Guidelines for Coding and Entering Ground-Water 

Data Into the Ground-Water Site Inventory Data Base 

Version 4.6, U.S. Geological Survey, Washington Water 

Science Center

Open-File Report 2006–1371

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Guidelines for Coding and Entering 

Ground-Water Data into the Ground-Water 

Site Inventory Database Version 4.6, U.S. 

Geological Survey, Washington Water 

Science Center

By R.C. Lane

Open-File Report 2006–1371

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Mark D. Myers, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2007

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Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to 

reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report.

Suggested citation:

Lane, R.C., 2007, Guidelines for coding and entering ground-water data into the ground-water site inventory database 

version 4.6, U.S. Geological Survey, Washington Water Science Center: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

2006-1371, 104 p.
iii

Contents

Abstract...........................................................................................................................................................1

Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................1

Entering and verifying new data into GWSI ..............................................................................................1

Explanation and use of selected GWSI terms ..........................................................................................2

References......................................................................................................................................................3

Section 1. Site record...................................................................................................................................4

Section 2. Construction data records......................................................................................................20

2.1 Construction records (CONS) ....................................................................................................21

2.2 Hole records (HOLE)....................................................................................................................24

2.3 Casing records (CSNG)...............................................................................................................25

2.4 Opening records (OPEN) ............................................................................................................26

2.5 Measuring-point records (MPNT) ............................................................................................28

Section 3. Water-level data records........................................................................................................31

3.1 Water-levels from Land Surface Datum (LSD)........................................................................32

Section 4. Miscellaneous data records ..................................................................................................36

4.1 Other ID records (OTID)..............................................................................................................37

4.2 Visits records (VIST)....................................................................................................................38

4.3 Logs records (LOGS)....................................................................................................................39

4.4 Other-data available records (OTDT) .......................................................................................42

4.5 Owner records ((OWNR) ............................................................................................................42

4.6 Remarks records (RMKS)...........................................................................................................46

Section 5. Discharge data records (DISC)..............................................................................................47

Section 6. Geohydrologic data records ..................................................................................................51

6.1 Geohydrologic records (GEOH) .................................................................................................51

6.2 Aquifer records (AQFR)...............................................................................................................53

Appendix 1. Coding forms..........................................................................................................................55

Appendix 2. Minimum data set for Washington Water Science Center............................................65

Appendix 3. Geohydrologic unit identifiers for Washington State .....................................................69

Appendix 4. Lithology codes for Washington.........................................................................................77

Appendix 5. Other records and components .........................................................................................79

Section 1. Site record........................................................................................................................80

1.28 National water-use code.................................................................................................80

1.29 Data type ............................................................................................................................81

1.30 Instruments........................................................................................................................82

Section 2. Construction data records.............................................................................................82

2.6 Lift record (LIFT)..................................................................................................................83

2.7 Repair records (REPR) .......................................................................................................85

2.8 Spring record (SPNG) ........................................................................................................86

Section 3. Water-level data records...............................................................................................88

3.2 Water levels from Measuring Point (MP).......................................................................89

3.3 Water levels from Mean sea Level (MSL) ......................................................................93
iv

Section 4. Miscellaneous data records .........................................................................................97

4.7 Owner contact (OCNT).......................................................................................................98

4.8 Network records (NETW)................................................................................................100

4.9 Special cases records (SPEC)........................................................................................102

4.10 Miscellaneous values records (MSVL)........................................................................103

4.11 Cooperator’s data records (COOP)................................................................................103

Section 7. Observation well heading records.............................................................................106

Section 8. Hydraulic data records ................................................................................................107

8.1 Hydraulic unit records (HYDR)........................................................................................107

8.2 Coefficients records (COEF).............................................................................................108

Figures

Figure 1. Diagram showing ground-water site-naming system used in Washington ............ 6

Contents—Continued
Abstract

This report establishes and documents the procedures used by the U.S. Geological Survey, Washington Water Science 

Center, to code and enter ground-water data into the Ground-Water Site Inventory database of the U.S. Geological Survey’s 

Ground Water Site Inventory System. These guidelines are consistent with Version 4.6 of the system, but will be updated as each 

new version becomes available.

Introduction

This report establishes and documents a formal and consistent set of procedure, practices, and standards for coding and 

entering ground-water data into the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Washington Water Science Center (WAWSC) GroundWater Site Inventory (GWSI) database. Some definitions, standards, and practices in this document vary from those in the 

National Water Information System (NWIS) User’s Manual (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a). However, this report takes 

precedence over the NWIS User’s Manual and is to be used by the WAWSC.

