Multiple-depth monitoring wells provide critically important data to aid in understanding complex hydrogeology, such as that found in the coastal San Diego area. Because no comprehensive study of ground water resources has been done for the San Diego area, a major element of a current U.S. Geological Survey study is to install multiple-depth wells in selected areas of four coastal river basins.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the City of San Diego, installed a 1,500-foot-deep monitoring well. The site was chosen to determine hydrologic conditions between previously installed wells, identify geologic units, integrate data from other wells, ensure long-term data collection, and provide for water management.
The well has five separate two-inch PVC piezometers, installed to selected depths. These piezometers will be monitored for ground water levels and sampled for ground water quality. The well site will be a permanent installation, and will provide data for decades. Results from the drilling will help define the quantity and quality of ground water in the coastal San Diego area. If sufficient ground water is identified, it may provide an additional local resource.
The drilling process took about four weeks to complete. The hours of operation each day, including weekends, were 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. During the first three weeks, noise levels were typical of those associated with heavy equipment. During the final week, noise was reduced as the well was constructed and the site was restored to its original condition. Subsequent well development and water-quality sampling will be relatively unobtrusive.
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