Groundwater Rise in Massachusetts

Over the last 50 years groundwater levels have risen across the Commonwealth primarily driven by climate change induced increases in precipitation. Climate models project that both total and extreme precipitation will continue to increase through 2100, suggesting that groundwater levels will rise concurrently. This trend, already observed in long-term data (Weider & Boutt, 2010; Boutt, 2017), is expected to accelerate over the coming decades.

Rising groundwater can increase flooding frequency, damage subsurface infrastructure and roadways, degrade forest vegetation, mobilize subsurface contaminants, and contaminate drinking water supplies. This presents a real and potentially catastrophic threat to the Commonwealth’s infrastructure, economy, public health, and environment. Therefore, an extensive assessment of the Commonwealth’s groundwater rise risk is necessary for improved infrastructure preparedness and a resilient future.

Our lab investigates the changes in the hydrologic cycle induced by climate change through data analysis and modelling. We aim to identify the priority areas within the commonwealth that are at increased risk of groundwater rise using models to project future conditions and understand how groundwater level dynamics are changing in response to an intensified hydrologic cycle. We have developed the Hydrogeologic Atlas of Massachusetts, an ArcGIS based resource, to aid decision makers with modelling and understanding of the risks available on Mass GIS (linked below). A comprehensive report summarizing our findings is expected by the end of 2025.

For more information about groundwater level rise visit this story map

For the MassGIS Hydrogeologic Atlas of Massachusetts visit the mass.gov website here

For more information about how climate change is impacting the water cycle in Massachusetts view this presentation.