Entering and Verifying New Data into GWSI

The WAWSC Ground-Water Specialist is responsible for the overall quality control of the GWSI database, for providing 

training and technical assistance with the guidelines in this report, and for assuring that established procedures are followed. 

Project Chiefs are responsible for the coding, entry, and quality control of all ground-water data for their projects that are input 

to the GWSI database.

Prior to coding and entering data into GWSI, all field data should undergo the checks and review listed in Instruction 

Number 4 of Appendix 1b of the WAWSC Quality-Assurance Plan for Ground-Water Data (Drost, 2005). When project 

personnel need to input large quantities of data into GWSI, the WAWSC Ground-Water Specialist should be contacted for 

assistance. All readily available data for a ground-water site should be compiled and entered into the GWSI system using the 

WAWSC Ground-Water Site Schedule, Form No. 9-1904-A, (appendix 1) and at:

<http://wwwdwatcm.wr.usgs.gov/uo/internal/wadmin/Projects/gw_WellCoding_form.pdf>.

This form is referred to in this report as the “coding form.”

The person who fills out the coding form will sign and date the “Coded by” line on the coding form. The completed coding 

form then will be passed to a second party who will enter the data on the coding form into the GWSI database. After all data 

have been entered, the person who entered the data will sign and date the “Entered by” line on the coding form.

WAWSC Standard and Practice is to code and enter as much of the data listed on the coding 

form as is readily available. However, the minimum required and recommended data elements are 

shown in appendix 2 of this report.

Guidelines for Coding and Entering Ground-Water 

Data Into the Ground-Water Site-Inventory Database, 

Version 4.6, U.S. Geological Survey, Washington Water 

Science Center

By R. C. Lane
After all coding forms have been processed, the data should be retrieved from the GWSI database and verified against data 

on the coding form and the original field forms by a third party. The person who verifies the data will sign and date the “Verified 

by” line on the coding form. Also, the site should be plotted using the latitude/longitude data in GWSI and this plot should be 

compared to the field topographic map plot to check the accuracy of the locational and land-surface altitude data. The person 

who completes this task will sign and date the “Plotted by” line on the coding form.

Explanation and Use of Selected GWSI Terms

Site Package: includes (when available) the WAWSC coding form used to record data for a site, a paper copy of the 

Driller’s logs, original field sheets, copies of letters to or from the owner or driller, and other important documents such 

as maps, photos, site sketches, and water-quality results. All site-related documents in this package must be retained and 

are not to be destroyed or recycled for lack of space.

Coding refers to filling out the WAWSC coding form.

Entering refers to entering data into the GWSI database.

Site File (as used by the WAWSC) refers to the total GWSI data set for a site. Popular usage and the National NWIS 

manuals consigned this term to apply only to the Site Record portion of a site data set.

Data Elements or Components are individual data items related to a site.

Records are groups of related data elements or components.

Mandatory Fields must contain a valid entry or data for the site or record will not be stored in the GWSI database.

Conditional Fields must contain a valid entry only if a related, non-mandatory data field contains a valid entry.

Primary Keys are combinations of data elements that uniquely identify each individual site or data record in GWSI.

Secondary Keys are singular or combined data elements that facilitate retrieving data from the GWSI database.

Record Sequence Numbers are three-digit integers assigned to individual records to keep them in sequential order. The 

numbers need not be consecutive but must be sequential, and may be used only once in each record type.

WAWSC Standard and Practice is to assign Record Sequence Numbers using the format (001, 

002, 003, etc).

Web-ready Flags indicate the status and availability of a site or data record for display on the World-Wide-Web (Web). 

Only records flagged with a ‘Y’ are made available on the Web. Currently, only selected data elements from the Site 

Record and Water-Level Data Records are displayed on the Web. The Web-ready flags also control the availability of the 

records for retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (USGS, 2005a).

WAWSC Standard and Practice is to insure all Site Record and Water-level data are available for 

Web display. However, project chiefs may delay posting selected data records to the Web to allow 

for the completion of data collection, analysis, and quality-control measures. Web-ready Flags for 

all other data records should be set at the default listed for the individual records.

Dates are entered using the format MM-DD-YYYY where MM is the month, DD is the day of month, and YYYY is the 

year. Use leading zeros for month or day values less than 10. If the month or day is not known, enter ‘01’ in the spaces. 

