Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Link to: Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality Groundwater Information
NGWMN Contact:
Austin Brister
(601) 961-5395
The Office of Land and Water Resources (OLWR), a division of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), is a water-level data provider to the National Groundwater Monitoring Network (NGWMN). OLWR began monitoring water-level data in 1993 after taking over previous United States Geological Survey (USGS) well sites. Because of this, OLWR has water level data dating back to the 1930s. OLWR maintains a network of 193 wells, and currently serves 150 sites to the NGWMN Portal. OLWR has been a part of the Network since 2016.
OLWR provides water-level data from the Coastal Lowlands aquifer system, Mississippi Embayment aquifer system, and the Southeastern Coastal Plain aquifer system.
NGWMN Projects:
Initial project to become NGWMN data provider.
2016 Round 2: 10/1/2016 to 9/30/2017
Project is to provide persistent data service to an existing NGWMN data provider.
One-year project to provide persistent data support to an existing NGWMN data provider.
This is an 18-month project to provide persistent data services and fill site information data gaps. They will be updating site information by entering lithology information from driller's logs into their database so that it is available to the NGWMN.
2020 Round 1: 8/1/2020 to 7/31/2021
Project is to provide persistent data services for one year to ensure that data continues to flow to the NGWMN Data Portal, and that sites and site information are up to date.
2020 Round 2: 11/16/2020 to 11/30/2021
Project is to do gap filling by populating lithology data from well logs at 46 wells and well maintenance involving new shelters and well covers at 7 wells.
Project is to provide persistent data services for two years to ensure that data continues to flow to the NGWMN Data Portal and that sites and site information are up to date.
2023: 8/1/2023 to 7/30/2025
Project is to provide persistent data services for two years and to purchase and install continuous monitoring equipment at 38 wells.
NGWMN Presentations:
December 2016 presentation to SOGW
Site Selection and Classification
Site Selection
The initial Scope of Work submitted by the OLWR included 193 existing monitoring wells. Most wells in the network are non-pumping wells where static water levels can be recorded. In the OLWR's Scope of Work document, parameters were set forth to determine ideal candidate sites. These sites needed to meet criteria set forth by the NGWMN and produce quality reproducible water-level measurements.It is also important that the wells be easily accessible and well maintained. Of the original 193 wells, it was determined that 174 were viable candidates for the network.
The first step to evaluate the OLWR's monitoring sites required field verification that the wells fit all parameters set forth in the Scope of Work document. Accessibility is an important aspect of field verification. Landowner changes presented problems for some wells. Due to staffing constraints, some wells had not been measured in several years. Overgrown vegetation, flooded or washed out access roads, and storm damage (a tornado in Smithville for example) presented challenges as well. Some wells were removed from the network for these reasons.
The next step required analysis of historical measurement records to determine if water level measurements were consistent. Variable water levels can be caused by a variety of factors, including degradation of the well, such as is seen with casing shifts or collapse. Same day fluctuations can also be indicative of influence from nearby wells. This analysis allowed OLWR staff to determine historical water level trends. Sudden changes that were not consistent with historical trends were investigated on a well by well basis. This was also a very important tool for dividing the wells into subnetworks.
Site Classification
OLWR staff considered several factors to determine subnetworks and monitoring categories. First, wells were divided into subnetworks. The OLWR used the geodatabase ArcGIS to plot wells over population density maps. OLWR staff then generated a GIS layer of total permitted volume by county. After comparing these values, employees with experience measuring this set of wells were consulted to expand on areas where there might be suspected changes in water levels.
Background Subnetwork: The "Background" subnetwork consists of wells that are in areas with the lowest population density and lowest permitted volumes. The OLWR used existing ArcGIS data layers to narrow the list for the "Background" subnetwork. Further, the historical water level data was analyzed to verify that permitted volumes were consistent with historical trends. Wells outside of the area of influence of pumping wells were chosen so that ambient water levels would be represented. Generally, these wells are in rural areas with very little industry.
Suspected Changes Subnetwork: The "Suspected Changes" subnetwork consists of wells in areas that either have a high population density or an uncharacteristically high permitted volume (usually due to an increased industrial presence). The OLWR staff also consulted Geologists and Engineers within the department for areas that may be experiencing changes in water withdrawal volumes that were not consistent with the historical record. These wells are generally in areas with new growth or decline. These could also be in areas where aquifers are under stress.
Documented Changes Subnetwork: The "Documented Changes" subnetwork was not determined using the same methods as the "Background" or "Suspected Changes" subnetwork. The wells in this group were decided based solely on existing water level data.
The USGS suggests a minimum of quarterly monitoring for monitoring wells to be considered "Trend" Wells. Due to staffing constraints, quarterly monitoring of sites is not possible at this time. Thus, all wells in the current network will be considered "Surveillance" wells. Efforts have been made to prioritize wells to be considered for increased monitoring so that these wells can be recategorized as "Trend" wells at a later date.
Data Collection Techniques
The OLWR has established guidelines for the manual measurement of water levels found here.
Upon reviewing the NGWMN Framework Document, the OLWR noticed that some changes need to be made to our field practices. Concerns related to data collection include: equipment decontamination, measurement accuracy, and additional site notations while in the field.
Data Management
Information on Data entry for the MDEQ is contained in the Mississippi DEQ Office of Land and Water Standard Operating Procedures for Water Level Measurement and Data Entry.
Upon reviewing the NGWMN Framework Document, OLWR noticed that some changes need to be made to our practices. The most important change needed is the development of a quality-assurance plan. MDEQ hopes to address this issue in future ;years. Other data management concerns include required additional site notations while in the field.
Other Agency Information
Web sites of Interest
MDEQ Office of Land and Water Groundwater Investigation and Planning Division
MDEQ Office of Land and Water Permitting and Monitoring Division
Agency use of monitoring data
Map water levels in aquifers statewide
Aid in water management decisions
Assist in water withdrawal permitting
Use in groundwater flow models