Groundwater Monitoring Workshop Technical Standards

Hydrology Project
Technical Assistance
Workshop on
Standards for Groundwater
Monitoring, Processing and Data
Dissemination
January 28 -30, 1997
Bangalore

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Table of Contents
A. Workshop objectives and program
B. Design and layout of groundwater monitoring-network
C. Groundwater data acquisition, processing and validation formats and procedures
D. Groundwater data retrieval and dissemination
E. Objectives, significance and procedures groundwater Quality monitoring (Pascal)
F. Computerized data handling (approach and case - studies) (Honijk)
G. Requirement for dedicated software (Honijk-Mani)
H. Summary of current activities exercised by participating agencies
I. Background, topics and venue for on-site discussions (30/1/97)
J. Program of workshop

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A. Workshop objectives and program
1. Introduction
The Hydrology Project (HP) aims at the establishment of an hydrological information
system (HIS) at Agency, State and National level for hydro-meteorological, surface
water and groundwater quantity and quality data. The system comprise the infrastructure,
the human resource and the activities involved in data acquisition, processing, validation,
storage and dissemination.. The physical infrastructure components of the system
includes observation networks, laboratories and data centers equipped with databases and
tools for data entry, processing and retrieval, whereas the human resource comprise of
well trained staff with a variety of skills who operate and execute the activities involved
in the system.
The establishment of a demand-oriented and reliable HIS, which by definition is
compatible both between agencies and disciplines, requires upgrading and expansion of
the physical infrastructure and adoption of standard formats, techniques and procedures.
The overall conceptual model and structure of the HIS, its components and associated
communication systems were recently addressed in a workshop dedicated to HIS
(Hyderabad. December 13, 1996). The present workshop discuss standard techniques and
activities involved in groundwater data handling under HP - HIS model and in context
with the overall objectives and activities of State and Central Groundwater Agencies.
Recently, the Central Ground Water Board addressed part of these issues in a workshop
conducted under the title of “Ground water monitoring and data base modernization”
(Hyderabad, December 7 1996). The present workshop continues in the same line,
expand the scopes and open the discussions to all participating agencies, including State
and CGWB central and regional offices.
2. Objectives and topics
The water level and piezometric heads as well as many quality measures express
fluctuating storage status of the groundwater reservoir. The configuration of the water
table reflects time-dependent variables such as precipitation, seepage, withdrawal and in-
out lateral flow, and time-independent variables which reflect geomorphic features and
the unsaturated and saturated soil-rock sequence as expressed mostly in terms of
infiltration rates and hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity and storativity. The water
quality is dependent on these variables as well, and on the composition of all the inflow
and outflow components and on insitu processes and water-rock interactions. Assessment
of groundwater resources require therefor acquisition of all these variables and related
factors, and there storage in a dependable, efficient and accessible data base.
All groundwater agencies participating in the Hydrology Project collect time-independent
variables and carry out activities related to monitoring time-dependent water-table and
quality variables. Whereas manual data acquisition by all agencies follow common
practices, techniques and procedures employed in data transfer, storage and processing

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differ significantly. Computerization exercised to a varying degree by several agencies, is
hardly begun by others and only a few digital Automatic Water Level Recorders
(AWLR) are in operation in some of the places.
The present workshop aims at reviewing current practices and adopting standard formats,
techniques and procedures. The following topics will be addressed, with emphasis on
computerized methods and procedures, as relevant to groundwater:
1. Computerized techniques - options and advantages.
2. Standards for data acquisition, processing and dissemination.
3. Quality monitoring, objectives, characterization and procedures
4. Dedicated software demonstration and discussion,
5. Requirements for dedicated software packages,
6. Demonstration and on-site discussion of an operational digital AWLR equipped
monitoring network.
3. Program
The workshop program is divided into three main parts which correspond loosely, to a
full day each:
• The first day involve short presentations, group discussions and concluding sessions
on standards for data acquisition, processing, validation and dissemination.
• The second day will be mostly consumed with demonstration and discussion of
dedicated software for integrated HIS activities, with emphasise on the formulation of
requirements of such software.
• The third day is devoted to on-site discussions of an operational digital AWLR
equipped monitoring network.
The herewith presented brochure entails summaries of presentations, generalized item list
and outlines for formats and procedures involved in the above mentioned topics. It
include also background information on the design and layout of monitoring systems and
presents information on current activities associated with data acquisition, processing and
dissemination exercised by the participating agencies. Background information, topics
and venue for the on-site discussions and a detailed program of the workshop are
included as well.

