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:
Water Quantity
Sensor-based: WaterML2
Water Quality
EPA’s WQX (Json format details: https://github.com/gordonfn/wqx#references)
www.nemi.gov (water quality methods and analytes)
Water Use
USGS recommends use of WaDE’s schema
Metadata
Geospatial metadata: FGDC (Standards Working Group)
BoR’s RWIS
CUAHSI’s Data Management Plans
General
ODM2 is a highly general data model that includes many helpful controlled vocabularies
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)
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