{"id":3431,"date":"2020-07-15T11:00:57","date_gmt":"2020-07-15T15:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solinst.com\/onthelevel-news\/?p=3431"},"modified":"2023-03-22T12:25:33","modified_gmt":"2023-03-22T16:25:33","slug":"establishing-a-real-time-groundwater-observatory-network-in-a-california-subbasin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solinst.com\/onthelevel-news\/water-level-monitoring\/water-level-datalogging\/establishing-a-real-time-groundwater-observatory-network-in-a-california-subbasin\/","title":{"rendered":"Establishing A Real-Time Groundwater Observatory Network In A California Subbasin"},"content":{"rendered":"
Download Newsletter<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n

It is widely understood that to properly and sustainably manage the world’s groundwater resources, collecting data on its quantity and quality is essential. Efficient, cost-effective options for accessing, storing, and sharing the data are needed to balance out the increased demand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Telemetry is one data retrieval method that is used extensively in environmental applications, but it is often seen as an expensive and complicated option for monitoring groundwater levels. However, recent advancements in technologies provide flexible, more affordable options, especially when monitoring at various scales, is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hydrologic Sciences Graduate Group at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis<\/a>) has established a low-cost, open source network of on-demand aquifer monitoring sites with the help of Solinst LevelSender telemetry systems<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

The LevelSender is a compact, simple, low lost telemetry device. It uses cellular communication to send water level data from remote Levelogger water level dataloggers in the field to a Home Station computer and\/or smart devices via e-email and SMS. <\/em>Get a Quote<\/a> for your project! <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The network of LevelSender systems is set up as part of a pilot study for real-time groundwater monitoring on a Subbasin scale (the South American Subbasin Groundwater Observatory<\/a>).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2017, the group began by installing a number of LevelSender systems in the South American Subbasin between the American and Cosumnes Rivers, in California. Several stakeholders and landowners in the region have allowed access to their wells as part of the program. Currently, there are ten LevelSender systems providing data to the Groundwater Observatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"levelsender
A LevelSender telemetry system installed within a 2″ monitoring well with the antenna on the outside of the enclosure to increase data transmission.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

About half of the LevelSender devices are installed in 2″ diameter groundwater monitoring wells. The compact LevelSender units sit inside the casing at the top of the well. (As some wells have metal enclosures, the project team has extended the antenna to reach the outside the well cap for better data transmission.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other LevelSender systems are deployed adjacent to wells (some agricultural pumping wells) on stakes or in a casing with connection cables running along the ground in protective pipes. The connected Leveloggers<\/a> are installed through small access points to the well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"levelsender
LevelSender telemetry system installed adjacent to a pumping well with the reader cable to the Levelogger protected and run through a separate hole in the pump housing.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Each LevelSender system has one connected Levelogger water level datalogger. A Solinst Barologger<\/a> is deployed in the project area to provide air pressure data for barometric compensation of the water level data provided by the Leveloggers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The LevelSender units collect hourly water level and temperature readings from the connected Leveloggers. The LevelSenders then report the accumulated data once per day to the Home Station email. The dataloggers themselves record data internally as a backup if circumstances require it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Solinst LevelSender telemetry has the advantage of flexible data transmission, storage, and sharing options. LevelSender data can be accessed in a number of different ways:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n