OF GROUND WATER MONITORING NETWORK By H.P.Jayaprakash & Dr.Anathkumar Ars Groundwater Monitoring Provide vital and much needed information about the hydrologic stresses the aquifer undergoes and how these stresses affect groundwater recharge, storage and discharge Long term systematic groundwater monitoring provides essential data needed to evaluate changes in the resource over time, to generate groundwater models and predict trends The principal variables required to be monitored are water level or head, chemical quality and temperature The monitoring of the ground water regime also includes monitoring of spring discharges and their quality & base flow measurements in streams and rivers UN Task Force on Monitoring and Assessment, (1999) is the collection of data, generally at set locations and depths and at regular time intervals in order to provide information Groundwater Monitoring Ground water systems are dynamic in nature and adjust continually to short term and long-term Changes Groundwater storage fluctuates in response to natural conditions as well as artificial conditions Naturalcondition involves recharge from rainfall, discharge by evapotranspiration and sub surface inflow/outflow Artificial condition concerns mainly ground water exploitation and additional input to the system through surface irrigation network Efficient and economic operation of groundwater storage, its monitoring becomes necessary in order to avoid adverse impact on the system on account of anthropogenic activities
Objectives Background information against which future changes can be assessed An early tracing system for both quality and quantity variation To evaluate the impact of surface water irrigation system on groundwater regime Evaluate the impact of surface water irrigation system on groundwater regime Study the influence of geology, geomorphology and land use on ground water regime To understand the role of groundwater in hydrological cycle and influence of recharge/discharge on ground water storage To study the hydrochemical behaviour of groundwater To study the temperature variation of ground water in space and time Network design Dedicated ground water monitoring wells in a hydrogeologial unit Measured at predetermined frequency. Why GW measurement Proven to be indispensable to monitor the anthropogenic induced and/or natural changes in water levels Detect early signs of overexploitation, water logging and/or other consequences of human impacts on groundwater levels Provide the necessary information allowing for tailormade use and need oriented ground water resource management Provide information for the interpretation of groundwater quality data Objectives of GW Quality Monitoring Collection of basic data for general surveillance purposes Abstracted groundwater and the impact of pollution from both diffuse, airborne and point sources Forecast the impact of possible pollution from known sources Identification of the groundwater quality trends Pollution impacts and its consequences due to new abstraction projects Data support for groundwater quality and quantity modeling Collection of groundwater quality data for mapping Used in research and scientific work Observation of the effects on groundwater from largescale processes like global climate changes or maninduced changes in reactionrates of natural processes like acidification caused from acid rain Design of GW Monitoring Should Cover Entire hydrogeological system Longterm information on the different aquifers being developed Shallow aquifers tapped by open wells, deeper multilayer aquifers tapped through open dug wells/dug cum bore well/ bore well/tube wells Groundwater development issues (Trend, Coastal Salinity, water logging & pollution) Network Types Basic networks Specific networks Temporary networks Basic networks Information about the availability and quality of the groundwater Cover the entire country Should have a permanent character over long time The information from this network basis of the evaluation of the water level and/or water quality trends basis for both countrywide and local hydrogeological and other scientific investigations Basic networks- Basic network criteria Representative stations with fixed distance between the stations Should be placed in the main aquifers Other important aquifers of the area selected on the basis of representativeness Reference stations providing background information should be established outside the areas affected by direct human activities such as groundwater pumping and other anthropogenic changes Basic networks-Hydrological benchmark or baseline station continuing series of consistent observations on hydrological and related climatological variables (Rainfall, Temp., Humidity, Infiltration, Evaporation etc.) They should reflect local, regional and geographic differences Variables varies with the purpose of the network Spatial and temporal densities of the observations are concerned, these usually increase with the transition from the national or regional level to the project specific sites and/or to the level of local warning requirement Length of record depends on the duration or the purpose of the network Specific networks Constructed for monitoring selected areas (surveillance) to monitor the influences of projects and water management systems on groundwater Local scale; for specific kinds of pollution, for example, point sources. Act as impact stations. Separate network, or they can be an extension of the basic network The specific network can have a permanent character, or