Hydrogeology

Hydrogeology is a discipline of geology that involves understanding the occurrence, distribution, movement, and quality of subsurface water. Water is the world’s most precious natural resource, so understanding its movement and distribution is key to preserving and protecting it. HEI’s hydrogeologic experts use data from bedrock, glacial, alluvial, and fluvial sediments to provide information about horizontal and vertical flow. By integrating this subsurface information with our knowledge of surface water, we can obtain a conceptual model of water flow through the hydrogeologic cycle. Hydrogeologic information can be used to understand and predict groundwater movement, availability, volume, and quality. This information can be used to site groundwater wells for public or private water supply or predict contaminant movement from a landfill or hazardous waste site.