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December 23, 2021, Red Hill Synoptic Groundwater-Level Survey, Hālawa Area, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i

Open-File Report 2022-1018
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Navy
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20221018

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Abstract

On December 23, 2021, groundwater levels were measured in selected wells in the Hālawa area, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, constituting a synoptic groundwater-level survey (shortened herein to “synoptic survey”) of the area. Groundwater levels were measured mainly from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (times listed in Hawai‘i standard time) and provide a snapshot of groundwater levels during the survey period. Following a reported fuel release that affected groundwater quality in the Red Hill area, several production wells were shut down in the weeks prior to the synoptic survey. These wells include the Red Hill Shaft (shut down on November 28, 2021) and the Hālawa Shaft (shut down on December 3, 2021, except for weekly, short-duration operations for water-quality sampling). Groundwater levels measured in wells during the synoptic survey ranged from 16.34 to 19.77 feet above mean sea level.

The groundwater levels collected during the multiagency synoptic survey contain uncertainty because of several potential sources of error associated with (1) the accuracy of the measuring tapes used, (2) the accuracy of the measuring-point altitude at the top of each well, (3) well plumbness and alignment, (4) human error, and (5) changing conditions during the survey period. Because of these potential sources of error, comparability of groundwater-level measurements may be affected. Some of the sources of uncertainty can be addressed and lead to improved accuracy and comparability of the groundwater levels. For example, uncertainty associated with the measuring-point altitudes can be addressed by resurveying measuring-point altitudes to a common vertical datum using consistent surveying methods.

Suggested Citation

Nakama, R.K., Mitchell, J.N., and Oki, D.S., 2022, December 23, 2021, Red Hill synoptic groundwater-level survey, Hālawa area, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2022–1018, 10 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20221018.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments  
  • Abstract  
  • Introduction  
  • Methods  
  • Data  
  • Limitations  
  • Summary  
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title December 23, 2021, Red Hill synoptic groundwater-level survey, Hālawa area, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2022-1018
DOI 10.3133/ofr20221018
Year Published 2022
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Pacific Islands Water Science Center
Description Report: v, 10 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State Hawaii
Other Geospatial O‘ahu, Hālawa area
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details