FOREWORD ix 



This book, reviewing over 70 areas where ground water 

 has been investigated, classifies the main types of problems 

 commonly encountered. This analysis will be mose useful to 

 workers in the field for its summary of tested ways of inter- 

 preting the phenomena which each investigation presents. It 

 should thus assist communities or regions in applying experi- 

 ence gained in other areas of the country. 



We have still much to learn about ground water. This 

 book examines many aspects of the Nation's ground-water 

 situation requiring further research. 



Since water and land, and the life they support, are inti- 

 mately related to one another, the effects of use of the land 

 and other resources on ground water are also treated. Greater 

 investigation is required regarding these matters, too, and it 

 is hoped that research will be accelerated as more people 

 become aware of the consequences of ignorance and careless- 

 ness about resources. We cannot afford to damage the "econ- 

 omy of nature" that supports our life. 



The Foundation wishes to express a great deal of gratitude 

 to Dr. Harold E. Thomas, who was granted a leave of absence 

 to conduct this study through the courtesy of the U.S. Geo- 

 logical Survey. He was aided by the Research Division of the 

 Foundation. Our organization has benefited richly by its ex- 

 perience in working with Dr. Thomas on this publication. 

 Warm appreciation is also expressed to Dr. Abel Wolman of 

 The Johns Hopkins University for the concluding chaptei 

 of this study. In a review of the varying circumstances of a 

 number of representative areas, he discusses the major ele- 

 ments in policies of ground-water management. 



While our experience as a Nation in developing ground- 

 water resources has not been entirely happy, we have, in 

 many cases, succeeded in adjusting our use of this resource 

 to the natural conditions which determine its occurrence. We 

 have also learned how to take advantage of natural reservoir 

 space in certain localities by recharging water-bearing strata. 

 These achievements provide encouragement that with suf- 



