Groundwater technical procedures of the U.S. Geological Survey

Abstract

A series of groundwater technical procedures documents (GWPDs) has been released by the U.S. Geological Survey, Water-Resources Discipline, for general use by the public. These technical procedures were written in response to the need for standardized technical procedures of many aspects of groundwater science, including site and measuring-point establishment, measurement of water levels, and measurement of well discharge. The techniques are described in the GWPDs in concise language and are accompanied by necessary figures and tables derived from cited manuals, reports, and other documents. Because a goal of this series of procedures is to remain current with the state of the science, and because procedures change over time, this report is released in an online format only. As new procedures are developed and released, they will be linked to this document.

Water-level altitudes 2017 and water-level changes in the Chicot, Evangeline, and Jasper Aquifers and compaction 1973–2016 in the Chicot and Evangeline Aquifers, Houston-Galveston region, Texas

“…Measurements were made by USGS personnel by using a calibrated steel tape, airline, or electric water-level tape in accordance with methods described in Cunningham and Schalk (2011). Water-level data also were provided by industrial entities and powerplants within the study area that use water for hydrocarbon processing and electrical power generation, respectively.…”

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

“…Water-level data used in this report generally were from wells measured with an electric or steel tape using methods similar to those described by Cunningham and Schalk (2011). The wells were measured by numerous State, local, and Federal water-resources agencies, and the measurement results were loaded into the USGS National Water Information System (NWIS) (U.S. Geological Survey, 2017).…”

Ambient water quality in aquifers used for drinking-water supplies, Gem County, southwestern Idaho, 2015

“…Water levels were measured in 30 of the 47 wells sampled during September 8-November 18, 2015, in accordance with USGS methods (Cunningham and Schalk, 2011). In non-flowing wells, water levels were measured using either a steel tape or calibrated-electric tape.…”

“…Wells sampled represent both private and public-supply wells used for drinking water. Wells were inventoried and water levels were measured in accordance with USGS Office of Ground Water Technical Procedures (Cunningham and Schalk, 2011). Surface-water sites were selected to represent the water quality of the Payette River during non-irrigation season in Gem County.…”