Measuring the groundwater level in a well near Lame Deer, Montana
How can I find the depth to the water table in a specific location?
The depth to the water table can change (rise or fall) depending on the time of year. During the late winter and spring when accumulated snow starts to melt and spring rainfall is plentiful, water on the surface infiltrates into the ground and the water table rises. When water-loving plants start to grow again in the spring and precipitation gives way to hot, dry summers, the water table falls because of evapotranspiration.
The most reliable method of obtaining the depth to the water table at any given time is to measure the water level in a shallow well with a tape. If no wells are available, surface geophysical methods can sometimes be used, depending on surface accessibility for placing electric or acoustic probes.
Databases containing depth-to-water measurements can also be helpful, though they don't always have current data:
- The USGS National Water Information System (NWIS) has depth-to-water measurements made in the present and the past. A convenient way to find data for your area is by using the NWIS Mapper and selecting "Groundwater Sites" in the menu on the left. Click on any red groundwater pin to access the data (need to zoom in to change the dots to pins).
- The National Groundwater Monitoring Network is a compilation of groundwater monitoring wells from federal, state, and local groundwater networks across the nation. Use their Data Portal to zoom in to your area of interest and click on any site.
- Your state government probably maintains a database of drillers' logs that have water levels recorded when a well was drilled, and hydrologic consultants often have reports that contain water level data from shallow boreholes.
Consulting any or all of these sources is a good first step in finding out the depth to the water table.
Learn more:
Related Content
Where can I find detailed sampling methods for surface water and groundwater?
The National Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Data (National Field Manual) provides guidelines and standard procedures for USGS personnel who collect data used to assess the quality of the Nation’s surface water and groundwater resources. The manual is published as separate chapters. Learn more: Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations Reports
How important is groundwater?
Groundwater, which is in aquifers below the surface of the Earth, is one of the Nation's most important natural resources. Groundwater is the source of about 37 percent of the water that county and city water departments supply to households and businesses (public supply). It provides drinking water for more than 90 percent of the rural population who do not get their water delivered to them from...
Where can I get my well water tested?
Some counties offer free well water testing, so check with your county first. If they don't, use this EPA website to find a list of state-certified laboratories in your area that do water testing, or contact your county or state health department or your State Certification Officer for assistance. Prices will vary depending on the laboratory and the test(s), but most people consider the cost to be...
What is the difference between a confined and an unconfined (water table) aquifer?
A confined aquifer is an aquifer below the land surface that is saturated with water. Layers of impermeable material are both above and below the aquifer, causing it to be under pressure so that when the aquifer is penetrated by a well, the water will rise above the top of the aquifer. A water table--or unconfined--aquifer is an aquifer whose upper water surface (water table) is at atmospheric...
What is the Ground Water Atlas of the United States?
This Ground Water Atlas of the United States is a series of USGS publications that describe the location, the extent, and the geologic and hydrologic characteristics of the important aquifers of the Nation. The series consists of 13 chapters that describe the regional groundwater resources that collectively cover 50 States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more: Principal Aquifers...
If the ground filters water, is groundwater always clean?
Water drawn from a well was once precipitation that fell onto Earth's surface. It seeped into the ground and, over time, occupied the porous space in some subsurface material. Big particles that are in surface streams, such as leaf chunks, will not be seen in groundwater. So, yes, big particles are filtered out by the ground, along with some minerals and chemicals that are too small to see. But...
How do I find the best place to drill for water on my property?
Many factors must be considered before deciding where to drill a water well. The most important is to decide how the well will be used. If the well is for drinking water, then local geology, hydrology, and state regulations are important to know. Contact the department in your state government that regulates and tracks water and natural resources. They should have information on licensed drillers...
Measuring the groundwater level in a well near Lame Deer, Montana
This video demonstrates how to measure total well depth below land surface using a weighted, graduated steel tape.
This video demonstrates how to measure total well depth below land surface using a weighted, graduated steel tape.
This video demonstrates how to measure low pressure hydraulic head in a flowing well.
This video demonstrates how to measure low pressure hydraulic head in a flowing well.
This video demonstrates how to measure water levels in wells using a graduated steel tape.
This video demonstrates how to measure water levels in wells using a graduated steel tape.
This video demonstrates how to measure water levels in wells using an electric tape.
This video demonstrates how to measure water levels in wells using an electric tape.
Taking a water-level measurement in a monitoring well at Jackson Hole Airport.
Taking a water-level measurement in a monitoring well at Jackson Hole Airport.
This month we highlight a new interactive map that allows users to determine the depth to groundwater at any location in the Portland Metropolitan Area, Oregon. This month's episode features an interview with the groundwater project's lead author, USGS hydrologist Daniel Snyder.
