By Peter Dodsworth, BVCA Well Monitoring Group

On April 27, the BVCA Well Monitoring Group carried out their second round of static water level measurements for our Bennett Valley well survey. The first measurements were done on October 2023 on 12 wells. In the interim, six additional Bennett Vallians have volunteered to participate in the program.

Background

Following the Well Monitoring Workshop at the Grange on April 29, 2023 presented by David Noren (see article in the May 2023 BV Voice), the BVCA formed a Well Monitoring Group of four BV property owners Chris Gralapp, Frank Cox, Craig Russell, and Peter Dodsworth. BVCA purchased a water level meter using funds donated by members specifically for the program. David Noren, who presented the workshop, brought his meters to demonstrate their use. including a sonic device and a physical tape measure device He showed us collection methods he has developed with aim of  consistency with other groups doing similar programs.

At the workshop, several attendees expressed interest in participating in the well monitoring. The initial group of voluntary well owners had their water levels measured in August and October of 2023.

Data Collection

Data gathered includes: the coordinates (location) of the well, elevation of the well, and water level/depth in the well. Knowing the date the well was drilled, the depth drilled, and the water level when drilled is also very helpful. This information is shown on the well drillers log for each property.

The second set of measurements happened recently on October 27, when six additional property owners volunteered to have their wells measured. The Group was joined by Pamela Van Halsema from Sonoma Water as our liaison with the agency. She expressed approval and enthusiasm for our pilot project, and will be advising other start-up programs in the county.

Future 

The Group currently has 18 wells in the program on 17 properties, including the Grange Hall.  The wells are principally located in the easterly or upper portion of Bennett Valley. Additional wells are welcomed, in particular from the westerly/lower portion of the Valley, areas closer to City Santa Rosa boundary. 

The intent is to read the water levels in Spring and Fall to identify if there are seasonal changes and possible trends. This is invaluable information for property owners, as well as identifying potential trends in Bennett Valley and the region. The data will be shared with Sonoma Water, to help fill in data gaps, which will help create a better understanding of fluctuations in the water table in these times of climate change. The hoped-for result will be masses of data from all corners of Sonoma County, so we can get a bead on this shared community resource in Bennett Valley and beyond.

If interested in joining the Well Monitoring Group, or in having your well monitored, please reach out to Chris Gralapp at newsletter@bennettvalley.org.