Groundwater Monitoring

Description
This project will gather; tabulate and input existing groundwater monitoring data into GIS layer(s) that will be publicly available. The goal is to compile and summarize existing data in a format that can be used to identify existing and potential water quality or quantity issues throughout Plumas County. This project will also help comply with the newly implemented and state mandated evaluation of water quality impacts of on-site sewage disposal systems under AB 885.

The primary water quality data will be obtained from small public drinking water systems; defined as serving 25 or more individuals at least 60 or more days per year; or communities serving between 15 and 200 connections. Approximately 100 such drinking water systems throughout Plumas County perform routine water quality sampling and analysis as required under existing regulation. Depending on the system size and population served; the data collected includes laboratory analysis of bacteria (primarily coliform and fecal coliform bacteria); chemicals (such as volatile organics like benzene and toluene); minerals (such as arsenic; iron and manganese); and nutrients (like phosphates and nitrates). Additional data may be tabulated from smaller; non-public drinking water systems; and other constituents such as radiological analysis is available and could be included in the project subject to available funding. Primary water quantity data would be through tabulation and summary of water well completion reports (water well logs); and pump test data where available.

Currently; this data is submitted and reviewed by Plumas County Environmental Health for comparison to an established standard. However; no trend analysis or spatial representation of this data is available. With this project; Environmental Health would supply existing; available data; along with data point field locations (longitude and latitude of groundwater well locations) to a qualified consultant for creation of GIS water quality layer(s). The GIS data points would then link to tabular monitoring data by constituent; over time.

The completed project would be available to water quality stakeholders as well as the general public. This dataset would be very useful in identifying water quality trends before drinking water standard have been exceeded. When used in conjunction with other existing GIS layers; more informed decisions could be made regarding water quality protection; suitable water well location; septic system function; and land use planning. The project would also help satisfy the county?s obligations under the statewide onsite waster regulations (AB 885).
Sponsoring Agency
Plumas County Environmental Health
Primary Contact
Pat Sanders; REHS III
Contact Email
patsanders@countyofplumas.com
Project Number
MS-13
Matching Funds
None listed
Total Cost
$40,000
DAC Benefit
No
Project Category
Municipal Services
DWR Resource Management Strategies
Land use planning and management, Outreach and engagement, Pollution prevention, Recharge area protection, Urban water use efficiency, Wastewater/NPDES, Watershed management
Project Objectives
Address water resources and wastewater needs of DACs and Native Americans, Build communication and collaboration among water resources stakeholders, Coordinate management of recharge areas and protect groundwater, Encourage municipal service providers to participate in regional water management actions, Enhance public awareness and understanding of water management issues and needs, Improve coordination of land use and water resources planning, Improve efficiency and reliability of water supply and infrastructure, Protect, restore, and enhance the quality of surface and groundwater resources, Work with counties/communities/groups to maintain capacity for water-related projects
Project Status
Final Design
Potential Benefits
Drought Preparedness, Native American Tribal Communities
Project Owner
deercreekgisWebsite

To the owner of Groundwater Monitoring

1 resource

  • MS-13 1 file Added 26 Aug 2016 Groundwater monitoring