Pumping polluted water from aquifers takes toll on water levels

摘要

As underground water levels drop, state-ordered pollution pumping removed 3.3 billion gallons from Minneapolis-area aquifers in 2012. Regulators require polluters to pump contaminated groundwater to protect public health. But "it might be that the antidote is worse than the disease," said Woodbury, Minn., city engineer Klay Eckles. White Bear Lake and the aquifer beneath it have dropped about 6 feet in seven years, prompting lawmakers to approve $10 million last year to study and manage groundwater supplies. But pollution pumping takes water out of dozens of sites. "When you add them all up, it's a bummer," Department of Natural Resources hydrologist Paul Putzier said. "But it beats the alternative."