Wells - Introduction
Welcome to the improved well section of the Boston Groundwater Trust website. Now you can access data on a particular groundwater observation well by clicking directly on the well location on the map. After reading the information below and agreeing to the terms, you will see our new map. Click on the zoom in button and then click on the area of the map in which you are interested, and the map will zero in on the location that you want. When you can see the well that you want, click on well data. The current reading for that well will appear in a flag on the map, with historical data and additional information to the right of the map, along with a link to a chart of all readings for the well. Returning to the map, you can click on other wells to see readings in the area around the first well. To navigate to areas beyond the edges of the map, you can click on the arrows at the top of the map. We hope that you find this arrangement far easier to use and look forward to receiving your comments on the change. Another way to reach the data for a particular well is to click on "well locations". Click on a particular well, and you’ll get a map showing the well, current data on the map, and historic data on the side. The map also shows nearby wells.
As part of its charge to re-establish and maintain a system for monitoring groundwater levels in parts of the City of Boston, the Boston Groundwater Trust is making available data on groundwater level as shown on the map and accompanying charts. The groundwater elevations are referenced to Boston City Base datum (BCB) and were measured by the Trust’s field researchers in each observation well at the time periods indicated. For reference, the Charles River is typically maintained between elevation 7.5 and elevation 8.0 (BCB). The groundwater levels reported are in the surficial layer of miscellaneous fill, which begins at ground surface and generally varies in thickness from 15 to 25 feet throughout the study area. It is in this stratum that the tops of woodpiles occur; these are the foundations that support many row houses and historic buildings throughout the area. Piles were commonly cut off at elevation 5 (Boston City Base), however some have been observed to be cut off above or below elevation 5.
The groundwater level data presented apply to each individual observation well. Groundwater levels may, and often do, vary within relatively short distances, being affected by: leaking tunnels, pipes and basements; buried impermeable structures/walls; infiltration of precipitation on ground surfaces, or the lack thereof due to buildings or pavements; local dry wells that are periodic recharge sources; and local withdrawals of water by pumping from sumps, dewatering wells, or other drainage systems. The Groundwater Trust, in the presentation of this data, makes no engineering assessment or legal interpretation. Groundwater levels can vary from day-to-day and often rise following heavy rainstorms or prolonged periods of precipitation. No attempt has been made to explain or otherwise interpret the groundwater levels herein presented.
A general description of the location of each observation well is shown on the map and listed below the well elevation chart. Plan locations are considered accurate within approximately 5 feet. Thank you for your interest in groundwater levels of the study area, within which it is essential to maintain groundwater sufficiently high to keep wood piles submerged, thereby preventing easy access to air and subsequent wood rot.
The groundwater level data presented apply to each individual observation well. Groundwater levels may, and often do, vary within relatively short distances, being affected by: leaking tunnels, pipes and basements; buried impermeable structures/walls; infiltration of precipitation on ground surfaces, or the lack thereof due to buildings or pavements; local dry wells that are periodic recharge sources; and local withdrawals of water by pumping from sumps, dewatering wells, or other drainage systems. The Groundwater Trust, in the presentation of this data, makes no engineering assessment or legal interpretation. Groundwater levels can vary from day-to-day and often rise following heavy rainstorms or prolonged periods of precipitation. No attempt has been made to explain or otherwise interpret the groundwater levels herein presented.
A general description of the location of each observation well is shown on the map and listed below the well elevation chart. Plan locations are considered accurate within approximately 5 feet. Thank you for your interest in groundwater levels of the study area, within which it is essential to maintain groundwater sufficiently high to keep wood piles submerged, thereby preventing easy access to air and subsequent wood rot.