Water Table Depth

What is the best measure of moisture?

The most precise metric for determining soil moisture levels is water table depth, which measures the distance from the surface of the soil to the top of the water table.

A shallow water table indicates that the soil is saturated, while a deep water table suggests that the soil is relatively dry.

How is water table depth measured?

Water table depth can be measured using a variety of methods, including:

• Boreholes: A borehole is a narrow hole that is drilled into the ground to reach the water table. The depth of the water table can then be determined by measuring the distance from the surface of the ground to the water level in the borehole.
• Monitoring wells: A monitoring well is a permanent well that is installed in the ground to monitor water table depth. Monitoring wells are typically equipped with a water level sensor that can be used to measure the water table depth automatically.
• Piezometers: A piezometer is a device that is used to measure the pressure of water in the ground. Piezometers can be used to determine the water table depth by measuring the pressure of water in a well that is connected to the water table.

Why is water table depth important?

Water table depth is an important indicator of the health of an ecosystem. A high water table can lead to flooding, while a low water table can lead to drought. Water table depth can also affect the growth of plants and the availability of water for wildlife.