will be in operation For information at that specific place. For example, around landfills, this could be during the period of activity and for a period after the landfill has been closed. Temporary networks Established to collect data in connection with particular groundwater projects Impact stations Operational during the project period after which it is closed or may be transferred to Basic stations Dimensions of Monitoring Network The dimensions of network have two aspects density of network sampling frequency. observation well network will provide data representative of various topographic, geologic, climatic, and landuse environments Areal distribution and depth of completion of piezometers also should consider the physical boundaries and geologic complexity of aquifers under study Basic principles -Location of monitoring wells Location of the observation monitoring wells should be based on hydrogeological, social and economic considerations Optimal design Density of the network through statistical algorithms Largely guided by local area conditions The data collected should be unbiased Not subjected to interference from production wells, canals or surface water bodies in the neighbourhood Round the year accessibility Protection to the monitoring station and the monitoring equipment(s) Network Density Limited number of stations should be established in each hydrogeological unit having homogeneous water quality, along the main flow lines For extending this network additional stations are located along detailed cross sections of a hydrological system to provide for adequate representation in the recharge, discharge and intermediate areas. For further extension of network, a subdivision of the main hydrogeological units/homogeneous area type is used. Frequency of recording/sampling The frequency of measurement should be adequate to detect short term and seasonal groundwater level fluctuation of interest and to discriminate between the effects of short and long term hydrologic stresses Dependent like aquifer type and position, groundwater flow and recharge rate, aquifer development and climatic conditions Desirable to have daily water level, at least monthly water levels are needed for any meaningful analysis. In areas of high development, continuous daily readings are required to separate out the effects of cyclic pumpage from longterm trends In regional studies, where even monthly readings are not possible, frequency must be planned considering the timing of onset and cessation of monsoon Frequency of recording/sampling The frequency of the monitoring should be such that one or more of the following attributes could be estimated from the monitored water level data after generating the water level hydrograph. Peak and trough of the hydrograph, Time of shallow water level i.e. time during which the water level falls below a stipulated shallow critical level Time of deep water level, i.e. time during which the water levels rises above a stipulated deep critical level Rate of rise or decline and response time after an event. Frequency of recording/sampling The dates of onset and cessation of monsoon are not uniform throughout the country. The peak water level may not be achieved in the same period throughout the country the peak water level measurement in the first half of September in the areas receiving major part of rains during southwest monsoon. The areas under the influence of northeast monsoon another peak is reached in second half of December. The decline of water table is steep in post monsoon months, an additional measurement in postmonsoon period is essential to have a more realistic hydrograph first half of November in the areas under the influence of southwest monsoon and in March in the areas under the influence of northeast monsoon. Since the rate of ground water flow is slow, its quality does not generally change rapidly with time. Quality change in confined aquifers is a rather slow process as compared to unconfined aquifers. Annual sampling schedule describes satisfactorily changes in ground water quality. The current annual sampling schedule during premonsoonperiod (April/May) generally serves the purpose of regional background monitoring of longterm quality changes. Current scenario- Groundwater monitoring Groundwater levels are being measured four times a year January, April/ May, August and November by Central Ground Water Board about 15000 observation wells located all over the country times are selected coinciding with winter season, premonsoon, monsoon and postmonsoon for water levels data is used for assessment of ground water resources changes in the regime consequent to various development and management activities Hydrology Project was implemented by CGWB participation of 9 Peninsular States 2239 purpose built piezometers have been constructed to strengthen the existing ground water monitoring network 1200 digital water level recorders have been installed at select wells to acquire high frequency water level data so as to monitor short term ground water regime changes. Ground water samples are collected through these observation wells once a year during the month of April/ May 1342 Current scenario- Groundwater monitoring Presently two types of monitoring are in practice in India Periodic monitoring and continuous monitoring Periodic: scheduled ground water level measurements daily, weekly, fortnight, monthly, or season intervals. Carried out through manual measurement techniques The most popular the groundwater agencies is either monthly or seasonal. Continuous monitoring is near real time monitoring which are certain fraction of wells within the monitoring network Provide unambiguous and quantitative realtime information on unique and potentially damaging ground water level events that are occurring and signal these events as early as possible: Represent groundwater conditions over a substantial area of the aquifer. Monitor specific areas where the aquifer may be more susceptible to water level related problems, and Provide information that aids in the assessment of saltwater intrusion in those areas of the aquifer where such considerations are relevant usually carried out using Digital Water Level Recorders (DWLR)
