Spatial Data Helps Assess Septic Limitations in a Rural Community

Author: Stephan G. Custer
Organization: Montana State University

Traphagen Hall
Bozeman, MT 59717-3480
USA

Phone: 406 994 6906
Fax: 406 994 6923
uessc@montana.edu

The Local Water Quality District (LWQD) in Gallatin County, Montana, recognized that there is no readily accessible comprehensive database for septic system review. Many types of information are needed including data on soils, hydrogeology, well characteristics, groundwater quality, septic system location, and groundwater gradients. This data is best portrayed spatially. There are approximately 90 themes in the six category areas. ArcView GIS map objects are used to display the data on the Internet so that the data is widely accessible to diverse users. The data is also on computers in the offices of Gallatin County staff for analysis.