The Data Gap Identification and Data Improvement Project is intended to expand understanding of the hydrogeology and hydrology in the Subbasin, and support updates to the GSP and successful management of the Subbasin. The project is needed to fill data gaps and understanding of the domestic, non-agriculture well conditions in the Subbasin by performing an in-depth review of domestic wells and by creating a Community Monitoring Program.  

The project includes preparation of the five-year GSP Periodic Evaluation and tasks to address recommended corrective actions identified by DWR. The public and interested parties will be kept informed of the project activities through meetings of the Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SHAC) and GSA board, public workshops, and regular email correspondence to the interested parties list. (A similar approach was taken during the development of the GSP.)  

The Project team will need access to land to identify new monitoring sites. Dedicated monitoring equipment will be installed to expand knowledge and understanding of basin conditions in the Vina Subbasin, and address data gaps identified in the GSP. The team will be monitoring wells on private property and in neighborhoods and asking domestic well owners for information. Targeted outreach will be conducted to stakeholders near and around the monitoring sites. A community monitoring plan will be developed for private well owners who will be provided with monitoring equipment and taught how to monitor their own wells.  

 Consultant: Larry Walker Associates

Project Partner: Butte County Water and Resource Conservation

Total Project Budget: $1,070,000

Project Contract:

Project Outcomes

• Expanded Understanding of Basin Conditions: The installation of monitoring sites and equipment aims to address data gaps in the Vina subbasin, enhancing the understanding of hydrogeology and hydrology. This will support updates to the GSP and ensure effective management of the subbasin.
• Improved Understanding of Domestic Wells: By reviewing the domestic wells and establishing a Community Monitoring Program with dry well tracking, the project will provide more insights into the condition of these wells.
• Periodic GSP Evaluation: The project includes preparation for the five-year GSP evaluation, addressing the corrective actions recommended by the Department of Water Resources (DWR).
• Enhanced Stakeholder and Public Engagement: Regular meetings, workshops, and outreach activities will inform the public and stakeholders about the project's progress and encourage participation.
• Domestic Well Monitoring and Community Program: A key outcome is the creation of a monitoring program for domestic wells, equipping volunteer wells with monitoring devices to track water levels and enhancing the data management system for well data.

Project Progress

• Key Accomplishments
  • Draft Proposed Monitoring Network Map 
    • Introduced to the SHAC on October 23, 2024. 
    • Released for public comment: November 1 – November 30, 2024. 
  • SHAC Recommendation 
    • On November 20, 2024, the SHAC recommended that the Board approve the proposed monitoring network. 
  • Public Feedback and Expert Review 
    • On December 2, 2024, consultants: 
      • Reviewed public comments on the proposed monitoring network. 
      • Engaged with the Local Experts Group (LEG) to gather additional feedback. 
  • Board Approval 
    • On December 11, 2024, the Board: 
      • Received a final presentation of the proposed monitoring network. 
      • Reviewed public comments, SHAC recommendations, and feedback from the LEG. 
      • Voted to approve the monitoring network. 
• Upcoming Tasks
  • Finalize access agreements, designs, and bid documents (January 2025). 
  • File Environmental Information Forms for well construction. 
  • Issue notice to proceed for well contractors (Spring 2025). 
  • Complete new well installations (June 2025). 

Projected Project Timeline​​