Domestic Wells in the Great Lakes Basin

Groundwater is an important natural resource and is a crucial source of drinking water for the nation. Within the United States it is estimated that more than 43 million1 people rely on domestic wells as their source of drinking water, and 8.2 million2 of those people live within the Great Lakes Basin (GLB). The Great Lakes are the most obvious source of water in the basin; however, few realize the important role that groundwater actually plays. This importance becomes more evident as you look at the specific communities who depend on domestic wells (i.e. privately owned, household wells) for their drinking water.