Department of Natural Resources aquifer study continues in Lewis County…

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, FEB. 20, 2026 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Missouri Geological Survey invites Lewis County landowners with water wells to participate in an ongoing study to identify possible underground aquifers in northeast Missouri. MGS geologists are conducting passive seismic surveys to find sources of groundwater that could assist landowners in locating favorable water well construction sites. This resource could ease drought impacts on the region's water supply.

"By mapping northeast Missouri's bedrock surface, geologists can identify buried valleys that may hold fresh groundwater," said Kim Huckaba of MGS's Water Resources Center. "Public participation in this study will help us identify potential aquifers, which could be a significant resource for the region."

Geologists will conduct the passive seismic surveys by placing a device on the ground to collect seismic readings from natural vibrations in the subsurface. The device measures the thickness of materials below the Earth's surface. MGS is conducting passive seismic surveys on public lands, primarily in the right-of-way of roads.

"Collection of passive seismic data at water wells helps us accurately map the bedrock surface," Huckaba said. "If wells penetrate the region's glacial deposits and encounter bedrock, they confirm depth to bedrock, which allows us to calibrate the dataset."

Last year, MGS collected passive seismic data for Schuyler, Scotland and Clark counties.

For more information about the study or to participate, contact Kim Huckaba, Missouri Geological Survey, at [email protected] or 573-368-2113.