Title
Review of the 2024 August Trough Groundwater Elevation Contour Maps
Report
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Monterey County Water Resources Agency (Agency) is responsible for data collection and analysis of groundwater data throughout the Salinas Valley to support the ongoing groundwater level contouring, seawater intrusion mapping, and other programs related to current groundwater conditions. Conditions are assessed throughout the year to better understand how aquifers are responding during different hydrologic conditions as well as the relative groundwater storage fluctuations that occur on an annual basis.
These activities align with Strategic Plan Goals B7, Use of data and analysis to make informed decisions based on science and E1, improve public outreach to increase transparency, communication, education and information about Agency projects and programs. Activities associated with this program are included in Funds 111 & 116 of the FY 24-25 budget.
OVERVIEW OF 2024 DATA
August Trough Groundwater Level Survey
On a single day in August, Agency staff conducts an intensive groundwater level survey of the northern Salinas Valley referred to as August Trough. Groundwater levels (GWLs) are sampled at around 140 wells from Chualar to the coast, to obtain a snapshot of conditions within and beyond the seawater intrusion fronts. This is done during a time of the year when aquifers are most stressed by pumping. One of the key purposes of the August Trough survey is to monitor and assess the forces driving seawater intrusion, in particular groundwater level gradients sloping inland from the coast, which are most pronounced when pumping is at its seasonal peak.
The 2024 August Trough groundwater elevation contours for the 180-Foot and East Side Shallow Aquifers are included as Attachment A. Compared to the 2023 survey, groundwater elevations near the coast have increased by 1 to 3 feet. This increase resulted in groundwater elevations at the coast that are just ...
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