Three-dimensional Geologic Mapping of Groundwater Resources

1996 and is projected to grow to 710,000 by 2030. Because of current water resource limitations and in anticipation of much larger, future demands, the County has contracted with the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) and the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) to assess its water resources. The results of this assessment will provide Kane County with the scientific basis for developing policies and management strategies for more effective management of its water resources (Dey et al., 2004, Dey et al., 2005a). The ISGS is performing three-dimensional geologic mapping of Quaternary deposits and shallow bedrock in Kane County and adjacent areas with an emphasis on groundwater resources. The study area was defined to extend one township (approximately 6 miles) beyond all edges of Kane County in order to prevent distortions of interpretations near the county line and to aid in the assessment of hydrogeologic influences from outside the county. A conceptual model of the geology of Kane County and adjacent areas was developed from a compilation of the current understanding of the County’s geology and the processes by which it formed. This model reflects current interpretations of information from previously published materials, knowledge gained by ISGS staff and colleagues from other studies in Kane County and northeastern Illinois, and the efforts for this mapping project. The basic components of the conceptual model are the lithostratigraphic units, which are the layers of sediment that occur in a particular position in the succession of materials. Initially 32 lithostratigraphic units were identified in the conceptua