U of I, Forest Preserve District partner to monitor groundwater

Forest preserve users may notice new groundwater-monitoring wells in four preserves as a result of an intergovernmental agreement between the Forest Preserve District of Kane County and the University of Illinois.

Through the agreement signed last November, the University of Illinois is installing up to two wells at each of four preserve locations. The wells will monitor the St. Charles Bedrock Valley Aquifer over a 20-year period. Wells will be flush with the ground and locked.

The research project allows the university to conduct long-term water monitoring, periodically sample water quality, and better understand the natural groundwater resources in Kane County.

The university will provide data to the Illinois State Water Survey, as well as to the National Groundwater Monitoring Network for the purpose of making the water-level data publicly accessible.

Well-digging began in mid-September and continued through mid-October.

The groundwater-monitoring wells are located at:

• Sauer-Family Prairie Kame Forest Preserve in Elburn

• Kenyon Farm Forest Preserve in South Elgin

• Fox River Bluff East Forest Preserve in St. Charles

• Almon Underwood Prairie in Elburn

For more information, call the Forest Preserve District of Kane County at (630) 232-5980 or visit www.kaneforest.com.