Memphis Sand Deep Fossil Aquifer — Western Tennessee
Deep Memphis Sand aquifer beneath western Tennessee. The lower Memphis Sand contains water dated at 2,000-10,000 years old via carbon-14 analysis. Memphis is the largest US city relying entirely on groundwater — drawing from this aquifer for 1.3 million people. Deep zones have minimal modern recharge.
Overview
Deep Memphis Sand aquifer beneath western Tennessee. The lower Memphis Sand contains water dated at 2,000-10,000 years old via carbon-14 analysis. Memphis is the largest US city relying entirely on groundwater — drawing from this aquifer for 1.3 million people. Deep zones have minimal modern recharge.
Additional Notes
Memphis Light Gas and Water deep production wells. Isotopic dating confirms pre-modern water at depth.
Water Source Data
Water Intelligence Score Breakdown
Total: 80/100Risk Assessment
Source depletion probability
Rights & regulatory exposure
Contamination & ecosystem risk
Geological Intelligence
Formation & aquifer contextHigh porosity — shallow, rechargeable aquifer
Ancient water, no modern recharge — non-renewable on human timescales
Land Details
PrivateWater Rights
UnverifiedRiparian Rights
Tied to land adjacent to water
Landowners with property bordering a watercourse have the right to reasonable use of the water. Rights are inseparable from the land itself.
- Attached to land with water frontage
- Cannot be sold separately from the land
- Subject to "reasonable use" doctrine
- Shared equitably among riparian owners
Disclaimer: Water rights information is provided for research and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Rights status, seniority, transferability, and enforceability vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Always consult a licensed water rights attorney and verify status with the relevant state water resources agency before any acquisition or use decision.
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Location
Data Sources & Attribution
Updated Apr 4, 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.