AVEK Directors supported the Agency's participation in a U.S. Geological Survey Groundwater Monitoring Program as one of three local State Water Contractors that together comprise the Antelope Valley State Water Contractors Association.

The USGS works in collaboration with partners to monitor groundwater levels using the framework of the National Groundwater Monitoring Network (NGWMN). This collaborative groundwater network of Federal, State, and local agency data providers was authorized by the SECURE Water Act in 2009 and aims to build and refine a national network of wells that meet specific criteria related to quality, accessibility, density, and frequency of measurement criteria (2021, USGS.Gov). 

The program maintains records regarding water levels and water quality from some 200 wells within the Antelope Valley, information used by the AV Watermaster Engineer in preparation of the Watermaster’s court mandated annual report. The 2020/2021 program covers a timeframe from Nov. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021.

This latest action is a continuation of the Antelope Valley Groundwater Monitoring Program with the USGS under a Joint Funding Agreement.

Total cost for the 2020/2021 program comes to $98,872 with the Watermaster responsible for $68,342 and USGS contributing $30,530.

AV Watermaster’s commitment will be shared with 50% coming from AVSWCA; 25% from Antelope Valley Integrated Regional Water Management; and 25% from the Watermaster.

At 50%, AVSWCA’s share is $34,171. Because the cost to each of the three agencies that comprise AVSWCA is based on their State Water Project Table A percentages, AVEK will pay $29,285 or 85.7%; Palmdale Water District will pay $4,408 or 12.9%; and Littlerock Creek Irrigation District will pay $478 or 1.4%.

Initially AVSWCA administered the program, but with the Watermaster’s approval of the 2020/2021 Joint Funding Agreement, administration of the program is being handed over to the Watermaster.