University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Shallow Groundwater Sustainability in Kane County: Updated Modeling, Water Availability, and Chloride Risk Assessment

Hadley, Daniel R.; Cullen, Cecilia; Abrams, Daniel B.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/133029

Description

Title
Shallow Groundwater Sustainability in Kane County: Updated Modeling, Water Availability, and Chloride Risk Assessment
Author(s)
  • Hadley, Daniel R.
  • Cullen, Cecilia
  • Abrams, Daniel B.
Issue Date
2026-04-10
Keyword(s)
  • groundwater
  • groundwater modeling
  • water sustainability
  • chloride
  • chloride transport
  • water availability
  • baseflow
  • aquifer
  • PFAS
  • water quality
Date of Ingest
2026-04-10T15:54:01-05:00
Geographic Coverage
Kane County
Abstract
This report presents an updated scientific assessment of shallow groundwater sustainability in Kane County, Illinois, using integrated groundwater flow and chloride transport modeling informed by decades of water use and water quality data. The study evaluates groundwater availability, streamflow impacts, and long-term chloride accumulation under current and projected water use conditions, with particular attention to groundwater/surface water interactions. Results indicate that while countywide shallow groundwater demand is near sustainable limits, several subwatersheds already experience withdrawals that exceed locally sustainable supply, contributing to reduced baseflow in streams and increased reliance on treated wastewater to maintain flows. Chloride modeling shows continued accumulation in much of the aquifer system due to legacy and ongoing road salt applications, particularly in the eastern half of the county, with elevated concentrations persisting for decades to centuries depending on local hydrogeologic conditions, even under reduced salting scenarios. These findings provide a technical foundation for water resource planning in Kane County by identifying areas where demand exceeds sustainably groundwater supply, where the aquifer is vulnerable to chloride accumulation, and management actions such as targeted road salt reduction.
Publisher
Illinois State Water Survey
Series/Report Name or Number
ISWS Contract Report 2026-01
Type of Resource
text
Genre of Resource
technical report
Language
eng
Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)
  • Kane County
  • American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

Owning Collections

Illinois Research and Scholarship (Open Collection)
This is the default collection for all research and scholarship developed by faculty, staff, or students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Contract Reports - Illinois State Water Survey PRIMARY
Report series published by the Illinois State Water Survey from 1953 - date (ISSN 0733-3927)