About Our Water Source

The water we supply originates as precipitation that slowly percolates down through the soil and into the sandy geological formations known as the Aquifer System.

• Glacial Contains the newest water to the system; SCWA operates 268 wells in this portion.
• Magothy The largest formation, holding water that is often hundreds of years old (329 SCWA wells).
• Raritan A clay layer separating the Magothy and Lloyd, containing some permeable sandy formations.
• Lloyd A largely untapped layer containing water held for more than 5,000 years.

The aquifer system is shallowest on the North Shore (approx. 600 ft) and deepest along the South Shore (approx. 2,000 ft).

Groundwater Guardians

The best way to protect our groundwater is to prevent pollution at the source. Use these interactive tools to understand your impact:

Water Footprint Calculator: Developed by the GRACE Communications Foundation, this tool estimates your virtual water use—the water required to create the products and energy you use daily.

Try the Water Footprint Calculator →