Missouri DNR Aquifer Study Seeks Landowner Participation

MO DNR Environmental Newsroom

Published February 20th, 2026

Detected March 20th, 2026

Summary

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is conducting an aquifer study in Lewis County and is seeking participation from landowners with water wells. The study uses passive seismic surveys to identify potential underground aquifers, which could help locate favorable water well construction sites and ease drought impacts.

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What changed

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is continuing an aquifer study in northeast Missouri, specifically targeting Lewis County. The Missouri Geological Survey (MGS) is inviting landowners with water wells to participate by allowing geologists to conduct passive seismic surveys on their property. These surveys aim to identify potential underground aquifers by mapping the bedrock surface and collecting seismic readings from natural subsurface vibrations, which helps confirm depth to bedrock.

Participation in this study is voluntary and intended to help identify groundwater sources that could benefit the region, particularly in easing drought impacts. Landowners interested in participating or learning more can contact Kim Huckaba at the Missouri Geological Survey. The MGS previously conducted similar surveys in Schuyler, Scotland, and Clark counties last year.

What to do next

Contact Kim Huckaba to inquire about participation in the aquifer study.

Source document (simplified)

Friday, February 20, 2026

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 kimberly.huckaba@dnr.mo.gov or 573-368-2113.