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B. Design and Layout of Groundwater Monitoring-Network
1. General
A major objective of the Hydrology Project is to improve and modernize the Groundwater
observation well networks layout and accuracy in all the participating states, through
construction of purpose-built piezometers and installation digital Automatic Water Level
Recorders (AWLR) in key wells. All the agencies involved in the project acquired
capabilities in both the design and operation of monitoring networks and their current
practice, constrained by equipment and budget limitations, mostly comply with common
standards. The following principals and general guidelines aims toward standardization of
the monitoring networks operated by all participating agencies and the establishment of
compatible systems.
Monitoring-network design, construction and operation should fulfill expected objectives,
namely reflecting the hydrogeological configuration and flow regime and record properly
every change in the system in time and space with respect to water levels and quality. As
far as water level monitoring is concerned, objective are clear cut and need not be further
discussed. Objectives of advanced groundwater quality monitoring, on the other hand
which are hardly exercised by most agencies involved in HP, are often not entirely
understood and may need some further elaboration. Beside water quality assurance,
objectives of quality monitoring include determination of background values, early
tracing of slow and rapid deterioration processes, identification of natural and
anthropogenic pollutants and “finger printing “ characterization of water bodies to be
utilized as natural tracers to determine flow direction and mixing processes. Monitoring
of groundwater abstraction figures, which are commonly practiced along with
comprehensive monitoring activities to arrive at balanced water budgets, are beyond the
scope of the HP, at this stage.
As such, a pre-requisite to all further activities related to monitoring include an up-to-date
summary of the hydrogeological regime, with emphasis on the overall setting, identification
of mullti-aquiferial systems, areas under extreme and increasing stress, quality background
conditions, natural anomalies and pollution, etc. The design and layout of monitoring
networks for both water-level and quality purposes should comply with integrated
processing requirements although specific monitoring site selection follow different criteria
and monitoring practice differ in procedures and frequency.
2. Basic Principals
2.1 Water-Level Monitoring
• Design of optimal network layout required to reflect the hydrogeological system and
yield long term information on shallow as well as multi-aquiferial systems and stressed
areas, including prioritization in terms of sites, depth of key-wells (single or nests) and

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other network wells. Optimal design include assessment of required observation-point
density through statistical algorithms and modifications according to prevailing
hydrogeologicl conditions and monitoring objectives.
• Adjustment of requirements along with budget constraints in terms of drilling and
construction costs and long term operation expenditures.
• `Integration of State and CGWB networks to compliment each other and avoid
duplications.
• Conclusion of network design and layout in terms of maps and written reports
accounting for decisions undertaken to arrive at final planning (block/district/basin
wise).
• Identification of new tubewell sites in the field and adjusting final drilling localities
according to local area conditions (avoiding interference from production wells and
immediate canal or other significant surface water body, accessibility and protection).
• Definition of monitoring frequency for routine and advanced studies; routine
monitoring for the assessment of water storage fluctuations may be satisfied by as little
as four measurements annually and may benefit from a daily figure. On the other hand,
depletion curve analyses, tidal and barometric efficiency calculations and correlation
with hydro-meteorological features used to calculate aquifer parameters, require much
higher frequencies approaching, in certain cases, almost continuous monitoring. Such
frequencies have been reported (but not entirely proven) to yield even early warning
signals, moments before major earthquakes.
2.2. Water Quality Monitoring
• Identification of parameters to be monitored on routine and advanced basis, including
prioritization in terms of items, and frequencies.
• Design of optimal network layout required to reflect the hydrogeological system and
yield long term information on multi-aquiferial systems and stressed areas, including
prioritization in terms of sites. Network should include water-level monitoring wells
and additional active production wells to ascertain proper sampling in actively
circulating parts of the aquifers.
• Integration of State and CGWB networks to compliment each other and avoid
duplications.
• Adjustment of requirements along with laboratory capabilities and budget constraints in
terms of long-term operation of sampling and analytical expenditures
• Conclusion of network design and layout in terms of maps and written reports
accounting for decision undertaken for final planing (block/district/basin wise).
• Definition of monitoring frequency for routine and advanced studies; routine quality
monitoring may be satisfied with a sampling frequency of once a year. As most quality-
related processes are extremely slow advanced chemical monitoring may be conducted
with even lower frequencies. Setting of monitoring frequencies may be approached
gradually, starting with pilot higher frequencies and adjustments to local regimes and
objectives.

