Minimum Well Depth Tool
DISCLAIMER
The Minimum Well Depth Tool represents the deepest Minimum Threshold (MT) water level depth that was determined in the Groundwater Sustainability Plan and provides a water level depth within each section (1 square mile area) of land. The MT is the water level that the GSA anticipates the water level may decline to during dry periods. Landowners must construct wells to an adequate depth below the MT and consider any other factors to ensure water production should water levels decline to the depths shown in this tool.
Questions? Contact North Kings GSA Executive Officer Kassy Chauhan at (559) 233-7161, kchauhan@fresnoirrigation.com or contact your driller.
The Minimum Well Depth Tool was developed as a resource to assist well owners and drillers before constructing a new well. As the North Kings GSA works toward groundwater sustainability by 2040, it anticipates groundwater levels will continue to decline until stabilizing. To ensure new wells are not impacted by these declines, the North Kings GSA adopted a Minimum Well Depth Construction Policy establishing depth standards for newly constructed wells (including domestic wells).
The purpose of the policy is to ensure well owners drill their wells to an adequate depth below the “Minimum Threshold” – the lowest groundwater elevation that may occur during the most extreme drought scenario. Throughout the GSA, the Minimum Thresholds vary depending on location. There is a network of wells (approximately two wells per township), each with its own defined Minimum Threshold varying from 30 feet to 230 feet below ground surface.
Using the Minimum Well Depth Tool, well owners and drillers can identify the lowest Minimum Threshold in the area surrounding an address/cross-street.
The North Kings GSA recommends landowners and well drillers use the new Minimum Well Depth Tool to identify the depth at which North Kings GSA expects groundwater levels to stabilize. It is recommended that all new wells be drilled to an adequate depth below the minimum well depth to ensure water production continues even as groundwater levels decline before reaching sustainable levels in 2040.
While the tool is intended to be a resource, the North Kings GSA encourages well owners to consult with their local driller in determining how deep to drill a new well.
