The Water Replenishment District's Regional Groundwater Monitoring Program

The Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD) has been monitoring groundwater quality and water levels in the Central and West Coast Basins (CWCB) for over 50 years. The Regional Groundwater Monitoring Program provides for the collection of basic information used for groundwater basin management, including groundwater level data and water quality data. It currently consists of a network of nearly 300 WRD and USGS-installed monitoring wells at over 50 locations throughout the WRD service area, which covers 43 cities, supplemented by the existing groundwater production wells. The information generated by this program is stored in the District’s GIS and provides the basis to better understand the dynamic changes in the Central and West Coast Basins. WRD staff, comprised of hydrogeologists, hydrologists, and engineers, provides the in-house capability to collect, analyze and report groundwater data.

Water quality samples from the monitoring wells are collected twice a year. Water levels are measured in most monitoring wells with automatic data loggers daily, while water levels in all monitoring wells are measured by WRD field staff a minimum of four times per year. On an annual basis, staff prepares a report that documents groundwater levels and groundwater quality conditions throughout the District.

Most of the work during the coming year will involve continuous field activities including quarterly and semi-annual data collection, continuous well and equipment maintenance, and annual reporting activities. In addition, new nested monitoring wells will continue to be constructed. Work associated with the Regional Groundwater Monitoring Program also supports activities relating to both replenishment and water quality projects. This poster will highlight WRDs Regional Groundwater Monitoring Program.