HYDROGRAPHS SHOWING GROUND WATER LEVEL FLUCTUATIONS OVER TIME

Hydrographs are currently available for eight sites in the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Basin. These sites are listed below.

Well: T27S/R38E-23F (USBR #1)
This hydrograph exhibits a slight decline (0.2 ft/yr) in water level since 1993. This well is located in a fairly remote area with the nearest pumping well approximately 4 miles to the northeast. Note in early-1995, a slight increase in water levels in the upper wells and a fairly dramatic increase in water levels in the well screened in the 1750’-1770’ zone. These changes in water levels are most likely due to the re-development (air-lifting) effort by Searles Valley Minerals Corporation.
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Well: T27S/R39E-07 R01 (Inyo Well)
This hydrograph shows a very consistent water level decline of approximately 0.9 ft/yr since 1945 Note the inconsistent readings from 1962 and 1970. These inconsistencies can be explained by possible water level measurement/recording errors, pumping test in the well (re-development attempt), or seismic activity.
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Well: T25S/R38E-34G (USBR #5)
This well is located just west of Hwy 395 and north of Brady’s Café. The hydrograph shows a fairly consistent water level decline of about 0.6 ft/yr in the upper-screened zone (850’-870’) since 1992. Both lower-screened zones (1590’-1610’ and 1960’-1980’) show consistent water level declines of 0.9 ft/yr and 1.0 ft/yr, respectively. The difference is declines between the upper-screened zone and lower-screened zones may be explained by minor influences by recharge, local pumping affects, geologic structure/sedimentation or inadequate well development. Note in September 1999, a decline consistent in all three zones that could be related to a major water extraction event or seismic activity.
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Well: T25S/R38E-35B01
This hydrograph shows fairly consistent water level decline of about 0.7 ft/yr since 1960. This well is located in an area with other small-diameter domestic wells serving multiple 2.5 acre parcels of land. Click here to view the hydrograph.

Well: T25S/R38E-12L (USBR #6)
This monitoring well is located adjacent to major extraction wells. From 1995-1999, the upper-screened zone appears to reflect major seasonal water extraction. Since 1999, the upper-screened zone does not reflect the same pattern. This may be attributed to obstructions in the well casing, lack of seasonal production, or ground subsidence due to withdrawals of water or seismic activity. The Technical Advisory Committee completed a re-development (airlifting) effort on this well in 2004. This effort may resolve any discrepancies in the data. The lower and middle zones reflect a water level decline of approximately 0.7 ft/yr since 1992.
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North Area

Well: T24S/R39E-34D (Baker-North)
This hydrograph is a classic example of a remote well unaffected by water extraction. Water level declines in this well are about 0.2 ft/yr.
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Intermediate Wellfield Area

Well T26S/R39E-26A (USBR #4)
This hydrograph shows data from a monitoring well located adjacent to major extraction wells. Note the peaks of the graph reflecting low-pumping periods of the fall-winter season (decline of 0.4 ft/yr since 1991) while the valleys reflect the high-pumping periods during spring-summer seasons (declines of 0.4 ft/yr.) This is a classic example of well hydrographs in this area.
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Well: T27S/R40E-15D01 (Bucket Well)
This hydrograph shows a consistent water level decline of approximately 0.9 ft/yr since 1960. This well is located away from major extraction wells and near the southern edge of the Valley.
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