The National Groundwater Level Archive Data Retrieval Service
The National Groundwater Level Archive includes water level data for around 170 representative wells and boreholes in the United Kingdom; the average length of record is around 24 years. This archive is supplemented by historical water level data (up to 1974 generally) for approximately 3000 additional monitoring sites.
The data are stored on a computer database and water level records may be made available in various forms as specified by users. Retrievals are available for all of the sites listed in the Register of Selected Groundwater Observation Wells. Note: not all the data contained within the archive have been validated.
In addition, five standard options are available for retrieving data. A description of each option is given below. Options 1 to 4 give details of the well site, the period of record available, and maximum and minimum recorded levels in addition to the output specific to each option. Data may be retrieved for a specific well or for groups of wells by well reference numbers, by area (using National Grid References), by aquifer, by hydrometric area, by measuring authority, or by any combination of these parameters. Data may be output to paper or in digital form and can be transferred over the Internet.
Cost of Service
To cover the computing and handling costs, a moderate charge will be made depending on the data requested. Estimates of these charges may be obtained on request; the right to amend or waive charges is reserved.
Disclaimer
Through the use of quality control procedures every effort is made to maintain and improve the quality of data. However, NERC, the Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Rivers Agency (NI) accepts no liability for any loss or damage, cost or claims arising directly or indirectly from their use.
Requests for Retrievals
Requests for retrieval options should include: the name and address to which the output should be directed, the sites, or areas, for which data are required together with the period of record of interest (where appropriate) and the title of the required option. Where possible, a daytime telephone number should be given.
Requests should be addressed to:
The Records Section
hydroenq@bgs.ac.uk Telephone +44 (0) 1491 838800 Fax +44 (0) 1491 692345 Postal
The British Geological Survey Hydrogeology Group Wallingford Oxon OX10 8BB
Further information concerning the range of data retrieval services, the British Borehole Catalogue CD ROM, and planned developments, is available via the British Geological Survey's Web Site:
http.//www.bgs.ac.uk/bgs/home.html
List of Groundwater Retrieval Options
OPTION TITLE
NOTES
1 Table of groundwater levels
All recorded observations of groundwater level in metres above Ordnance Datum, with dates of observation and maximum and minimum levels for each year. Specific years, or ranges of years, may be requested, otherwise the full period of record is given.
2 Table of annual maximum
Annual maximum and minimum groundwater levels in metres above Ordnance Datum levels with dates of occurrence. Specific years, or ranges of years, may be requested, otherwise the full period of record is given.
3 Table of monthly maximum, minimum and mean groundwater levels
Monthly maximum, minimum and levels in metres above Ordnance Datum, mean groundwater levels together with the number of years contributing values to the calculation of each monthly mean. A specific period of years may be nominated, otherwise the full period of record is given.
4 Hydrographs of groundwater levels
Provides a well hydrograph for a number of groundwater levels of specified years. Castellated annual plots of monthly maximum and mean groundwater levels calculated from a nominated period of years are superimposed upon the hydrograph, provided that the nominated period exceeds 10 years. Tabulations of the monthly maximum, minimum and mean values are also listed, together with the number of years of record used in the calculations, and the number of observations used for each month.
5 Site details
The output comprises the well reference number of the British Geological Survey, the original (Water Data Unit) station number (where applicable), the hydrometric area, the aquifer name and code, the site name and location, the National Grid Reference, the depth of the well, the datum points (from which measurements are made), the altitude of the ground surface, the period of record and the water authority area in which the well or borehole is located.
The conditions applying to the use of data retrieved from the National Groundwater Level Archive are similar to those for the National River Flow Archive.
National Well Record Archive
The British Geological Survey (BGS) also maintains the National Well Record Archive (NWRA) for England and Wales. Currently this archive includes hydrogeological details and reference information for approximately 100,000 shafts, boreholes and some springs - predominantly constructed or used for water supply or the monitoring of groundwater levels or quality. The archive is organised into paper files based upon the 10 kilometre squares of the National Grid. Each file includes a register which details the accession number, the depth, the national grid reference and certain other details. This material is an essential component in the hydrogeological enquiry service operated by BGS and the register details are available in a digital format.
The archive is located at the Wallingford Office of BGS (address above) and all the non-confidential records are open to inspection by the general public. Those wishing to use this facility should contact the BGS Records Section in advance to discuss access procedures and costs.
National Geosciences Information Centre
The NWRA is associated with the National Geosciences Information Service, (NGIS) one of a number of computer-based centres established at NERC Institutes. The NGIS is located at the BGS Headquarters, Keyworth, near Nottingham (Telephone: 0115 936 3100) and provides access to a broad range of geological information (for example, geophysical and hydrogeological logs, core samples and chemical analyses).