Ground-water-level monitoring and the importance of long-term water-level data

Abstract

round water is among the Nation's most precious natural resources. Measurements of water levels in wells provide the most fundamental indicator of the status of this resource and are critical to meaningful evaluations of the quantity and quality of ground water and its interaction with surface water. Water-level measurements are made by many Federal, State, and local agencies. It is the intent of this report to highlight the importance of measurements of groundwater levels and to foster a more comprehensive and systematic approach to the long-term collection of these essential data. Through such mutual efforts, the Nation will be better positioned in coming decades to make wise use of its extensive groundwater resources.

Water-level and recoverable water in storage changes, High Plains aquifer, predevelopment to 2015 and 2013–15

“…Recharge to the aquifer primarily is from precipitation, but other sources of recharge include irrigation return flows and seepage from streams, canals, and reservoirs (Luckey and Becker, 1999). Water-level declines may result in increased costs to pump groundwater because of increased pumping lift and decreased well yields (Taylor and Alley, 2001). Water-level declines also can affect groundwater availability, surface-water flow, and near-stream (riparian) habitat areas (Alley and others, 1999 has not yet (2017) been substantially developed for irrigation.…”

Earth's free oscillations excited by the 2011 TohokuMw9.0 earthquake detected with a groundwater level array in mainland China

“…On the contrary, water level data are easily available, with monitoring sites relatively well distributed globally. Approximately 42 000 long-term observation wells exist in the United States that have 5 or more years of water level records (Taylor & Alley 2001). Assuming that only 1 of these wells are sensitive to Earth tides, a few tens of wells might have the potential to detect Earth's free oscillations in the United States alone.…”

Evaluation of groundwater levels in the South Platte River alluvial aquifer, Colorado, 1953-2012, and design of initial well networks for monitoring groundwater levels

“…A rise in groundwater levels indicates greater water stored within the pore space of an aquifer, and declines in water levels indicate decreased quantities of water in storage. Uses of groundwaterlevel monitoring data are critical to evaluate (a) changes in groundwater recharge and storage, (b) effects from climate variability (for example, floods or droughts), (c) groundwaterlevel (potentiometric) surface of the water table or confined aquifers, (d) alterations in groundwater flow directions, (e) interactions between groundwater and surface water, and (f) groundwater flow control on contaminant transport (Taylor and Alley, 2001; Advisory Committee on Water Information, 2009).…”