Enter four digits for the year.

Note: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the 

GWSI software.

 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Text fields may contain any combination of uppercase and lowercase letters (A-Z, a-z), numbers (0-9), spaces ( ), periods 

(.), commas (,), hyphens (-), single quotation marks (‘ ’), parentheses (), equal signs (=), ampersands (&), pound signs 

(#), plus signs (+), and backslashes (\).

Note: Asterisks (*) are reserved by the GWSI software to indicate the end of a data field and may 

not be used in text fields.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: Although text fields will accept lowercase letters, they should 

not be used.

Codes and their meanings appear on the WAWSC coding form and in the GWSI Query Support Files (accessed by typing 

“?” in the appropriate field on the GWSI data-entry screen). Any use of a code for “Other” should be explained in the 

Miscellaneous Remarks Record (C788).

References

Drost, B.W., compiler, 2005, Quality-assurance plan for ground-water activities: U.S. Geological Survey, Washington Water 

Science Center: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2005-1126, 27 p.

U.S. Geological Survey, 1974, Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 1988, “Definitions of Selected Ground-Water Terms—

Revisions and Conceptual Refinements”, 21 pages.

U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a, User’s Manual for the National Water Information System of the U.S. Geological Survey 

Ground-Water Site-Inventory System: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report Version 4.6, accessed October 1, 2006, at 

URL http://wwwnwis.er.usgs.gov/nwisdocs4-6/gw/GW.user.book.html

U.S. Geological Survey, 2005b, User’s Manual for the National Water Information System of the U.S. Geological Survey 

Water-Quality System: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report Version 4.6, available at URL< http://wwwnwis.er.usgs.

gov/nwisdocs4-6/qw/QW.user.book.html >

References 
Section 1—Site Record

The Site Record stores locational and general information about a site. A Site Record must be entered for each site before any 

other data records can be entered. The Primary Key for Site Records is a combination of Agency Code and Site Identification 

Number.

Subsection Component Number

1.01 Agency Code C004

1.02 Site Identification Number (Site ID) C001

1.03 Project Number C005

1.04 Station Name (Local Number) C012

1.05 Station Type C802

1.06 District C006 

1.07 Country C041

1.08 State C007

1.09 County C008

1.10 Latitude C009

1.11 Longitude C010

1.12 Accuracy C011

1.13 Method C035

1.14 Datum C036

1.15 Altitude C016

1.16 Accuracy C018

1.17 Method C017

1.18 Datum C022

1.19 Land-Net C013

1.20 Topographic Setting C019

1.21 Hydrologic Unit Code C020 

1.22 Drainage Basin Code C801

1.23 Standard Time Zone Code C813

1.24 Daylight Savings Time Flag C814

1.25 Map Name C014

1.26 Map Scale C015

1.27 Agency Use C803

1.28 National Water-Use Code C039

1.29 Data Type C804 

1.30 Instruments C805

1.31 Date Inventoried C711

1.32 Remarks C806

1.33 Site Type C002 

1.34 Web-ready Flag C032 

1.35 Data Reliability C003

1.36 Date of Construction C021

1.37 Use of Site C023

1.38 Secondary Use of Site C301

1.39 Tertiary Use of Site C302 

1.40 Use of Water C024

1.41 Secondary Use of Water C025

1.42 Tertiary Use of Water C026 

1.43 Aquifer Type C713

1.44 Primary Aquifer C714

1.45 National Aquifer C715

1.46 Hole Depth C027

1.47 Well Depth C028

1.48 Source of Depth Data C029

   Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
1.01 Agency Code (C004—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—five character code): Enter the code that identifies the

Agency that is the source of data for a site or that is responsible for entering data into GWSI. Agency Codes and their

meanings appear in the GWSI Query Support Files (accessed by typing “?” in the appropriate field on the GWSI data

entry screen).

WAWSC Standard and Practice: All ground-water sites are entered using Agency Code “USGS” 

which is pre-printed on the WAWSC coding form. 

1.02 Site Identification Number (Site ID) (C001—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—15-digit Integer): The Site ID

 for a ground-water site is a unique 15-digit integer formed from the initial latitude and longitude of the site (in degrees,

 minutes, and seconds) followed by a 2-digit sequence number. The first six digits of the Site ID are the value of

 latitude, the 7th through 13th digits are the value of longitude, and the 14th and 15th digits are a sequence number used

 to distinguish between sites at the same location. It cannot be too strongly emphasized that the 15-digit Site ID, once

 assigned, is used as a pure number and has no locational significance beyond representing the best location available at

 the time the Site ID was assigned. The latitude (C009) and longitude (C010) fields are used for locational information

 about the site.

