2024-05-03T04:35:05
Groundwater monitoring and piezometers.
Piezometers play a crucial role in assessing groundwater levels and flow patterns. Here’s what you need to know:
What is a Piezometer?
A piezometer is a specialized well or borehole designed to measure groundwater levels. It provides accurate data on the depth of water below the ground surface.
These wells are typically constructed near areas where groundwater extraction occurs or where monitoring is essential.
Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) Monitoring:
The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) in India periodically monitors groundwater levels across the country. They use a network of monitoring stations called National Hydrograph Network Stations (NHNS).
NHNS includes both open dug wells and purpose-built bore/tube wells (known as piezometers) equipped with Digital Water Level Recorders (DWLRs).
CGWB has also initiated automatic high-frequency monitoring using DWLRs with telemetry systems under the National Hydrology Project (NHP).
These DWLRs record water levels every six hours and transfer the data to a central server via the Water Information Management System (WIMS).
The water level data are then shared with end-users through the India-WRIS platform.
Installation Standards for Piezometers:
If groundwater withdrawal exceeds 10,000 liters per day, installing a piezometer becomes mandatory according to CGWB guidelines.
An observation well must be constructed, and a piezometer (DWLR) installed within it.
Data recording should follow government norms.
Climate Response Monitoring Network (CRMN):
CGWB has established the Climate Response Monitoring Network (CRMN) under the National Hydrology Project.
CRMN focuses on ground water conditions, including quality, with special attention to seawater intrusion along coastal tracts in Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
The network comprises 60 piezometers equipped with telemetric DWLRs, covering a length of 450 kilometers.
Placement and Compliance:
Piezometers should be positioned at least 50 meters away from pumping wells to avoid interference.
Their diameter typically ranges between 4 and 6 inches.
Compliance with CGWB’s NOC (No Objection Certificate) guidelines is essential.
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