DWR's Basin Characterization Program

DWR has a long history of studying and characterizing California’s groundwater aquifers as a part of [California’s Groundwater (Bulletin 118)](https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Groundwater-Management/Bulletin-118 "California’s Groundwater (Bulletin 118)"). [California's Groundwater Basin Characterization Program](https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Groundwater-Management/Bulletin-118/Basin-Characterization "California's Groundwater Basin Characterization Program") provides the latest data and information about California’s groundwater basins to help local communities better understand their aquifer systems and support local and statewide groundwater management. Under the Basin Characterization Program, new and existing data (AEM, lithology logs, geophysical logs, etc.) are integrated to create continuous maps and three-dimensional models. To support this effort, new data analysis tools have been developed to create texture models, hydrostratigraphic models, and aquifer flow parameters. Data collection efforts have been expanded to include advanced geologic, hydrogeologic, and geophysical data collection and data digitization and quality control efforts will continue. To continue to support data access and data equity, the Basin Characterization Program has developed new online, GIS-based, visualization tools to serve as a central hub for accessing and exploring groundwater related data in California. More information is available on the [Basin Characterization Program webpage](https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Groundwater-Management/Bulletin-118/Basin-Characterization "Basin Characterization Program webpage"). --- # [Maps and Models](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization/resource/6b4823ed-e1e6-4a91-b1c6-f88423962f90 "Maps and Models") Integrated datasets are used to develop state‑stewarded maps and 3D models describing aquifer structure, sediment textures, hydrostratigraphy, and groundwater‑flow properties. Products are updated as new data become available. - Texture Models - Hydrostratigraphic Models - Aquifer Recharge Potential Maps - Extent of Corcoran Clay - Base of Freshwater --- # Groundwater Basin Investigations # DWR conducts investigations at multiple scales to develop state‑stewarded maps and models of California’s groundwater basins. ##Local Investigations + [Madera & North Kings](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization/resource/8400c923-e18d-4ac5-958b-82f88e5af4f8 "Madera & North Kings"): AEM and tTEM, lithology log digitization, texture model, aquifer recharge potential maps. + [Pajaro](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization/resource/043aaa87-5c5d-433e-9afe-80f6966ca3ad "Pajaro"): tTEM + [Western San Joaquin Valley](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization/resource/c2633b9c-cd34-445b-ac2d-4a5b49eb881d "Western San Joaquin Valley"): Lithology and geophysical log digitization, geophysical log interpretation, texture model, aquifer recharge potential maps. + [Prospect Island](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization/resource/b96e8832-d8af-416e-abcd-9240f7fb33d4 "Prospect Island"): FloaTEM. + Little Egbert Island (coming soon): tTEM. ##Regional Investigations + [Sacramento Valley](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization/resource/fed9f9dd-fd0d-4ef6-a21b-a8835404b3c6 "Sacramento Valley"): Lithology log digitization, texture model, aquifer recharge potential map. + Feather River (coming soon): FloaTEM data collection + [Four County Area of San Joaquin Valley (Madera, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties) ](https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/dwr-basin-characterization/resource/a19efaf7-c0c0-4816-bcdc-1c1010a38ab3 "Four County Area of San Joaquin Valley (Madera, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties) "): Data digitization, texture model development, hydrogeologic conceptual model development, clay delineation, subsidence potential and mitigation, and aquifer recharge potential mapping analysis. + [San Joaquin...