Monitoring is critical to protect and manage the groundwater resource.

Benefits of Monitoring Groundwater Levels:

· Determine annual and long-term changes of groundwater in storage
· Estimate recharge rates
· Determine direction and gradient of groundwater flow
· Understand how aquifer systems work
· Gain insight for well construction and where to set pump bowls for efficient extraction

A basic measurement in groundwater studies is that of water levels in wells. Measurements may be made with several types of equipment depending upon ease of measurement required, water quality concerns, type of well, and pumping activity of well and or nearby wells.

Measurements taken in the Upper Loup NRD are performed by the Resources Technicians on a biannual schedule, spring and fall when the wells are not being used so that a “static” level can be recorded. At the present time, 100 wells are being measured and monitored across the district.

If you are the owner of an irrigation well and the well is not currently being used to monitor static water levels and you would like it to, please contact our office.