Lower Tertiary Aquifer — Fort Union Formation
The Fort Union Formation (Paleocene) aquifer underlies much of western North Dakota and eastern Montana. Sandstone and lignite beds within the formation store and transmit water. Yields are modest but the aquifer is critical in areas far from surface water. Water quality varies — some wells have elevated sodium and sulfate.
Overview
The Fort Union Formation (Paleocene) aquifer underlies much of western North Dakota and eastern Montana. Sandstone and lignite beds within the formation store and transmit water. Yields are modest but the aquifer is critical in areas far from surface water. Water quality varies — some wells have elevated sodium and sulfate.
Water Source Data
Water Intelligence Score Breakdown
Total: 69/100Risk Assessment
Source depletion probability
Rights & regulatory exposure
Contamination & ecosystem risk
Geological Intelligence
Formation & aquifer contextVariable porosity — classic aquifer formation
Pressurized between impermeable layers — protected from surface contamination
Land Details
Public AccessWater Rights
UnverifiedRights Status Unknown
Not yet researched
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Location
Data Sources & Attribution
Updated Apr 5, 2026Data is sourced from public and authoritative providers. Hi3 Water aggregates, normalizes, and scores records but does not assert ownership of underlying source data. Always verify critical details with the primary source before any decision.