Water authorities, water companies, and environmental organizations have groundwater monitoring networks for various purposes. Generally, observation of water table dynamics is necessary in order to determine whether structural changes or trends occur. Monitoring can also be a requirement, for example from the Water Framework Directive or for water companies to receive a permit for groundwater withdrawal.
Monitoring network design
Berendrecht Consultancy delivers advice in the design of monitoring networks. Before designing such a network it is important to set the measurement objectives: what questions should be answered with monitoring? If these targets are not yet formulated unambiguous, we work with our clients to formulate these objectives. The design of the network is based on these objectives, knowledge of the hydrological system, existing monitoring locations, and available budget.
Monitoring network optimization
With network optimization we determine to what extent the number of measuring locations can be reduced while retaining a maximum amount of information. We do this on the basis of predefined criteria, such as area-specific criteria (terrain features, land use, soil type) and information-specific criteria. In order to get an optimal monitoring network we use advanced time series analysis techniques, geostatistical techniques and – if available – numerical modeling results. Based on these techniques we evaluate the network and make recommendations for optimal monitoring considering the criteria.