Ground-Water Database Disclaimer
This ground-water database includes water-level data from approximately 20,500 wells and represents many years of collection effort from various agencies. Any user of these data should be aware that the information contained in this database has an inherent range of accuracy caused by differing and evolving data maintenance and collection methods. Data inaccuracies also can occur from inaccurate well locations (latitude and longitude), water levels associated with the incorrect well, and data entry errors. Water levels from the last 3 years are considered to be more correct than historical data, as more quality-control methods have been used in recent years.
To help users determine the accuracy of specific water-level data, a quality assurance (QA) code has been added to each water-level value. A QA code of 1 indicates that the water level has been checked for inaccuracies. A QA code of 0 indicates that only preliminary checking has occurred. QA codes for well site information, such as location, altitude, well depth, and construction parameters, will be added.
Correction of erroneous data occurs on a continuous basis to provide the best quality information. Inaccuracies are corrected by examining paper copies of the original measurements and updating the database. This process is very time-consuming and all errors likely will not be discovered and corrected in the near future. Please do not hesitate to question anomalous data.
If you have any questions, comments, or requests, please contact Jennifer Stanton at 402-437-5636 or e-mail jstanton@usgs.gov. We encourage users to bring anomalous data to our attention so that they can be corrected and we can improve the quality of our database.
Source of Water Levels:
In 1930, the Conservation and Survey Division (CSD) of the University of Nebraska and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began a cooperative water-level measurement program to observe and document, on a continuing basis, the changes in ground-water levels throughout Nebraska. As a part of that program, the USGS has maintained and updated this ground-water level database, which includes water levels from the following agencies and associations: CSD; USGS; Natural Resources Districts (NRDs); Ground Water Conservation Districts; U.S. Bureau of Reclamation; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District; County Extension offices; Omaha Metropolitan Utilities District; and Lincoln Water System. Since 1974 most water levels have been measured by NRDs. The database does contain some water levels measured by USGS personnel prior to 1930.