Libby Wildermuth
Libby is a Hydrologist at the Arizona Water Science Center in Tucson, AZ.
My work integrates multiple hydrologic methods—including geophysics, groundwater-level and storage analyses, water-quality data, and groundwater-flow modeling—to improve understanding of aquifer structure and function. Previous projects included measuring aquifer-storage change using repeat microgravity through the USGS Southwest Gravity Program.
I currently work on binational groundwater projects with Mexico, focusing on transboundary aquifers shared by both countries. These studies are conducted collaboratively with our counterparts in Mexico through established frameworks that support data sharing and cooperative science.
Science and Products
Aquifer-storage monitoring at Tucson Water’s Heritage Project
Tucson Water’s Santa Cruz River Heritage Project releases up to 3,150 acre-feet a year of reclaimed water into the Santa Cruz River channel near downtown Tucson, AZ, much of which is expected to recharge to the subsurface through the channel bottom. Tracking the movement of recharged water is necessary to limit the dispersal of that water within specific target boundaries, and to enable resource...
Monitoring aquifer-storage change at Tucson Water's Southeast Houghton Area Recharge Project
The Arizona Water Science Center is monitoring aquifer-storage changes at an artificial recharge facility operated by Tucson Water in southeast Tucson. Aquifer-storage change is monitored by measuring changes in gravity over time at the same network of benchmarks. As water is added or removed from the aquifer, there is a change in mass and a corresponding measurable change in gravity.
Aquifer-Storage Change and Land-Surface Elevation Change Monitoring in the Tucson Active Management Area
The Arizona Water Science Center is monitoring aquifer-storage changes and land subsidence within the Tucson Active Management Area (AMA). Land-surface elevation change is monitored at a network of benchmarks throughout the Tucson AMA by measuring changes in land surface elevation over time (approximately annually) with Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR). Aquifer-storage change is...
Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP)
Many communities along the U.S.-Mexico border have limited surface water supply and rely on transboundary aquifers for industry, agriculture, and drinking water; however, information on water needs, water quality, and the extent and functioning of these aquifers is incomplete. The Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP), established through a binational agreement between the United States...
Science and Products
Aquifer-storage monitoring at Tucson Water’s Heritage Project
Tucson Water’s Santa Cruz River Heritage Project releases up to 3,150 acre-feet a year of reclaimed water into the Santa Cruz River channel near downtown Tucson, AZ, much of which is expected to recharge to the subsurface through the channel bottom. Tracking the movement of recharged water is necessary to limit the dispersal of that water within specific target boundaries, and to enable resource...
Monitoring aquifer-storage change at Tucson Water's Southeast Houghton Area Recharge Project
The Arizona Water Science Center is monitoring aquifer-storage changes at an artificial recharge facility operated by Tucson Water in southeast Tucson. Aquifer-storage change is monitored by measuring changes in gravity over time at the same network of benchmarks. As water is added or removed from the aquifer, there is a change in mass and a corresponding measurable change in gravity.
Aquifer-Storage Change and Land-Surface Elevation Change Monitoring in the Tucson Active Management Area
The Arizona Water Science Center is monitoring aquifer-storage changes and land subsidence within the Tucson Active Management Area (AMA). Land-surface elevation change is monitored at a network of benchmarks throughout the Tucson AMA by measuring changes in land surface elevation over time (approximately annually) with Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR). Aquifer-storage change is...
Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP)
Many communities along the U.S.-Mexico border have limited surface water supply and rely on transboundary aquifers for industry, agriculture, and drinking water; however, information on water needs, water quality, and the extent and functioning of these aquifers is incomplete. The Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP), established through a binational agreement between the United States...