Helicopters Survey Michigan Groundwater in Southwest Region to Map Aquifers, Protect Water Resources

Residents flying low-flying helicopters over West Michigan may soon see low-flying helicopters carrying strange equipment. They are taking to the sky over 16 counties to map geology and aquifers.

The work is part of a study between the U.S. Geological Survey and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to enhance the understanding and protection of Michigan's vast groundwater reserves.

Survey flights starting this month will continue through the summer over all or part of Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Ottawa, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties.

According to EGLE, the helicopters will fly at about 200 feet and will suspend a large hoop-like horizontal frame on a cable about 100 feet below the aircraft carrying instruments to measure differences in Earth's electrical properties and magnetic field created by different rock types.

The daylight-only flights completed by specially trained pilots will avoid densely populated areas and will not pass over buildings at low altitude, EGLE said in an announcement. The work poses no risk to humans, animals, or plant life and does not collect photos or videos.

The cooperative study is expected to provide a better understanding of bedrock depth and give additional data about aquifer systems in southwest Michigan, allowing for better informed decisions about managing groundwater resources.

"The 3D models and maps are important for improving our understanding of water resources," said Burke Minsley, the USGS research geophysicist in charge of the airborne survey. "This type of airborne survey allows us to cover large areas very effectively."

Southwest Michigan was selected for the survey due to the number of large-quantity water withdrawals, fast population growth, and groundwater availability issues that have been identified in that part of the state.

Local officials and conservation contacts will be informed of the activities. A flight tracker will map the daily progress of the study.

The flights will take place only during daylight hours. Specially trained pilots will avoid densely populated areas and will not fly at low altitudes over buildings.

Southwest Michigan was selected for the survey because of groundwater concerns, including high-volume water withdrawals, rapid population growth and issues with groundwater availability.

Survey data will be combined with information from groundwater wells. Officials say the results will help improve understanding of aquifer properties, address questions about groundwater supply, and clarify connections between groundwater and surface water.

Data collected during the survey will be made publicly available on the U.S. Geological Survey's ScienceBase website once the project is complete.

Denser data will be collected over the Dowagiac River watershed and around the tribal lands of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potawatomi, along with the river corridors of the Kalamazoo, Thornapple, St. Joseph, Paw Paw, and Rocky rivers.

EGLE says much of Michigan's drinking water comes from groundwater systems, which is comparable to a sixth Great Lake: huge, but not limitless.

Southwest Michigan was chosen for the survey as it has large-quantity water withdrawals, fast population growth and groundwater availability issues.

You can learn more and find a flight tracker to track the daily progress of the study.