FAQs
What is GWLevel.ie?
GWLevel.ie is an interface that provides you with access to groundwater level data collected by Geological Survey Ireland (GSI).
How do I use the website?
The website is divided into two sections showing the location of monitoring points, and the monitored time series. Stations and data are colour coded to differentiate between sites of groundwater floods (in blue) and borehole data (in red).
The top section shows the location of the monitoring points (circles) on a map. The icons for zooming in and out of the map and for accessing relevant information, such as the legend and a short description of the webpage, are located to the left of the screen. Note that navigation through the map can also be carried out by using a mouse. When hovering the cursor above a circle the name of that site will appear. Clicking on the selected circle with the left button will display the associated time series in the bottom section. The name of the site appears on top of the graphic, and the plot shows stage values [mAOD on y-axis] over time [UTC time on x-axis].
The user can zoom into the time series data by clicking the left button and sliding the marker along the desired window of time. Double clicking with the left button will bring you back to the complete time series.
Data displayed in the bottom section can be downloaded as a csv file by clicking the grey arrow located to the right. The csv file contains three columns including: Date, Value (Stage [mAOD]), and name of site.
What types of data are available?
GSI is currently providing stage values, groundwater levels relative to metres above Malin Head. Data are acquired hourly by the datalogger at each site and uploaded online once a day.
How reliable are the data presented on this website?
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Data are provisional, unchecked, and have not been validated to remove invalid or improbable values. Caution should be exercised in the interpretation and/or use of supplied data.
- Data may be inaccurate due to instrument errors, malfunctions or physical changes at the monitoring station.
- Data may be delayed due to telemetry issues or system malfunctions
- Data is provided on a best efforts basis – Geological Survey Ireland will endeavour to maintain data availability, but does not guarantee continuity of services.
- It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the data, if used, is accurate and fit for purpose.
- The logger and telemetry equipment can malfunction or break down, and therefore gaps may occasionally appear in the records provided. It is also possible that sensors can display incorrect data due to a number of factors such as: faulty sensors, build up of debris/silt, etc.
How are water levels recorded?
Water level data are collected using data loggers, which digitally record the water level at set time intervals using a pressure transducer immersed into the groundwater body.
What does the datalogger position line mean?
The data logger position line shows the elevation of the sensor or data logger used to monitor the groundwater levels at that locality. If groundwater levels are beneath the data logger, the time series will show the elevation of the sensor only, and not the groundwater levels. Thus, only groundwater levels above the level of the data logger should be considered.
Disclaimer
Welcome to the Geological Survey Groundwater Level website.
The information presented by Geological Survey Ireland on this website is considered public information, copyright of the Government of Ireland, and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline credits is required. Information from this site may be used for personal, research or commercial purposes; however data may not be further copyrighted without written agreement from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment or the relevant data owner. Access to gwlevel.ie data assumes implied acceptance of the following conditions:
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Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information/material contained on the website, Geological Survey Ireland, its servants or agents, or the relevant data owners, assume no responsibility for and give no guarantees, undertakings or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness or up to date nature of the information provided on the website and do not accept any liability whatsoever arising from any errors or omissions.
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The User agrees that Geological Survey Ireland has the absolute right to reprocess, revise, add to, or remove any data available on this website as it deems necessary, and that the User will in no way hold Geological Survey Ireland liable for any damage or costs incurred as a result of such acts.
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The User understands that Geological Survey Ireland does not guarantee the accuracy of any data available on this website, and it is the User’s responsibility to independently verify and quality control any of the data used and ensure that it is fit for purpose/use.
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GWLevel.ie is not a flood warning or flood forecasting service. Data are not provided in real time and is not intended to be used in any way for flood forecasting or flood warning purposes.
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The User understands that data are provisional, unchecked, and have not been validated to remove invalid or improbable values.
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The User understands that data may be inaccurate due to instrument errors, malfunctions or physical changes at the measurement site, and that data may be delayed due to telemetry issues or system malfunctions.
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The User understands that data are provided on a ‘best efforts’ basis – Geological Survey Ireland will endeavour to maintain data availability, but does not guarantee continuity of services.
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It is the responsibility of the User to ensure that the data, if used, are accurate and fit for purpose.
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The User will use any data available on this website in an appropriate and responsible manner and in accordance with the above notes, warnings and conditions.
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The User will make any third party to whom the data is sent fully aware of these notes, warnings and conditions of use.
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These data are open and are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).