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Enclosures
B-1. Guidelines for site selection of piezometers under Hydrology Project (modified from
Guidelines, issued by CGWB, October 1996.
B-2. Installation of observation wells (modified from Guide to Hydrological Practices
WMO-No 168, 1994).
B-33. Optimization of hydrograph network stations and typical design of observation
wells (modified from Manual Hydrograph Network Stations CGWB, 1955).
C. Data acquisition, processing and validation procedures

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1. General
Long-term groundwater level and quality data acquired through properly-designed and
reliable monitoring networks document objectively fluctuations in the hydrogeological
systems. Following the HIS model, these data accompanied by relevant areal and site-
specific information, which are not subject to any convention or interpretative dogma, are
required to be stored in the Central State Data Banks, and disseminated to users as well.
The development of proper data sets for these data banks, involve a sequence of activities
and procedures related to data acquisition and processing which culminate at contour
maps and time series figures. The processing involved at this level which include
validation procedures as well, is an integral part of the HIS model through which data
entry, retrieval and dissemination is controlled. As data acquisition, processing and
validation techniques comply with common requirements and are not subject to
modification due to local specific conditions, basic principals and standard formats and
procedures may be devised and employed by all participating agencies.
Advanced processing which utilize the multi-disciplinary data sets to be stored at the
State Data Banks and include also monitoring and assessments of abstraction figures, are
not included in the HIS developed under HP. However, several pilot research and
development (R&D) projects considered under HP, will include advanced processing and
ascertain proper implementation of the HIS, its integration and tuning with the overall
objectives and requirements of the professional institutions.
2. Data Acquisition
The data to be stored in the HIS State Data Bank include a large variety of data which
integrated together provide the information required to document objectively the
groundwater system in time and space. These data derive from existing computerized
data basis and archived paper files and through one time field operations and long term
monitoring activities.
2.1 Type and characterization of data
2.1.1. Time-independent data - existing and new observation and exploration wells
The data listed below are compiled from either existing archives or acquired through
field operations which are involved in the expansion and upgrading of the network
infrastructure. The data are organized and introduced into the computerized system
through standard pre-designed formats (attached):
• Location, height (ref. point), depth.
• Technical design - internal diameter, casing, screen, gravel pack, etc.,.
• Well-log description (lithologies encountered - should be coded, see attached list)

