The Mahomet Aquifer Consortium (MAC) was formed in November 1998 to look toward developing an approach to better study and understand the Mahomet aquifer. The aquifer is a valuable resource and those with an interest in the aquifer, either because they use ground water from the aquifer or because they are interested in utilizing the aquifer in the future, came together to discuss ways to study it in a comprehensive manner.

The MAC has members from water authorities, water companies, local, county, state, and federal government, professional groups, and the general public. The MAC currently has over 70 members and membership is open to any individual or organization with an interest in the Mahomet aquifer. The goal of the MAC is to study the aquifer so that, in the future, informed decisions can be made about meeting future water demand as populations increase and extreme weather events occur. A better understanding of the Mahomet aquifer will provide a mechanism to identify and resolve water quality issues that may threaten the aquifer.

It will also provide the knowledge necessary to allow for the proper management of the aquifer using science, not litigation. The MAC has a very simple structure in that all members are voting members and everyone has an equal voice. In order to facilitate the setup and startup of the group, and to provide initial direction, a steering committee was agreed upon to provide the necessary leadership to work with outside groups and funding sources.

In addition to the steering committee, five standing committees were put in place that will concentrate on specific areas of interest regarding the study of the Mahomet aquifer and delivery of gained knowledge to constituents that together will allow the MAC to attain their goals.



Last Updated: October 26, 2000
Email the webmaster for questions/comments