GrundwassermonitoringNetzen

Grundwassermonitoring, or groundwater monitoring, is the systematic observation of groundwater quantity and quality over time. It provides information on water availability, chemical composition, and system health, supporting water resource management, environmental protection, and compliance with drinking-water standards.

Methods and components include observation wells and piezometers for measuring groundwater levels, and sampling programs to assess chemical composition. Automatic level loggers and in situ sensors monitor parameters such as temperature, electrical conductivity, and pH, while laboratory analyses determine nutrients, major ions, metals, pesticides, and organic contaminants. Monitoring networks aim to cover representative aquifers, recharge areas, and vulnerable zones, with data integrated into geological and hydrological models.

Data products from monitoring include groundwater level time series, hydrographs, and maps of aquifer status, along with trend analyses. Quality assurance and QA/QC procedures ensure data comparability over time and across sites. The results inform risk assessment, estimation of sustainable yield, detection of contamination plumes, and evaluation of protection measures and remediation strategies.

Governance and organization vary by country but typically involve environmental or water authorities, utilities, and research institutions. Data are often published in environmental reports and national monitoring programs, and may support compliance with drinking-water regulations. Challenges include uneven spatial coverage, high costs, and limited access to private wells, while advances come from improved sensors, data management, and modeling integration.