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Groundwater vulnerability in the Battle Creek Watershed

Groundwater vulnerability is highest in alluvial soils (shown in red). Alluvium is soil deposited by water flowing to drainageways, and in stream and river valleys. Most alluvium in Ida County is a result of erosion from loess-covered side slopes and ridgetops. Alluvial soils often are the most productive for crops, and they also provide a plentiful supply of groundwater for many Ida Countians. These "water-rich" alluvial aquifers are shallow and not protected by bedrock; therefore, pollutants have only a short distance to travel before reaching our drinking water supply.

The highly vulnerable areas cover 28% of the watershed.