Resources

For more information on how aquifers are affecting New Jersey, check out:

• National Geographic

• American Geosciences Institute

• U.S. Department of Agriculture

• U.S. Geological Survey

• U.S.G.S New Jersey

• Raritan Headwaters

• Pinelands Alliance

• NJ Conservation Foundation

• Sierra Club

An aquifer is a layer of rock, sand, gravel, or sediment that has enough connected pores, cracks, or spaces to store and transmit groundwater.[1] 

From a natural perspective, aquifers are imperative to maintaining life. Groundwater-dependent ecosystems are ecosystems that are supported by groundwater. 

These places include springs and seeps, caves and karst systems, and deep-rooted plant communities (phreatophytes). In many cases, rivers, wetlands, and lakes are also included. Where groundwater meets the surface, a unique community of plants and animals flourish. A wide variety of rare, threatened, and endangered species call these places home.[2]

While the natural world relies on aquifers to flourish, human civilization similarly depends on the constant replenishment of these underground stores.  

Much of the water we use for domestic, industrial, or agricultural purposes is groundwater. Most groundwater, including a significant amount of our drinking water, comes from aquifers. In order to access this water, a well must be created by drilling a hole that reaches the aquifer.[3] 

As the most densely populated state, New Jersey faces unique problems with maintaining a healthy aquifer level while simultaneously supporting the population. 

Groundwater can become depleted if we use it at a faster rate than it can replenish itself. The replenishment of aquifers by precipitation is called recharging. Depletion of aquifers has increased primarily due to expanding agricultural irrigation.[3] 

On top of overuse, climate change has had negative effects on aquifer levels, as well. More frequent and intense climate extremes (droughts and floods) increase variability in precipitation, soil moisture and surface water.[4]

As more natural lands that absorb rainfall are paved over for roads and parking lots, excess water from heavier storms runs into storm drains before it can be absorbed into the ground to replenish the aquifers that are critical to drinking water.[5]