Board approves plan to install 48 wells dedicated to advance groundwater monitoring capabilities
The North Kings GSA is taking a significant step forward in strengthening its groundwater data inventory by establishing a network of dedicated monitoring wells. In February this year, the Board of Directors evaluated two options to improve groundwater data collection:
- A short-term approach to install data loggers and telemetry on all existing monitoring wells.
- A long-term plan to install 48 new dedicated wells, known as the Representative Monitoring Network, over the next 3-5 years.
After careful consideration, the Board approved the long-term solution, recognizing the value of dedicated wells in providing a comprehensive and reliable dataset for managing groundwater resources.
The Representative Monitoring Network will enhance the GSA’s ability to gather accurate groundwater data across its boundaries. Unlike current monitoring wells, which double as agricultural wells, the new wells will be solely dedicated to data collection. This approach ensures precise readings and greater GSA-wide coverage, particularly in areas lacking existing monitoring wells.
The first phase of this initiative focuses on installing five priority wells along the San Joaquin River. These wells will serve as Interconnected Surface Water Monitoring Wells, filling critical data gaps in the Interconnected Surface Water study, a key requirement for maintaining a state-approved Groundwater Sustainability Plan.
Another component of establishing reliable and efficient data collecting is the installation of data loggers at the new well sites. These data loggers will streamline the current process for gathering groundwater readings from wells and improve the accuracy of readings.
By filling data gaps and improving the quality of groundwater data, the Representative Monitoring Network will play a pivotal role in supporting informed decision-making and maintaining compliance with State requirements under SGMA.
Stay tuned for updates as we begin this important project.
