Paso Basin Aerial Groundwater Mapping Pilot Study

The County of San Luis Obispo was selected for a pilot study to collect geophysical mapping data in a portion of the Paso Robles Basin (click for map of study area). The successful pilot study used innovative technology called Aerial Electromagnetic Method (AEM) to collect geophysical data in the Paso Robles Basin. The data from this pilot study will be used to enhance groundwater modeling efforts and provide a better picture of our groundwater system.

Project Status Update

On November 7, 2019, the mapping survey was succesfully completed over the Paso Robles Basin. Survey reports are available to review in the table below.

Report

Description

Link

Hydrogeologic Conceptual Model in Paso Robles, Traditional HCM Report                                                  

This report was prepared to improve the understanding of the hydrology in the central portion of the Paso Robles Basin based on geophysical data collected in November 2019.

Click here to view the report

October 2020: Draft Data Report SkyTEM Survey, Paso Robles Basin by SkyTEM Airborne Surveys Worldwide

This report covers data acquisition, technical specifications, data processing and presentation of the SkyTEM312M survey flown in November 2019 in the Paso Robles Basin, CA.  

Click here to view the report

Multipoint Statistical Report: Application of a multipoint method to assess potential recharge areas in San Luis Obispo County, California, U.S.A.  The MPS report discusses the application of a multipoint statistics method to assess potential recharge areas in Pilot Study area in the Paso Robles Basin. Click here to view this report

DWR's Upcoming AEM Surveys

The Department of Water Resources is conducting airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys in California’s high- and medium-priority groundwater basins, where data collection is feasible, to assist local water managers as they implement the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) to manage groundwater for long term sustainability. 

Watch this short video (https://youtu.be/bT4jBVilTvU) to learn more about the AEM geophysical method, or visit DWR's AEM project webpage: water.ca.gov/programs/SGMA/AEM

For questions and additional information, please email DWR at [email protected].

Informational Presentations

Paso Basin Cooperative Committee Meeting - April 28, 2021 @ 4:00 p.m.

Agenda item 7 - Receive presentation on Paso Basin Aerial Groundwater Mapping Pilot Study

  • Click here to view the agenda and staff report

County Board of Supervisors Meeting - April 20, 2021 @ 9:00 a.m.

Agenda item 35 - Receive and file a presentation of the Paso Basin Aerial Groundwater Mapping Pilot Study

  • Click here to view the staff report and supporting documents

AEM Flight Demonstration

The video below provides an overview of AEM technology and demonstrates how this type of groundwater mapping technology is used. (Video: Stanford University)

Related Forms & Documents

Hydrogeologic Conceptual Model in Paso Robles, Traditional HCM Report
Multipoint Statistical Report
October 2020: Draft Data Report

Frequently Asked Questions