This month we highlight a new interactive map that allows users to determine the depth to groundwater at any location in the Portland Metropolitan Area, Oregon. This month's episode features an interview with the groundwater project's lead author, USGS hydrologist Daniel Snyder.
Groundwater well overflowing
Status of water-level altitudes and long-term and short-term water-level changes in the Chicot and Evangeline (undifferentiated) and Jasper aquifers, greater Houston area, Texas, 2023
Water-level and recoverable water in storage changes, High Plains Aquifer, predevelopment to 2019 and 2017 to 2019
Potentiometric surfaces (2013, 2015), groundwater quality (2010–15), and water-level changes (2011–13, 2013–15) in the Sparta-Memphis aquifer in Arkansas
Potentiometric surface maps of selected confined aquifers in southern Maryland and Maryland's eastern shore, 2019
Groundwater studies: principal aquifer surveys
Groundwater technical procedures of the U.S. Geological Survey
Ground-water availability in the United States
Sustainability of ground-water resources
Ground water and surface water: A single resource
Ground water and the rural homeowner
Related Content
- FAQ
Where can I find detailed sampling methods for surface water and groundwater?
The National Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Data (National Field Manual) provides guidelines and standard procedures for USGS personnel who collect data used to assess the quality of the Nation’s surface water and groundwater resources. The manual is published as separate chapters. Learn more: Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations Reports
How important is groundwater?
Groundwater, which is in aquifers below the surface of the Earth, is one of the Nation's most important natural resources. Groundwater is the source of about 37 percent of the water that county and city water departments supply to households and businesses (public supply). It provides drinking water for more than 90 percent of the rural population who do not get their water delivered to them from...
Where can I get my well water tested?
Some counties offer free well water testing, so check with your county first. If they don't, use this EPA website to find a list of state-certified laboratories in your area that do water testing, or contact your county or state health department or your State Certification Officer for assistance. Prices will vary depending on the laboratory and the test(s), but most people consider the cost to be...
What is the difference between a confined and an unconfined (water table) aquifer?
A confined aquifer is an aquifer below the land surface that is saturated with water. Layers of impermeable material are both above and below the aquifer, causing it to be under pressure so that when the aquifer is penetrated by a well, the water will rise above the top of the aquifer. A water table--or unconfined--aquifer is an aquifer whose upper water surface (water table) is at atmospheric...
What is the Ground Water Atlas of the United States?
This Ground Water Atlas of the United States is a series of USGS publications that describe the location, the extent, and the geologic and hydrologic characteristics of the important aquifers of the Nation. The series consists of 13 chapters that describe the regional groundwater resources that collectively cover 50 States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more: Principal Aquifers...
If the ground filters water, is groundwater always clean?
Water drawn from a well was once precipitation that fell onto Earth's surface. It seeped into the ground and, over time, occupied the porous space in some subsurface material. Big particles that are in surface streams, such as leaf chunks, will not be seen in groundwater. So, yes, big particles are filtered out by the ground, along with some minerals and chemicals that are too small to see. But...
How do I find the best place to drill for water on my property?
Many factors must be considered before deciding where to drill a water well. The most important is to decide how the well will be used. If the well is for drinking water, then local geology, hydrology, and state regulations are important to know. Contact the department in your state government that regulates and tracks water and natural resources. They should have information on licensed drillers...
- Multimedia
Measuring the groundwater level in a well near Lame Deer, MontanaMeasuring the groundwater level in a well near Lame Deer, Montana
Measuring the groundwater level in a well near Lame Deer, Montana
Measuring the groundwater level in a well near Lame Deer, Montana
Measuring Total Well Depth Using a Steel Tape - YouTubeMeasuring Total Well Depth Using a Steel Tape - YouTubeMeasuring Total Well Depth Using a Steel Tape - YouTubeThis video demonstrates how to measure total well depth below land surface using a weighted, graduated steel tape.
This video demonstrates how to measure total well depth below land surface using a weighted, graduated steel tape.
Measuring Water Levels in a Flowing WellThis video demonstrates how to measure low pressure hydraulic head in a flowing well.
This video demonstrates how to measure low pressure hydraulic head in a flowing well.
Measuring Groundwater with Steel TapeThis video demonstrates how to measure water levels in wells using a graduated steel tape.
This video demonstrates how to measure water levels in wells using a graduated steel tape.
Measuring Groundwater with Electric TapeThis video demonstrates how to measure water levels in wells using an electric tape.
This video demonstrates how to measure water levels in wells using an electric tape.
Taking a water-level measurement in a monitoring well at Jackson HoleTaking a water-level measurement in a monitoring well at Jackson HoleTaking a water-level measurement in a monitoring well at Jackson Hole Airport.
Taking a water-level measurement in a monitoring well at Jackson Hole Airport.
