Groundwater Levels in Arizona: An Overview of the Arizona Groundwater Explorer
Groundwater serves as a vital resource in Arizona, comprising approximately 41% of the state’s water usage. Given Arizona’s predominantly arid to semi-arid climate, the sustainability and availability of groundwater are pressing concerns. To address these issues and provide accessible information regarding groundwater levels, the Arizona Groundwater Explorer (AGEx) has been developed. This innovative series of web-based interactive maps offers a comprehensive view of depth-to-groundwater data, enhancing the understanding of groundwater resources in the state.
The Importance of Groundwater in Arizona
Groundwater plays a crucial role in Arizona’s water supply, particularly as surface water resources diminish due to ongoing drought conditions. With the increasing reliance on groundwater to meet the state’s water needs, it is essential for water managers, decision-makers, and the public to have access to accurate and up-to-date information regarding groundwater levels. The AGEx initiative aims to facilitate this understanding through user-friendly interactive maps that present a wealth of groundwater data.
Development of the Arizona Groundwater Explorer (AGEx)
The AGEx project involved the compilation and synthesis of groundwater datasets from two major publicly available sources: the Arizona Department of Water Resources and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This extensive dataset includes 1,820,122 depth-to-groundwater measurements collected from 1891 to 2022, sourced from 41,918 wells across Arizona.
– Key Features of AGEx
The AGEx maps provide insights into various aspects of water table arizona, categorized into three main themes:
1.Groundwater Sites: This section addresses specific questions related to groundwater levels, such as:
– How deep is it to groundwater in area?
– What were historical groundwater levels?
– How much water is currently available in local wells?
2.Changes in Groundwater Levels: This theme explores variations in groundwater levels over time, answering questions like:
– Where have groundwater levels decreased, and by how much?
– Where have groundwater levels increased, and by how much?
3.Trends in Groundwater Levels: This section provides insights into long-term trends, focusing on:
– How groundwater levels are changing over overlapping decades.
– Detailed hydrographs and well data that illustrate these trends.
Interactive Features of AGEx
The AGEx platform is designed to be user-friendly, allowing non-specialists to easily navigate and understand the information presented. Users can filter data based on various criteria, including measurement source, date, remarks, and methods. The interactive water table map Arizona enable users to click on specific well locations to access detailed information, including hydrographs that visualize groundwater level changes.
– Data Verification and Quality Assurance
The data presented in AGEx has undergone rigorous verification against the Groundwater Site Inventory (GWSI) database and has been reviewed in accordance with industry data collection protocols. This ensures that the information provided is reliable and accurate, supporting the needs of water managers and the public alike.
The Depth-To-Water (DTW) Dashboard
One of the key components of the AGEx initiative is the Depth-To-Water (DTW) dashboard. This dashboard offers a comprehensive overview of groundwater levels across Arizona’s basins and sub-basins. The dashboard is structured as follows:
– Page One: Displays discrete water level measurements collected from various wells.
– Page Two: Presents automated water level measurements from wells equipped with automated monitoring devices.
– Page Three: Provides references and additional information to assist users in understanding the data.
The DTW dashboard is an essential tool for visualizing groundwater levels and trends, making it easier for users to grasp the current state of groundwater resources in Arizona.
Addressing Groundwater Availability Questions
The AGEx maps are designed to answer critical questions regarding groundwater availability. For instance, users can explore how deep groundwater is in their specific areas, how historical levels compare to current measurements, and the overall health of local wells. These insights are crucial for effective water management and planning, particularly in a state facing significant water scarcity challenges.
Conclusion
The Arizona Groundwater Explorer represents a significant advancement in the understanding and management of groundwater resources in Arizona. By providing a wealth of information through interactive maps and dashboards, AGEx empowers water managers, decision-makers, and the general public to make informed decisions regarding groundwater usage and sustainability. As Arizona continues to grapple with drought and diminishing surface water supplies, the importance of groundwater will only increase, making tools like AGEx invaluable for ensuring the state’s water future. Through its comprehensive data presentation and user-friendly interface, the AGEx initiative not only enhances awareness of groundwater levels but also fosters a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to this essential resource.
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Reference
1.Arizona Groundwater Explorer: Interactive maps for evaluating the historical and current groundwater conditions in wells in Arizona, USA
2.Overview Of Groundwater Levels In Arizona’s Basins & Sub-Basins
https://www.azwater.gov/hydrology/depth-water-data
