USGS - Wisconsin Water Science Center

Projects and Studies ->GROUND-WATER SYSTEMS TEAM

Collection of Basic Records – Ground Water

Cooperator: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, University of Wisconsin-Extension
Project Chief: Charles P. Dunning
Location: Statewide
Project Number: 9KH50
Period of Project: July 1946–Continuing

Problem
Ground-water data are needed to determine short-term changes and long-term trends in ground-water levels in the State. It is important to know if these changes are natural or human-induced and how these changes are affecting storage in the ground-water reservoirs.

Objective
Maintain records of ground-water level fluctuations from a network of observation wells representative of Wisconsin’s principal aquifers.

Approach
A basic network of 106 wells is being maintained. The network will be constantly modified and improved to provide the best possible coverage of our ground-water resource. A subnetwork of key wells is included in this network. Key wells have long periods of record and are measured weekly or are equipped with continuous recorders.

Progress (October 2003–September 2004)
Routine data collection and data being collected by observers is evaluated and entered into USGS databases. Water-level data for the annual report, “Water Resources Data–Wisconsin, Water Year 2003” was completed. Water-level data for all observation wells was made available on the Internet at http://wi.water.usgs.gov/.

Plans (October 2004–September 2005)
Plans include: (1) continue measurements on the observation-well network, (2) replace and hire new observers as needed, and make quality-assurance visits when possible, and (3) evaluate and prepare data for the annual report. A thorough re-evaluation of the network and its objectives is planned, as is an aggressive program for converting to real-time reporting of water levels where possible and identifying new sources of funding.

Reports
Patterson, G.L., and Zaporozec, A., 1988, Analysis of water-level fluctuations in Wisconsin wells: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Information Circular 63, 38 p.

Erickson, R.M., and Cotter, R.D., 1983, Trends in ground-water levels in Wisconsin through 1981: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Information Circular No. 43, 139 p.

Erickson, R.M., 1972, Trends in ground-water levels in Wisconsin, 1967–71: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Information Circular No. 21, 40 p.

Devaul, R.W., 1967, Trends in ground-water levels in Wisconsin through 1966: Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Information Circular No. 9, 109 p.

USGS Links: USGS | Water | Biology | Geology November 13, 2006 9:45 AMbr>
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