Groundwater

Missouri’s groundwater resources vary greatly across the state. They are closely tied to the geology of the various regions. The boundaries of the groundwater provinces are drawn based on several factors including aquifer characteristics, groundwater quality changes, and aquifer boundaries. You will find that the groundwater resources of Missouri are not evenly distributed. The amount of usable groundwater is far less in northern Missouri. Only about 12 percent of Missouri’s potable groundwater is found north of the Missouri River. The largest, most extensive aquifer is the Ozark aquifer in the Salem and Springfield Plateau groundwater provinces. The preglacial valleys of northwest Missouri underlie only a small area, but can be important sources of water. Learn more about the geology and hydrology of the various groundwater provinces by clicking on each of the boxes below.