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• Monitored litho-unit, geological formation, aquiferial unit/system (name or any ID
symbol).
• Pumping test results; pumping capacity, dynamic draw-down, recovery etc. (raw data
entered through a standard pre-designed formats).
• Calculated aquifer parameters from pumping tests - specific capacity, specific yield
(storativity), transmissivity (metric - numeric symbols).
2.1.2. Historical monitored data on groundwater level and quality,
The data listed below are compiled from existing archive computerized and paper files.
The data are organized and introduced into the computerized HIS through standard pre-
designed formats (see attached drafts):
• Depth to water table - usually 2 to 4 manual readings per year.
• On site measurements - electrical conductivity, temperatures, pH, Eh, etc.
• Complete chemical analyses - 6 major ions + nitrates, phosphates, etc.,
• Detailed chemical analyses - major ions, heavy metals and trace elements, organic &
-biol.-bacterial parameters.
2.1.3. New groundwater level monitored data
• Depth to water table - manual readings (2-4 times per year).
• Depth to water table - automatically recorded digital data (pre-set frequencies, 1- 4
times per day) and occasional manual calibration recordings.
2.1.4. New groundwater quality monitored data (see attached sapling procedures)
• On site measurements - electrical conductivity, temperatures, pH, Eh, etc., (around 5
items, once a year).
• Complete chemical analyses - 6 major ions + nitrates, phosphates, etc., (around 10
items, (once a year).
• Detailed chemical analyses - major ions, heavy metals and trace elements, organic &
-biol.-bacterial parameters (30-50 items, once every 2-4 year).
2.2. Data acquisition activities
Activities involved in drilling, construction, testing and development of observation wells
are widely conducted by all agencies following common practice. The same is valid also
for manual water level and on-site quality monitoring and need no further elaboration. As
the new purpose built tube wells offer a unique opportunity to upgrade the monitoring
system, it is of prime importance to supervise all operations and follow literally all the
procedures and protocols from layout and network design, through site selection, drilling,
testing and development to final validation of site response to the hydrogeological
regimes. The techniques and procedures involved in data acquisition through AWLR’s
should follow instruction and on-site training offered specifically by equipment
manufacturers and agents, and routine calibration with periodic manual measurements.

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The expansion of quality monitoring on the other hand, need some further discussion and
adopting of standard sampling procedures as follows in section 3.3.
3. Data entry, processing and validation
3.1. Establishment of one-time (static) data base
The data included in this category comprise of space-oriented mapped information and of
location-oriented information relevant to observation network wells. Integration of both
along the following sequence of activities, provide the framework for the analyses of
monitored time-series and spatial data:
• Introduction of location-oriented data following a standard pre-designed format.
Calibration of different identification listing and methods.
• Adoption of thematic maps, including topographic, geomorphic, geologic,
hydrogeologic, and land use maps. Integration of mapped data in the processing and
validation procedures require vectorial rather than raster maps.
• Validation/processing which include a sequence of technical-criteria testing and
integrity checks. Geodetically surveyed reference-datum level of observation sites are
validated against topographic-map data and aquifer characteristics are analyzed
spatially. Singled out data are rejected, discarded or rechecked at entry level and at
observation point. New data are entered and revalidated.
3.2. Groundwater level monitored data
• Introduction of monitored data on groundwater depth into the computerized systems
at local data centers following a proper pre-designed format; digitally recorded data
are downloaded and converted through proper interface software, whereas all other
data are entered manually.
• Initial validation/processing which include data scrutiny along a sequence of
technical criteria and statistical algorithms and integrity checks. Singled-out data are
rejected, discarded or rechecked at entry level and/or observation point. New data and
filling missing data are entered and re-validated
• Reduced (MSL) groundwater level calculations from both surveyed datum and
topographic maps.
• Spatial analyses of data, including depth to the water table and water table maps.
Computerized contour maps are analyzed and modified manually along with
hydrogeolgic background information. Inconsistent and erratic data singled-out
through manual and statistical computerized techniques may be discriminated,
rechecked or discarded
• Time series analyses of data at single observation site, among neighboring sites and
along representative cross sections parallel and perpendicular to flow lines.
Inconsistent and erratic data singled-out through manual and statistical computerized
techniques may be discriminated rechecked or discarded.

