SESSION A:

Title: Spring Water versus Groundwater — What's the Difference?

Author: John M. Peckenham
Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Environmental and Watershed Research, 102 Norman Smith Hall, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469. telephone: 207.581.3254. e-mail jpeck@maine.edu.

Abstract:
The purpose of this presentation is to describe how springs occur in Maine and how spring water differs from ordinary groundwater. The difference is of great importance because spring water is a more valuable commodity. Geology controls the location and volumetric discharge of springs, while geography contributes to site suitability for spring development. Maine is a locus for spring development for three reasons: suitable geology, favorable ambient water quality, and sufficient water quantity. Coarse-grained glacial deposits host many of the larger springs in Maine. Groundwater becomes spring water only under certain well-defined conditions commonly as contact springs. Development patterns in Maine leave much of the state with minimal exposure to human activities that could degrade groundwater quality. The natural quantity of water flowing from springs is controlled by climate and general water-table conditions; springs that flow strongly year-round are relatively rare.

John Peckenham is Interim Director of the Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Environmental and Watershed Research at the University of Maine. John's research interests are drinking water quality, source water protection, and remediation of contamination. He is a member of the American Water Works Association, American Water Resources Association, National Ground Water Association, and American Geophysical Union and serves on the Board of Directors of the National Institutes for Water Research.