1.03 Project Number (C005—Secondary Key—12-character text field): Enter the WAWSC Project Number assigned

 to the particular WASSC project that collected or entered data for the site.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: Project Numbers are based on the WAWSC account number 

and entered using the format ‘WA XXX YY’. Project Numbers also are entered in Other ID 

Records in the Miscellaneous Data Records, Section 4.0 of this report.

1.04 Station Name (Local Number) (C012—Mandatory—Secondary Key—24-character text field): For ground-water 

sites in Washington State, this field locates and identifies each individual site in terms of the site’s position within the 

Public Land Survey rectangular grid system for Washington State (fig. 1). Each Local Number must be unique and must be 

entered as it is to be printed.

Note: Surface-Water Station Names are entered into this field using Component C900 which is 

a 50-character text field. An entry to either C900 or C012 is entered into the first 24 spaces of both 

components by the GWSI software.

Examples of Local Numbers for ground-water sites in Washington State:

25N/43E-02K01 09N/03W-12G02:

(a) The numbers preceding the slash (25N and 09N) indicate the township north of the Willamette Base Line. 

(b) The numbers and letters between the slash and the hyphen (43E and 03W) indicate the range east or west of

the Willamette Meridian. 

(c) The numbers following the hyphen (02 and 12) indicate the section within the Range/Township. 

(d) The letters following the section (K and G) indicate the 40-acre quarter-quarter tract within the section. 

(e) The numbers following the quarter-quarter (01 and 02) are sequence numbers that indicate the order in which

sites in the same quarter-quarter were identified for entry into the GWSI database. 

WAWSC Standard and Practice: Sequence numbers may also be assigned so

they are consistent with the numbers used by the well owner or another agency.

(f) A suffix after the sequence number indicates that a well has been deepened (D1, D2...), reconditioned (R1,

R2...), or is a nested piezometer (P1, P2...).

(g) The suffix S after the sequence number identifies a site as a spring rather than a well. 

(h) Additional descriptive/normative words or phrases may be used as needed, but the three spaces following

the Sequence Number are reserved for the suffixes described in (f) and (g) above.

(i) Although many other agencies and organizations in Washington State use a similar naming system, 

consistency of assigned local numbers between agencies should not be assumed.

(j) Local Numbers for ground-water sites located in States other than Washington are assigned in

accordance with the rules and regulations of the State in which the site is located.

 WAWSC Standard and Practice for a Well that has been deepened or reconditioned after

initial construction.

Section 1— Site Record 
Figure 1. Ground-water site-naming system used in Washington.

waOAZ20_fig_ 01

4 0N

1N

1 0

2 0

3 0

4 0N

1N

1 0

2 0

3 0

4 0 4 7E 1 0 2 0 3 0 1 0 1W 1E

1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 4 5E 1 6W 1 0 1E 1W

Willamette Meridian

Willamette Base Line

SECTION 12

6 MILES 1 MILE

09N/03W-12G02

ABCD

E F G H

JKLM

N P Q R

R. 3 W.

T.

9

 N.

23456 1

7 8 9 10 11 12

18 17 16 15 14 13

19 20 21 22 23

NW NW NE NW NW NE NE NE

SW NW SE NW SW NE SE NE

NW SW NE SW NW SE NE SE

SW SW SE SW SW SE SE SE

24

30 29 28 27 26 25

31 32 33 34 35 36

W A S H I N G T O N

SECTION 2

6 MILES 1 MILE

25N/43E-02K01

ABCD

E F G H

JKLM

N P Q R

R. 43 E.

T.

25

 N.

23456 1

7 8 9 10 11 12

18 17 16 15 14 13

19 20 21 22 23

NW NW NE NW NW NE NE NE

SW NW SE NW SW NE SE NE

NW SW NE SW NW SE NE SE

SW SW SE SW SW SE SE SE

24

30 29 28 27 26 25

31 32 33 34 35 36

   Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
(1) Original Well is entered or modified as follows:

(a) Use of Site (C023) set to Z = Destroyed.

