The Effects of Urbanization on Ground‐Water Quality — A Case Study

Abstract
The results from a 1 1/2 yr study of groundwater quality in the vicinity of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, suggest that Cl and sulfate are the principal products of urbanization which alter groundwater chemistry. In addition to Cl and sulfate, groundwater samples from the Menomonee River Watershed contained relatively high concentrations of ammonium, fecal coliform and fecal streptococci bacteria. Contamination of groundwater is caused by infiltration of surface water polluted by municipal and industrial wastes and leakage from sewer lines. Some additional Cl contamination by infiltration of road salt is suggested.