Aquifer architecture
- Geological and hydrostratigraphic units
- Aquifers and aquitards
- Interpreted contacts and boundaries
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Monitoring Program Design
Fit-for-purpose groundwater
monitoring by design.
A monitoring program should be able to explain what is happening, where it is happening and whether it matters. Soltera designs groundwater monitoring around the site hydrogeology, operational history, environmental risk and the decisions the data need to support.
01 · Desktop assessment
Understand what is already known.
We begin by reviewing the existing evidence so new monitoring effort is targeted and defensible rather than duplicating information that already exists.
✓Site history and previous land uses
✓Geology, hydrogeology and topography
✓Existing bore logs and construction information
✓Historical groundwater levels and quality
✓Previous investigations and monitoring reports
✓Potential sources, pathways and receptors
✓Licences, approvals and monitoring requirements
DESKTOP REVIEW
HistoryWhat has happened at the site?
HydrogeologyHow does groundwater move?
Existing dataWhat do we already know?
RiskWhat could affect groundwater?
ObjectiveWhat must monitoring answer?
3D conceptualisation
Build the monitoring program around a three-dimensional understanding of the site.
For complex sites, Soltera can develop 3D conceptual hydrogeological models using specialist tools such as Seequent Leapfrog. These models integrate geological units, aquifers, monitoring bores, groundwater levels, potential sources, migration pathways and receptors to support monitoring design and risk communication.
The 3D model becomes the spatial framework for deciding where monitoring is needed, which aquifer or hydrostratigraphic unit should be targeted, and where potential pathways or receptors require additional coverage.
Explore 3D conceptual models →3D MODEL → NETWORK DESIGN
HydrostratigraphyDefine aquifers, aquitards and key geological boundaries
PathwaysIdentify likely groundwater movement and source-to-receptor pathways
CoverageTest whether the existing bore network captures the relevant groundwater system
TargetingRefine bore locations, depths and screened intervals
CommunicationTranslate complex subsurface conditions into a clear monitoring rationale
02 · Conceptual hydrogeological model
Use the 3D model to understand risk, pathways and monitoring coverage.
For suitable projects, Soltera integrates geology, bore logs, hydrostratigraphy, groundwater elevations and site information into a 3D conceptual model using specialist platforms such as Seequent Leapfrog. The model is used to support monitoring decisions—not simply as a visual output.
Bore coverage
- Bore locations and depths
- Screened intervals
- Vertical and spatial data gaps
Groundwater movement
- Water-level surfaces
- Potential flow pathways
- Groundwater–surface water links
Source to receptor
- Potential contaminant sources
- Migration pathways
- Sensitive receptors and uncertainty
The model provides the conceptual foundation for the monitoring network and can be updated as new bore, geological or groundwater data become available.
03 · Monitoring network design
The right bores, in the right locations, targeting the right groundwater.
The monitoring network is developed around groundwater flow, hydrostratigraphy, potential sources and receptors, existing coverage and the specific monitoring question.
A
Bore number & location
Upgradient/background, source-area, downgradient, boundary and receptor coverage selected around the conceptual model and data gaps.
B
Target aquifer & depth
Recommendations account for aquifer depth, perched systems, multiple aquifers, groundwater levels and potential vertical hydraulic gradients.
C
Screen interval
Screen placement is considered against hydrostratigraphy, water-table position, seasonal variability and the expected location of the groundwater issue being monitored.
04 · Frequency, instrumentation & analytes
Collect enough data to detect meaningful change.
Monitoring frequency and analytical parameters are selected around groundwater behaviour, regulatory requirements and site risk—not simply inherited from a generic schedule.
When to monitor
- Continuous logger data
- Monthly / quarterly
- Six-monthly / annual
- Event-based monitoring
How to monitor
- Manual dipping
- Water-level loggers
- Barometric loggers
- Telemetry where suitable
What to measure on site
- Groundwater levels
- pH / EC / temperature
- DO / ORP / turbidity
- Site-specific parameters
What to analyse
- Background chemistry
- Contaminants of concern
- Compliance parameters
- Source / process indicators
05 · Implementation & review
A monitoring plan should remain useful as the site changes.
Soltera can carry the designed program into field delivery and periodically review whether the network, frequency and analytical suite remain fit for purpose.
Take the plan to field.
Establish field methods, instrumentation, QA/QC, laboratory requirements and monitoring-round workflows.
Check performance.
Assess bore condition, data continuity, monitoring coverage, emerging trends and the quality of the information being generated.
Improve over time.
Add, replace, rationalise or change monitoring where the evidence shows a better program is possible.
Monitoring designed around your site
Start with the groundwater question.
Send us your existing monitoring plan, bore list or site information and we can help determine the most useful next step.