(b) Use of Water (C024) set to U = Unused

(c) Agency Use (C803) set to O = Inventory 

(d) Remarks (C806) should include a dated statement that the original well was 

deepened or reconditioned, and the new local number. The date should be that

on which the deepening or reconditioning began.

Example: “06-23-946 well 25N/43E-02K01 destroyed by deepening, see well 25N/43E-02K01D1”. 

(e) Water Level Status (C238) set to W = Destroyed.

(f) Name of Owner (C161) modified to indicate this was the ‘Original’ well.

Original Name: SMITH, HARRY (WELL 1) 

New Name: SMITH, HARRY (WELL 1 – ORIGINAL)

(2) Deepened Well is entered as a new site:

(a) New Site ID is the Site ID of the original well with the Sequence number

increased by one digit or the next available sequence number).

Original Site ID: 474036119172301

New Site ID: 474036119172302

(b) Local Number is the same as the Local Number for the original well with

a suffix added after the sequence number to indicate that the well has been

deepened (D1) or reconditioned (R1). 

Original Local Number: 25N/43E-02K01

New Local Number: 25N/43E-02K01D1

(c) The Owner’s Name will identify this site as a ‘Deepened’ or ‘Reconditioned’ 

Owner = SMITH, HARRY (WELL 1 - DEEPENED)

1.05 Station Type (C802—Mandatory—20-position array): The Station Type array identifies a ground-water site as either 

a “Spring” or a “Ground-water other than Spring”. To identify a site as a spring enter a “Y” in position 5 of the array. Enter 

a “Y” position 6 of the array for all other ground-water sites. 

1.06 District (C006—Mandatory—three-digit integer code): Enter the two-digit code that identifies the Water Science 

Center (WSC) that collected or entered data for a site. The two-digit code must be entered into the first two positions of the 

field, and the third position must be left blank. (The third position allows a Water Science Center to indicate which Subdistrict or Field Office collected data for a site). For most Water Science Centers this code is the same as the State Code. 

The few exceptions are the smaller adjacent States such as Maryland and Delaware that are combined into a single WSC. 

Note: Locally important District Codes include: Idaho = 16, Oregon = 41, and Washington = 53.

1.07 Country (C041—Mandatory—Part of Secondary Key—two character code): Enter the two-character Federal 

Information Processing Standards (FIPS) alpha code for the Country in which the site is located. Country Code combines 

with State Code (C007) and County Code (C008) to form a secondary key.

Note: Locally important Country Codes include: United States = US and Canada = CN.

1.08 State (C007—Mandatory—Part of Secondary Key—two-digit integer code): Enter the two-digit Federal Information 

Processing Standards (FIPS) numeric code for the State in which the site is located. Include a leading zero if appropriate. 

State Code combines with Country Code (C041) and County Code (C008) to form a secondary key.

Note: Locally important State Codes include: Idaho = 16, Oregon = 41, and Washington = 53

Section 1—Site Record 
1.09 County (C008—Mandatory—Part of Secondary Key—three-digit integer code): Enter the three-digit Federal 

Information Processing Standards (FIPS) numeric code for the county or county equivalent in which the site is located. 

County Code combines with Country Code (C041) and State Code (C007) to form a secondary key. 

Note: A list and map of Washington State counties and their codes can be found at:

< http://wa.water.usgs.gov/data/wuse/ >.

1.10 Latitude (C009—Mandatory—Secondary Key—nine-digit number): Enter the best available value for the latitude 

of the site. Latitude locates sites in terms of degrees, minutes, and seconds north or south of the Equator. Six digits must 

be coded; use leading zeros if needed. Values in the first and second positions represent degrees and are limited to values 

between 00 and 90. Values in the third and fourth positions represent minutes and are limited to values between 00 and 

59. Values in the fifth and sixth positions represent seconds and are limited to values between 00 and 59. Seconds may be 

entered to two-decimal places.

1.11 Longitude (C010—Mandatory—Secondary Key—ten-digit number): Enter the best available value for the longitude 

of the site. Longitude locates sites in terms of degrees, minutes, and seconds east or west of the Prime (Greenwich) 

Meridian. Seven digits must be entered; use leading zeros if needed. Values in the first, second, and third positions represent 

degrees and are limited to values between 00 and 180. Values in the fourth and fifth positions represent minutes and are 

limited to values between 00 and 59. Values in the sixth and seventh positions represent seconds and are limited to values 

between 00 and 59. Seconds may be entered to two-decimal places. 

