Monitoring Wells

Groundwater sampling wells form a monitoring network across the Hanford Site and along the Columbia River. This network provides a picture of the status of groundwater beneath Hanford that will help protect human health and the environment. Monitoring well networks are designed specifically for individual areas based on the type of data needed, the hydrogeologic conditions, groundwater flow directions, and the expected contaminants.

Each year, groundwater samples are collected from hundreds of wells and aquifer tubes. These samples are then analyzed for radiological and chemical contaminants.

For more technical information refer to the publications section of this website.