Groundwater Level Status Information Page
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What does this dashboard relate to?
The dashboard reports on the current status of groundwater resource in South Africa. The intensity of drought will be indicated by comparing the current groundwater level against the maximum and minimum groundwater levels ever measured at geosites. This data is then display as a percentage value that can be compared with other geosites. The measurement of groundwater levels that are displayed as percentage value provides information about groundwater level status at a regional, provincial and also provider a broader picture of groundwater status at national level. The dashboards utilise the time series data from Hydstra database and this will assist in the prediction for future trends.
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What type/s of questions does the information product aim to answer?
The dashboard aims to answer the following questions:
- What is the status of groundwater levels?
- Which aquifers are at risk in terms of over-abstraction, which requires intensive management?
- Is there any water restrictions need to be implemented to alleviate the situation?
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Data / Information discussion:
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What data is used?
All groundwater data collected by DWS is stored in a commercial hydro-informatics database called Hydstra. The data is collected in the field at monitoring stations which are maintained and operated by DWS regional offices staff. The information collected is critical for the effective and sustainable management of groundwater resources in South Africa.
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How is it extracted and from where?
- It has to be noted that the data is unverified.
Some Meta data is populated in the table format that is relevant for the groundwater monitoring stations. This information is extracted from relevant fields in Hydstra by NIWIS.
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How often is it extracted?
The data is extracted monthly basis.
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What data is used?
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Person(s) who championed the dashboard
- Mr Ramusiya Fhedzisani, Hydrological Services
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Enquiries:
- For all dashboard enquiries click HERE to go to the Contact Us page.
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Links to other sources of related information
The data, maps and analysis of monthly report “Status of Groundwater Level Trends” are captured and published on a monthly basis.
The following link is for the groundwater section website at DWS, with further links to relevant information about groundwater monitoring done by DWS. There are also other information products (GIS maps) available on the website.
http://www.dwa.gov.za/groundwater/ -
Are there any limitations / cautions related to using this information?
Yes, please refer to the below:
There are no limitations / cautions associated with using the information on this dashboard. The information on the ‘Recent Data Availability Status’ is a reflection of the current dataset stored in the database.
When it comes to the actual groundwater data supplied by DWS from Hydstra, the correct understanding and data analysis techniques should be applied when using the data. More details can be requested from the contact person above.
Copyright: The copyright of the data/information remains with the Department of Water and Sanitation. This approval to use the data/information cannot be construed as a transfer of copyright.
Usage: All data is supplied free of charge and may not be sold to third parties. The use of information data is restricted to use for academic, research or personal purposes.
Quality: All data is supplied with no expressed or implied warranty as to its suitability for purpose, accuracy or completeness.
Status: Meanwhile data is continuously updated; the data set(s) supplied are already historical on the day of supply.
Acknowledgement: Whenever used in publications or the electronic media, the Department Water and Sanitation is to be mentioned as the proprietor of the relevant copyright