Fundamental Data

Measurement of ground-water levels from wells are used to monitor changes in ground-water conditions due to climate and withdrawals (pumping). During drought conditions, when ground-water-level data are in high demand, real-time ground-water levels are measured at selected wells and transmitted to USGS databases for display on the World Wide Web for water managers. The GWRP has supported the development of a Ground-Water Climate-Response Network of about 140 selected wells to assess the changes in ground-water conditions due to climate stresses, especially drought. This network is augmented by ground-water-level monitoring that is supported by the Cooperative Water Program.

The Ground-Water Resources Program also supports regional evaluation of ground-water levels in the High Plains aquifer in the central United States and the in Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer, two areas where ground-water resources have been intensively developed. (more information: High Plains Water-Leveling Monitoring Project)