|
Sonoma County well owners invited to join the voluntary Well Monitoring Program
Sonoma County’s groundwater sustainability agencies are now seeking property owners with wells in the Santa Rosa Plain subbasin, Petaluma Valley basin and Sonoma Valley subbasin to participate in a local voluntary groundwater well monitoring program. Well owners may sign up with some basic information about their well and then, two times a year, in April and October, when water is typically highest and lowest, measure the well water level. Well owners may then submit that information to be included in a new online Sonoma County Groundwater Data Dashboard launching later this summer. Most participants in the program will measure these levels following our DIY training, but select wells may be included in a facilitated program where one of our trained staff members will take measurements twice a year.
Benefits to participation
Participating in the program benefits well owners by providing vital information about the conditions of their own water resources from season to season, and year to year. Participating in this program benefits our community and local ecosystems by assisting the groundwater sustainability agencies in identifying trends in groundwater levels throughout the year, observing patterns of winter recharge, and developing effective sustainability measures that balance current usage with long-term viability of the aquifer.
Working together for sustainability
Program organizers are hopeful that groups of well owners located in the same area might work collaboratively to conduct measurements on the same day using a shared water level sounder device. The groundwater sustainability agencies will have a few devices available for free temporary loan at different locations in the county for this program. If you are interested in helping coordinate efforts in your area, please note your interest when signing up.
Informational Webinar Monday, Aug. 19, 5-6 p.m.
Register to attend an informational webinar on Monday, Aug. 19, 5-6 p.m. to hear an overview of current groundwater conditions, get a tour of the new Sonoma County Groundwater Data Dashboard, see how the well monitor sounder device works and learn how to submit information to the online portal. If you already track water levels and are interested in submitting data, we will cover that too. These sessions will provide an opportunity for local well owners to ask questions and learn more about the program. If you can’t attend the webinar live, a recording will be available on our website after Aug. 20.
| 
