There is a large diversity in the amount and type of water data collected across the state and needed to inform water-related decisions. Data could be about
surface water conditions (e.g., evaporation, soil moisture, precipitation, ecosystem health, and location of reservoirs/rivers/conveyances);
ground water conditions (e.g., groundwater levels, locations and depths of wells, aquifer parameters, and geological formations); and
related management processes (e.g., permits for use (type and quantity), measured diversions/extractions, amount in storage, water returns/injections, and water quality).
For all these datasets, we need to capture relevant information (i.e., specific measurements) as well as associated metadata (i.e., describes and gives information about the specific measurements).
Generally, every agency has their own internal practices and standards but we require a common understanding to ensure data is being accurately represented within the central platform. The subpages below capture current discussions regarding these common standards for the NM Water Data Act.
Key Resources:
Existing Standards:
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Water Quantity
Sensor-based: WaterML2
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Water Quality
EPA’s WQX (Json format details: https://github.com/gordonfn/wqx#references)
www.nemi.gov (water quality methods and analytes)
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The reality is that there aren’t actually many water data standards that are widely adopted. For example, water rights and use data has a different standard for each state. Perhaps the only exception to that rule is the widespread use of EPA WQX for water quality samples within the United States. Below are some of the standards-related resources we’ve identified and are leveraging in our discussions:
Metadata
Geospatial metadata: FGDC (Standards Working Group)
BoR’s RWIS
CUAHSI’s Data Management Plans
Water Quantity
WaterML2 is a meta-standard/data model great for capturing any kind of time series hydrologic data (incl. stream gages, continuous water quality monitoring sensors, groundwater well profiles, and related environmental features)
USGS recommends use of WaDE’s schema
Metadata
Geospatial metadata: FGDC (Standards Working Group)
USGS National Geospatial Program for water use information
Water Quality
NEMI (water quality methods and analytes)
General
ODM2 is a highly general data model that includes many helpful controlled vocabulariesGeneral (developed by CUAHSI for academic purposes)
QUDT is comprehensive for general observed physical properties and units, QUDT is comprehensive.
FGDC’s Open Water Data Initiative
Spatial Data Standards for Facilities, Infrastructure, and Environment → contains both metadata and facilities information (DoD)