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• Spatial analyses of water level fluctuations at specific seasonal, annual and long term
time intervals. Areas singled-out through computerized processing are further
analyzed to differentiate between stressing through intensive exploitation, infiltration
from irrigation systems, or natural conditions in line with the hydrogeological regime.
• Selection of representative monitoring wells for each hydrogeological system/basin
and calculation of correlation coefficients between them and the rest of the network
components. Inconsistent and erratic data singled-out through statistical computerized
techniques may be discriminated, rechecked or discarded
• Processed and validated data transfer to higher level Data Centers, merging and
integration of data sets from lower Data Centers and analyses of data along the same
sequence run at lower centers.
• State-wise data sets final compilation and transfer into State Data Banks.
3.3. Groundwater quality monitored data
• Introduction of monitored data on groundwater quality into the computerized systems
at local Data Centers following a proper pre-designed format; field recorded data
are entered manually whereas laboratory measurements and analytical data are
entered either manually or downloaded through proper interface software from
laboratory Data Banks
• Initial validation/processing which include a sequence of technical and chemical
testing and integrity checks. Singled-out data are rejected, discarded or rechecked at
entry or laboratory level and/or at observation point. New data are entered and
revalidated.
• Calculation of derivatives, characteristic ion ratios and input format required for
chemical/quality presentation conventions.
• Spatial analyses of data. Computerized contour maps are analyzed and modified
manually along with hydrogeologic background information. Inconsistent and erratic
data singled-out through manual or statistical computerized processes may be
discriminated manually or automatically, rechecked or discarded.
• Time series analyses of data at a single observation site and along representative
cross sections parallel and perpendicular to flow lines. Inconsistent and erratic data
singled-out through these processes may be discriminated manually or automatically,
rechecked or discarded.
• Spatial analyses of quality fluctuations at specific seasonal, annual and long term
time intervals. Areas singled-out through computerized processing are analyzed
manually to differentiate between anthropogenic induced processes and natural
conditions in line with the hydrogeological regime.
• Processed and validated data transfer to higher level Data Centers, merging and
integration of data-sets from lower Data Centers and analyses of data along the same
sequence run at lower centers.
• State-wise data transfer into State Data Banks.
D. Data retrieval and dissemination

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1. General
Data dissemination is an integral part of the HIS model and comprise all activities and
tools required to convey the information stored in the system to users and decision
makers. Data dissemination covers both active distribution of information in the form of
raw data and reports, and information services provided to users, upon request. The data
dissemination considered under the HIS include the processed/validated data stored at the
Data Banks and the additional activities which are required to account for yearbooks and
periodic reports on the current situation of the groundwater resources. As such, the
activities include retrieval of multi-disciplinary data sets and integrated processing
required for illustrations and calculations included in periodic reports.
Issues related to data retrieval and dissemination to users under the HIS model has not
yet been finally clarified by Participant States beyond the general reference as to System
availability for retrieval by “authorized users”. In order to finalize structuring the
system, including the requirement hardware, software, institutional organization and
staffing, the concept of data retrieval and dissemination should be specifically addressed
and decided upon.
2. Yearbooks and periodic reports
Common practice among monitoring agencies involve publication of yearbooks and
periodic reports in which raw and processed data are used to document and illustrate the
situation of the water resource in terms of quantity and quality. These reports, are issued
on a seasonal and/or annual basis and in response to extreme situations such as excessive
or deficient rainfall and environmental crises of hazardous potential. As such, periodic
reports are required to reflect closely the events in order to asses the situation, identify
problems and facilitate proper action, if required. Early timing of periodic reports
becomes therefor, a prime factor to be considered under the HIS setting. Yearbooks
which are reporting on a hydrological year and seasonal periodic reports are issued on a
routine basis, shortly after closing monitoring date.
Periodic reports, issued on Block, Taluk, District and/or State basis, commonly include
part or all of the following elements:
• Location map of monitored network wells.
• Base maps - (topographic, hydrogeologic, land-use, etc.,).
• Tabulated water level data in monitored wells.
• Forms and tabulated quality data in monitored wells.
• Tabulated comparison tables of current and previous data.
• Water level and quality hydrographs of single representative wells, including
analyses of long-term trends.
• Composite hydrographs of water level, rainfall and/or quality in single and several
monitored wells.
• Depth to the water table contour maps

