USGS to Update Antelope Valley Ground-Water Basin Model

Los Angeles County approves agreement, funding for research project

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will work with the County of Los Angeles to evaluate how quickly the groundwater basin in rapidly growing Antelope Valley is being replenished by both natural and artificial recharge sources.

USGS scientists are partnering with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works to produce an updated groundwater flow model for Antelope Valley that can be used to better manage the basin’s groundwater resources. The project and funding agreement were approved recently by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

USGS scientists developed the original groundwater flow model for Antelope Valley, but the model contains data only up to 1995. Under this agreement, the USGS will update the data through 2005 and train Public Works employees on the use of the model.

The project, scheduled to conclude in late 2009, will cost about $700,000, with the USGS contributing $250,000 and the County of Los Angeles providing the remaining $450,000.

Several key factors will be considered in the study, including:

"We are developing a tool to help local water managers more effectively evaluate and manage their groundwater resources," said Dr. Tracy Nishikawa, a lead USGS scientist on the project.

"This agreement will provide an important update to increase the value of the ground-water modeling tool," said Adam Ariki, Assistant Deputy Director, Waterworks Division, at Public Works. "Having our staff trained to use the model will allow the Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40, Antelope Valley, to evaluate the impact of various water management strategies on the ground-water basin from a regional standpoint."

The USGS has been studying the Antelope Valley since the early 1900s and working with the County of Los Angeles on groundwater issues for more than a decade.

The study is being led by scientists from USGS' California Water Science Center. The center, based in Sacramento, has more than 130 scientists who bring a broad range of scientific disciplines to the study of modern water management issues.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works manages the design, construction, operation, maintenance and repair of roads, bridges, airports, capital projects, sewers, water supply, flood control, and water conservation facilities, as well as regulatory and ministerial programs for the County and contract cities.

USGS provides science for a changing world. For more information, visit www.usgs.gov.

###