Well, Well, Well! How Deep is the Water Table?This month we highlight a new interactive map that allows users to determine the depth to groundwater at any location in the Portland Metropolitan Area, Oregon. This month's episode features an interview with the groundwater project's lead author, USGS hydrologist Daniel Snyder.
This month we highlight a new interactive map that allows users to determine the depth to groundwater at any location in the Portland Metropolitan Area, Oregon. This month's episode features an interview with the groundwater project's lead author, USGS hydrologist Daniel Snyder.
Groundwater well overflowingGroundwater well overflowing
- Publications
Status of water-level altitudes and long-term and short-term water-level changes in the Chicot and Evangeline (undifferentiated) and Jasper aquifers, greater Houston area, Texas, 2023
Since the early 1900s, groundwater withdrawn from the primary aquifers that compose the Gulf Coast aquifer system—the Chicot, Evangeline, and Jasper aquifers—has been an important source of water in the greater Houston area, Texas. This report, prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District, City of Houston, Fort Bend Subsidence District, Lone SAuthorsJason K. RamageWater-level and recoverable water in storage changes, High Plains Aquifer, predevelopment to 2019 and 2017 to 2019
The High Plains aquifer underlies 111.8 million acres (about 175,000 square miles) in parts of eight States: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. Water-level declines began in parts of the High Plains aquifer soon after the beginning of substantial groundwater irrigation (about 1950). This report presents water-level changes and change in recoverableAuthorsVirginia L. McGuire, Kellan R. StrauchPotentiometric surfaces (2013, 2015), groundwater quality (2010–15), and water-level changes (2011–13, 2013–15) in the Sparta-Memphis aquifer in Arkansas
The Sparta-Memphis aquifer, present across much of eastern Arkansas, is the second most used groundwater resource in the State, with the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer being the primary groundwater resource. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Arkansas Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Division, Arkansas Geological Survey, Natural Resources Conservation Service, UnAuthorsAnna M. Nottmeier, Katherine J. Knierim, Phillip D. HaysPotentiometric surface maps of selected confined aquifers in southern Maryland and Maryland's eastern shore, 2019
This report presents potentiometric-surface maps of the Aquia and Magothy aquifers and the Upper Patapsco, Lower Patapsco, and Patuxent aquifer systems using water levels measured during the fall season of 2019. The potentiometric surface maps show water levels ranging from 56 feet above sea level to 163 feet below sea level in the Aquia aquifer, from 87 feet above sea level to 119 feet below seaAuthorsAndrew W. Staley, David C. Andreasen, Elizabeth H. MarchandGroundwater studies: principal aquifer surveys
In 1991, the U.S. Congress established the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to develop nationally consistent long-term datasets and provide information about the quality of the Nation’s streams and groundwater. The USGS uses objective and reliable data, water-quality models, and systematic scientific studies to assess current water-qualityAuthorsKaren R. Burow, Kenneth BelitzGroundwater technical procedures of the U.S. Geological Survey
A series of groundwater technical procedures documents (GWPDs) has been released by the U.S. Geological Survey, Water-Resources Discipline, for general use by the public. These technical procedures were written in response to the need for standardized technical procedures of many aspects of groundwater science, including site and measuring-point establishment, measurement of water levels, and measAuthorsWilliam L. Cunningham, Charles W. SchalkGround-water availability in the United States
Ground water is among the Nation's most important natural resources. It provides half our drinking water and is essential to the vitality of agriculture and industry, as well as to the health of rivers, wetlands, and estuaries throughout the country. Large-scale development of ground-water resources with accompanying declines in ground-water levels and other effects of pumping has led to concernsAuthorsThomas E. Reilly, Kevin F. Dennehy, William M. Alley, William L. CunninghamSustainability of ground-water resources
The pumpage of fresh ground water in the United States in 1995 was estimated to be approximately 77 billion gallons per day (Solley and others, 1998), which is about 8 percent of the estimated 1 trillion gallons per day of natural recharge to the Nation's ground-water systems (Nace, 1960). From an overall national perspective, the ground-water resource appears ample. Locally, however, the availabiAuthorsWilliam M. Alley, Thomas E. Reilly, O. Lehn FrankeGround water and surface water: A single resource
The importance of considering ground water and surface water as a single resource has become increasingly evident. Issues related to water supply, water quality, and degradation of aquatic environments are reported on frequently. The interaction of ground water and surface water has been shown to be a significant concern in many of these issues. Contaminated aquifers that discharge to streams canAuthorsThomas C. Winter, Judson W. Harvey, O. Lehn Franke, William M. AlleyGround water and the rural homeowner
As the salesmen sang in the musical The Music Man, "You gotta know the territory." This saying is also true when planning to buy or build a house. Learn as much as possible about the land, the water supply, and the septic system of the house before buying or building. Do not just look at the construction aspects or the beauty of the home and surroundings. Be sure to consider the environmental condAuthorsRoger M. Waller - News