What this tracks
This dataset maps the boundaries of underground water sources (aquifers) beneath Kansas, as identified by the Kansas Geological Survey.
Why it matters to you
If you’re drilling a well for your home or farm, this data shows whether you’re likely to hit water and which aquifer it will come from. Business owners planning breweries, irrigation-dependent farms, or water-intensive manufacturing can check if their potential property sits above a reliable aquifer before purchasing land. During droughts, residents can see which water sources might be most vulnerable.
How to read this data
NAME — The official aquifer name, like “Ozark Aquifer” or “High Plains Aquifer.” This tells you which underground water system exists beneath a location.
Shape__Area and Shape__Length — Technical measurements of the aquifer’s size; useful for researchers but not typically meaningful for residents.
Try it yourself
Check the aquifer map before drilling a new well to see if your property sits above a named water source (like the Ozark Aquifer) or falls between mapped aquifers where water might be harder to access.