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• Water table maps (reduced in reference to datum, MSL values).
• Quality counter maps.
• Water level fluctuation contour maps
• Quality fluctuation contour maps
• Change in water storage contour maps
• Change in solute storage contour maps
Under Indian practice, these elements together with groundwater withdrawal-related
figures, precipitation and various coefficients and assumptions are embedded in Annual
Groundwater Resource Estimation reports, prepared in accordance with the Ground
Water Estimation Committee (GEC, 1984) norms and later modifications.
3. Data Dissemination upon users request
Requirements of groundwater data users may vary between current and historical raw
data, processed data and integrated multi-disciplinary raw and processed data.
Comprehensive listing of users requirements is to be finalized through HDUG activities
in each state. The HIS model structuring has not yet, finalized retrieval techniques and
procedures and the following two options are still to be evaluated:
1. Direct retrieval by all authorized users; under this option each user need to screen
catalogue (meta) data associated with State Data Banks, select and retrieve the
required data.
2. Retrieval through selected service providers; under this model State and Central
monitoring agencies who will be involved continuously in data entry and retrieval,
will provide data to all users upon request.
The advantages and disadvantages of either one of these options and their professional
and organizational implications on the State and Central agencies should be carefully
evaluated and discussed among the HP participating agencies.
Topics for Discussions on GW Standards
Data acquisition
• Objectives of data acquisition under the HIS model

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- acquire reliable data sets on groundwater table condition and fluctuation
- acquire reliable data sets on groundwater quality condition and fluctuation.
• Type of data to be acquired under HIS model
- One time data (according to list)
- Historical monitored data
- Groundwater level monitored data
- Groundwater quality monitored data (according to list).
• Data acquisition procedures
- frequencies for manual and automated water level monitoring.
- frequencies for routine and advanced quality monitoring.
- quality items for routine and advanced monitoring.
- quality sampling procedures (see attached)
Data Processing
• Objectives of data processing under the HIS model
- develop reliable data sets on groundwater table and quality conditions and
fluctuations
- develop integrated data sets and formats required to disseminate periodic information
on the condition of the groundwater resources.
• Processing procedures and products (according to list)
Data Dissemination
• Objectives of data dissemination under the HIS model
- Convey the information stored in the system to users and decision makers
- Report periodically on the current situation of the groundwater resources.
• Type and format of periodic HIS reports
- Adoption of a yearbook (and seasonal?) format with raw and processed data
- Period to be covered by yearbook and time of issue
- Base unit to be reported (Block, Taluk, District and/or State basis)
• Items to be included in periodic reports (according to list).
• Data dissemination upon users request
- Direct retrieval from State Data banks by all authorized users
- Retrieval through selected service providers
Requirements for dedicated HIS software

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E. Program of Workshop
28/1/97
09.00 - 09.30 Registration
09.30 - 09.40 Inaugural Address
09.40 - 09.50 The Hydrology Project - Overview (Grijsen/Ogink)
09.50 - 10.00 Workshop objectives (Bein)
10.00 - 10.45 Computerized techniques - options and advantages (Honijk)
Standards for GW data acquisition

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10.45 - 11.15 GW data acquisition (Dholappa)
11.15 - 11.30 Tea Break
11.30 - 12.00 GW quality data acquisition - (Boderie)
12.00 - 13.15 Group discussions
13.15 - 14.15 Lunch break
14.15 - 14.45 Results and general discussions
Standards for GW data processing and validation
14.45 - 15.15 GW data processing and validation (Mani)
15.15 - 15.30 Tea Break
29/1/97
09.30 - 10.00 Standard for GW data disseminate (Bein)
11.00 - 11.15 Tea Break
Dedicated software demonstration
11.15 - 13.15 Demonstration and discussion (REGISBase
)
13.15 - 14.15 Lunch Break
14.15 - 15.15 Demonstration and discussion - Cont.
15.15 - 15.30 Tea Break
Requirements for dedicated software packages
15.30 - 16.00 Identification of requirements (Honijk)
30/1/97
Field visit to an operational AWLR monitoring network
08.30 - 17.30 On-site demonstration and discussions

Groundwater Monitoring Workshop Technical Standards

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