In the heart of northern New Jersey, a silent crisis is unfolding beneath our feet. Groundwater, a vital resource for both human consumption and industrial processes, is under threat from urbanization and infrastructure aging. A recent study led by Toritseju Oyen from the Department of Earth and Environmental Studies at Montclair State University has shed light on the alarming spatiotemporal variability of groundwater quality in the region, with significant implications for the energy sector and other industries reliant on freshwater resources.
The study, published in the journal *Hydrology* (which translates to ‘Water Studies’), employed geospatial analysis to evaluate groundwater quality across 11 Watershed Management Areas (WMAs) from 1999 to 2016. By using specific conductance (SC) as a proxy for salinity, Oyen and his team applied Ordinary Kriging interpolation to estimate SC values in unmonitored locations, leveraging data from 295 shallow wells within the New Jersey Ambient Groundwater Quality Monitoring Network.
The results revealed a stark contrast in groundwater quality between different regions. The Northeast water region, characterized by high urbanization and extensive road networks, exhibited the poorest water quality. Areas like the Lower Passaic (WMA-4) and Hackensack (WMA-5) saw salinity levels exceeding the 750 μS/cm threshold for freshwater. “The Northeast region is under significant stress due to urbanization and road density,” Oyen explained. “This has led to a substantial decline in groundwater quality, posing challenges for both municipal and industrial water supplies.”
In contrast, the Northwest region, dominated by agricultural and undeveloped land, maintained better water quality. However, the temporal analysis showed a worrying trend: freshwater coverage declined from 80% in 1999–2004 to 74% in 2014–2016. Deicing salts and aging sewer infrastructure were identified as major contributors to this degradation.
For the energy sector, which relies heavily on freshwater for cooling and other processes, these findings are particularly concerning. “The decline in freshwater quality can have significant commercial impacts,” Oyen noted. “Industries that depend on freshwater may face increased treatment costs or even supply disruptions, affecting their bottom line.”
The study highlights the efficacy of Kriging and GIS tools in mapping groundwater quality trends, providing policymakers and stakeholders with actionable insights. “Our research underscores the urgent need for targeted water management strategies in vulnerable regions,” Oyen stated. “By leveraging advanced geospatial tools, we can better understand and mitigate groundwater degradation, ensuring long-term sustainability.”
As northern New Jersey grapples with these challenges, the findings from Oyen’s study offer a roadmap for future developments in water management. By adopting proactive strategies and investing in advanced monitoring technologies, the region can safeguard its freshwater resources and support the industries that depend on them. The study not only provides a critical assessment of current conditions but also paves the way for innovative solutions to preserve this invaluable resource for future generations.