Rules about Latitude and Longitude

(1) A ground-water site is coded as if it is a single point, not a geographic area or property.

(2) Latitude and longitude should be determined at a point believed to represent the location of

the site. This point should also be where Altitude (C016) is determined. 

(a) For a well-field, use the center of the field.

(b) For a drain, use the discharge point. 

(c) For a tunnel, shaft, or mine, use the mouth of the structure.

(3) Latitude and longitude should be determined and entered as precisely as possible in degrees,

minutes, and seconds and their accuracy and the method used to determine them must be

indicated by suitable entries in the Accuracy (C011) and Methods (C035) fields. 

(4) Latitude and Longitude should be updated as more precise information becomes available.

(5) If the latitude of the site is south of the Equator, precede the latitude with a minus sign (-). The

first position of the field is reserved for this sign.

 Note: The world standard for polarity of latitudes assigns negative signs to latitudes south of

the|equator and positive signs to latitudes north of the equator. 

 WAWSC Standard and Practice: the WAWSC coding form does not include a space for the

minus sign, but the GWSI software inserts a space to accommodate the possible need for one.

(6) If longitude of the site is east of the Greenwich Meridian, precede the longitude with a minus

sign (-). The first position of the field is reserved for this sign.

 Note: The world standard for polarity of longitudes assigns negative signs to longitudes in the

western hemisphere and positive signs to longitudes in the eastern hemisphere. In order to

preserve the traditional entry of longitudes in the U.S., this convention is not followed for data

entry of longitude (C010) in NWIS databases. However, the GWSI software assigns the

appropriate sign for decimal longitudes (C910).

 WAWSC Standard and Practice: the WAWSC coding form does not include a space for the

minus sign, but the GWSI software inserts a space to accommodate the possible need for one.

 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
1.12 Accuracy (C011—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the accuracy of the values of 

latitude/longitude entered into components C009 and C010 above.

Code Latitude/Longitude Accuracy (+/-)

H 0.01 second (differentially corrected DGPS) 

1 0.1 second (standard uncorrected GPS) 

5 0.5 second (Precise Positioning Service PLGR/PPS/GPS) 

S 1 second 

R 3 seconds (Standard Positioning Service SPS/GPS) 

F 5 seconds 

T 10 seconds 

M 1 minute 

U Unknown 

1.13 Method (C035—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the method used to determine 

the values of latitude/longitude entered into components C009 and C010 above.

Code Latitude/Longitude Method 

C Calculated from Land Net (Component C013)

D Differentially corrected Global Positioning System (DGPS) 

G Global positioning system, uncorrected (GPS), Standard Positioning Service 

(SPS), or Precise Positioning Service (PLGR/PPS) 

L Long-range navigation system (LORAN)

M Interpolated from topographic map 

N Interpolated from digital map 

R Reported - method unknown (Explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

S Transit, theodolite, or other surveying method 

U Unknown 

1.14 Datum (C036—Mandatory—ten-character code): Enter the code that identifies the horizontal datum used to 

determine the values of latitude/longitude entered into components C009 and C010 above the values. 

Code Horizontal Datum 

NAD27 North American Datum of 1927 

NAD83 North American Datum of 1983 

OLDAK Old Alaska (Mainland) and Aleutian Islands Datum 

OLDHI Old Hawaii 

OLDPR Old Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Datum 

OLDSAMOA Old American Samoa Datum

OLDGUAM Old Guam Datum 

WAWSC Standard and Practice: Requests for new datums will be 

submitted to the WAWCS Groundwater Specialist.

1.15 Altitude (C016—eight-digit number): For ground-water sites, enter the altitude of the land surface at the site in feet 

above or below the Altitude Datum specified in component C022. Altitudes above a datum are unsigned; altitudes below a 

datum are preceded by a minus sign (-). Altitudes may be entered to two decimal places.

Rules about Altitude

(a) Altitude should be determined at the same point used to determine the Latitude (C009) and Longitude 

(C010)of the site.

(b) Altitude should be determined and entered as precisely as possible in feet above or below the datum.

(c) Altitude should be updated as more precise information becomes available.

(d) Altitude is required if Water-Level Data Reference to Land Surface Datum (LSD) (C237) are to be entered.

(e) An entry of Altitude requires accompanying entries of Altitude Accuracy (C018), Altitude Method (C017),

and Altitude Datum (C022).

