Basin Characterization Program

As part of the Basin Characterization Program, DWR will integrate new and existing data into three-dimensional models that describe the grain size and hydrostratigraphic properties of the aquifers. These models help groundwater managers understand how groundwater is stored and moves within the aquifer. The models will be regularly updated, as new data becomes available, to ensure that up-to-date information is used for groundwater management activities. 

Hydrostratigraphic Models 

The hydrostratigraphic models will focus on the properties within the aquifer based on their water-bearing characteristics. These characteristics describe the different layers and sediments in the aquifer, how water flows and moves through the aquifer, and where groundwater is stored in the aquifer. Understanding these characteristics supports groundwater managers in making management decisions, like identifying potential groundwater recharge sites or areas where groundwater pumping may lead to undesirable conditions.

Texture Models 

The texture models will focus on describing the materials within an aquifer by their grain size, also referred to as the material texture. Understanding the distribution of textures in an aquifer is important because it helps groundwater managers identify the areas in an aquifer where water is more likely to be stored and is readily available for use, and areas where water may be harder to access due to slower flow or restrictions. The development and refinement of texture models plays a crucial role in improving groundwater flow models like the Fine Grid California Central Valley Groundwater-Surface Water Simulation Model (C2VSimFG) and Sacramento Valley Groundwater-Surface Water Simulation Model (SVSim). 

Data Analysis  

To develop the texture and hydrostratigraphic models, new tools will be created to integrate and analyze a wide range of data, including geologic, geophysical, and hydrogeologic information. By combining and assessing various datasets, these tools will help create a more complete picture of California's groundwater basins.  

Data Collection & Compilation 

The Basin Characterization Program will broaden historic data collection efforts to include advanced hydrogeologic, geologic, and geophysical datasets. These advanced datasets will be particularly valuable for characterizing the components of the hydrostratigraphic and texture models. 

In addition to enhancing data collection, the Program will also continue and expand upon efforts to digitize existing lithology and geophysical logging data. These measures are essential to maintaining accurate and accessible records of the geologic and hydrogeologic features in California's groundwater basins.

Basin Characterization Pilot Studies  

The Basin Characterization Program will undertake a series of pilot studies to explore data collection methods and analytical techniques that address groundwater-related questions specific to California’s groundwater basins. By conducting these pilot studies, the Program aims to develop guidance documents that help local communities conduct investigations to answer their groundwater-related questions efficiently and effectively.  

DWR is committed to ensuring that all data collected or compiled is made accessible to the public. All data collected as a part of the Basin Characterization Program will be available to download from the California Natural Resources Agency Open Data Portal.  

DWR is also committed to data access equity by ensuring data can be viewed online, eliminating the need for costly software.  As a part of the Basin Characterization Program, new online GIS-based visualization tools will be developed to serve as a central hub for accessing and exploring the data. These tools will enable both the public and technical users to interact with the data in a three-dimensional space, providing a more immersive and informative experience. 

The Statewide AEM Survey data and digitized lithology logs can be viewed in a three-dimensional space or as profiles through DWR’s innovative AEM Data Viewers. 

California’s Groundwater, Bulletin 118 Statewide Report and the CalGW Live website serve as a comprehensive repository of aquifer characteristics, available data, and groundwater management efforts across the state. Regional and Basin Reports provide detailed insights into specific regions or individual groundwater basins.   

All results and analyses from the Basin Characterization Program will be published in future updates of the Statewide, Regional, or Basin Reports and on the CalGW Live website.  

The Basin Characterization Workgroup will play a pivotal role in advancing the Basin Characterization Program. It will serve as the cornerstone for creating a community of practice focused on ensuring that cutting-edge practices are employed in this important initiative. 

If you are interested in becoming a part of the Basin Characterization Workgroup and contributing to these efforts, you can contact us by sending an email to Basin.Characterization@water.ca.gov.