Optimization Network by interpolation required where there is no data Statistical techniques However the hydrogeological conditions, nature of study are the guiding factor to fix up network density Optimization Modified Cv Other techniques Krigging Estimation of Regionalized Variable Storage and Retrieval of Data The preexisting system of manual data replaced by dedicated and userfriendly software The primary module of groundwater data processing system (including water quality) developed in course of implementation of the Hydrology Project is called Ground Water Data Entry Software (GWDES) The software has a Microsoft Access data base structure at the back end and the front end has been developed using visual basic for Application. This GWDES has been replaced by the dedicated software GEMS (Ground Water Evaluation And Management System). This software uses relational data base management system ORACLE Both raw and processed data sets are being stored and archived. Necessary features like data security protection from data corruption and provision of controlled accessibility is a part of the system design. An efficient and userfriendly query system helps in data retrieval. The dedicated groundwater data processing software includes GIS support to visualize, manipulate and analyze spatial data. The details of operation of the software are available as on line help Analysis and presentation of data The water level reflects cumulative effect of natural rechargedischarge condition and draft. The water table, which forms the upper surface of the saturated zone, is subjected to seasonal fluctuation. This fluctuation is dependent on rainfall infiltration, consumptive use, topography, soil characteristics, temperature, humidity, lithology of the formation etc. Ground water levels, observed over a period provide changes due to recharge and discharge. The difference between these two factors results in the decline or rise in the ground water storage. When the recharge exceeds discharge, there will be rise in the ground water storage whereas decline in storage will be observed when recharge is less than discharge. For every set of measurement (four times seasonal as discussed earlier), the data is analyzed to prepare a report Water level analysis Depth to Water level: General range of water level during the specific period of measurement depth to water level ranges viz. 0 2 m, 2 5 m, 5 10 m, 10 20 m, > 20 m etc Annual Fluctuation: Water level data of specific period as compared with the corresponding period of the previous year Seasonal Fluctuation: Comparison of water level with respect to that during premonsoon Decadal Fluctuation: Comparison of water level data with the mean of water level data of the previous decade wells showing different range of water The data is presented in the form of numerical tables District wise minimum and maximum range of water level rise and fall Water level rise or fall e.g. rise range of 0 2 m, 2 4 m, > 4m etc. and fall range of 0 2 m, 2 4 m, > 4m etc Maps prepared on the basis of analysis of monitoring data Depth to water level in the particular month of measurement. Water level fluctuation in comparison to that in the same month in the previous year. Water level fluctuation in comparison to premonsoon water level. Water level fluctuation in the month of measurement with reference to the decadal mean for the same month. Maps prepared by software like Surfer, MapInfo professional Dedicated software (GEMS) is capable of generating data in a number of formats, Maps, Queries, reports, graphical representation etc.
Water Quality Analysis The water quality reflects the chemistry of the aquifer and effect of anthropogenic activities on the ground water regime chemical constituents (such as Fluoride, Iron, Nitrate, Hardness etc.) above the permissible limit are demarcated contour maps for different constituents are prepared and compared with the results of the previous year Based on the analysis, poor ground water quality areas are delineated GROUND WATER HYDROGRAPH Plotting of water levels against time of observation & Providing the information on the behavior of water level with time and is termed as ground water hydrograph a well hydrograph also shows rising limbs and lowering limbs The water level rises when the ground water storage increases and declines when there is a decrease in storage. Hydrograph Hydrograph The smoothness of the hydrograph depends on the frequency of observations. Higher the frequency more smooth is the hydrograph and lower the frequency less smooth is the hydrograph Central Ground Water Board, the present frequency of measurement, for the All India Network of Hydrograph Stations, is four times in a year. The purposebuilt piezometers water level data are recorded through Digital Water Level Recorders (DWLR) at higher frequency even 4 times in a day Hydrograph