The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will dig a nearly 2,000-foot well to monitor groundwater conditions in Waimea.
According to a statement from the Commission on Water Resource Management, the well — paid for by $2 million in state capital improvement funds — will be about 4 to 6 inches in diameter and could be as deep as 1,800 feet, depending on the drill site.
The specific location has not yet been determined, but there are three general regions being considered, all on state land near Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area.
The well will be a “deep monitor well” and is part of a greater statewide effort by the commission to determine the health of Hawaii’s aquifers. Thirteen other wells already have been drilled elsewhere in Hawaii.
Because the majority of the state’s clean drinking water comes from aquifers, a robust aquifer-monitoring system is essential for identifying long-term impacts to the islands’ groundwater.
“Given concerns about development, the loss of native forests, and other impacts to the sustainable yield in the Waimea area, a (deep monitor well) is needed to help us observe and assess current and long-term aquifer conditions and changes in water availability,” said Katie Roth, the commission’s hydrologic program planning manager, in September. “This is critical to ensuring sustainability of groundwater resources.”
The well passes through a series of different regions of the aquifer and monitors their depths over time. This allows researchers to determine how healthy the aquifer is: The thicker the freshwater portion of the aquifer, the better.
“Climate change will impact water security in this region and the other areas throughout the state that are severely impacted by drought and susceptible to wildfires,” said Commission Deputy Director Kaleo Manuel in September. “This monitoring well will help add another data set to inform both current and long-term management of water resources.”
While the well will be used to monitor the aquifer serving Waimea, it will be located near the coast, away from the town proper, because of natural dikes located beneath Waimea. Near the coast, however, the aquifer is thinner and requires constant monitoring.
Work on the well, including design work, planning and permitting, is expected to begin in March. The entire project should be completed by June 2024.
Because the well site will be far from any homes or communities, it is not expected to cause any disruptions to residents.
Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com.