwater flow model and a comprehensive groundwater budget for the county. These tools will give the county a better understanding of our groundwater supply and help the county plan for a sustainable and resilient supply of groundwater. You can see the latest data from the monitoring network on the USGS website.
Groundwater studies commissioned by Wake County:
USGS studies of Wake County groundwater:
- Simulation of Groundwater Flow in Wake County, North Carolina, 2000 Through 2070
- Assessment of well yield, dominant fractures, and groundwater recharge in Wake County, North Carolina
- 2009 USGS study of groundwater level fluctuations and well pumping in northern Wake County
- USGS study of groundwater characteristics at the Lake Wheeler Road Research Station
- USGS characterization of groundwater quality in the Piedmont
- USGS study of hydrogeology, groundwater seepage, and nitrate distribution near the Neuse River in southeastern Wake County
- US Geological Survey Southeast Water Science Center