Measuring groundwater level

Scientists never stop learning! USGS scientists participate in ongoing training to keep up on the latest scientific methods, tools, and best practices. In this photo, USGS scientists participate in a field class about collecting groundwater data using USGS standards and procedures. A field technician is lowering an electric tape into a well to measure the depth to groundwater. He is leaning over the well to listen for the beep the tape makes when it comes into contact with the water. Other students are tracking the time, taking notes, and observing. Using common standards and procedures ensures that groundwater data meet USGS data quality standards and enables USGS scientists to better compare and analyze data collected at the same location over time, or data collected at different locations by different scientists.