Section 1—Site Record 
1.16 Accuracy (C018—Conditional—three-character code): Enter the accuracy in terms of the possible error, in feet, 

of the Altitude entered in component C016. An accuracy of +/- 0.1 foot would be entered as “.1”. Altitudes interpolated 

from topographic maps generally have an accuracy of one-half of the contour interval. Altitude Accuracy is required when 

Altitude (C016) is entered.

1.17 Method (C017—Conditional—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the method used to determine 

the Altitude entered in component C016 above. Altitude Method is required when Altitude (C016) is entered. 

Code Altitude Method

A Altimeter 

D Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) 

G Global Positioning System (GPS)

L Level or other surveying method 

M Interpolated from topographic map 

N Interpolated from digital elevation model (DEM) 

R Reported - method unknown (Explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

U Unknown 

1.18 Datum (C022—Conditional—ten-character code): Enter the code that identifies the vertical datum used to determine 

the Altitude of the land surface entered in component C016 above. Altitude Datum is required when Altitude (C016) is 

entered.

Code Vertical Datum

NGVD29 National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 

NAVD88 North American Vertical Datum of 1988 

OLDAK Old Alaska (Mainland) and Aleutian Island Datum

OLDPR Old Puerto Rico and Virgin Island Datum

HILOCAL Local Hawaiian Datum 

ASLOCAL Local American Samoa Datum 

GULOCAL Local Guam Datum 

COE1912 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Datum 1912 

WAWSC Standard and Practice: Requests for new datums will be submitted to the WAWCS 

Groundwater Specialist. 

1.19 Land-Net (C013—23-characters code): Enter the legal description of the 10-acre tract in which the site is located. Use 

the abbreviations NE, NW, SE, and SW to identify the quarter-quarter-quarter (10-acre), the quarter-quarter (40-acre), and 

quarter (160-acre) sections. The smallest known subdivision is always listed first. “Meridian,” 5th principal meridian = 5, 

Boise meridian = B, Willamette meridian = W. 

WAWSC Standards and Practice: Legal descriptions in Washington State only contain two 

abbreviations allowing a parcel to be identified down to the 40-acre quarter-quarter section. 

Therefore, users entering data for the Land-Net Component must leave the first two spaces blank. 

Examples of Land-Nets for wells in Washington State

Local Well Number (C012) Land-Net Location (C013)

25N/43E-02Q _ _SESWS02 T25N R43E W

09N/03W-12NE _ _ _ _NES12 T09N R03W W

44N/26E-36 _ _ _ _ _ S36 T44N R26E W

Note: Land-net for ground-water sites located in states other 

than Washington is assigned in accordance with the rules 

and regulations of the state in which the site is located.

10 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
1.20 Topographic-Setting (C019—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the topographic features in the 

vicinity of the site.

Code Topographic Feature

A Alluvial fan: a low, outspread, relatively flat to gently sloping mass of loose rock material shaped like an open 

fan or a segment of a cone. It is deposited by a stream at a place where it issues from a narrow mountain valley 

upon a plain or broad valley. 

B Playa: a dried-up, vegetation-free, flat-floored area composed of thin, evenly stratified sheets of fine clay, silt 

or sand, and represents the bottom part of a shallow, completely closed or undrained desert lake basin in which 

water accumulates and is quickly evaporated, usually leaving deposits of soluble salts.

C Stream channel: the bed in which runs a natural stream of water. It is the trench or depression washed or 

cut into the surface of the earth by the moving water that it periodically or continuously contains. This term 

includes washes, arroyos, and coulees. 

D Depression (local): an area that has no external surface drainage. Some depressions, such as those in the High 

Plains, are only a few acres in extent, but others may cover a square mile. Do not use this designation for small 

“interdune depressions” or those on an undulating surface of glacial drift (use U= Undulating). Do not use this 

term for large, closed basins, such as those on the Basin and Range province. 

E Dunes: mounds and ridges of windblown (eolian) sand. This term should not be used for an isolated mound 

unless it has a rather extensive area and is of hydrologic significance to the site. 

F Flat surface: may be part of a larger feature, such as an upland flat, mesa or plateau, coastal plain, lake plain, 

or pediment terrace and valley flat, which are special varieties of flat surfaces, and are classified separately. 

G Floodplain: the surface or strip of relatively smooth land adjacent to a river channel constructed by the present 

river in its existing regimen and covered with water when the river overflows its banks at times of high water. 

H Hilltop: the upper part of a hill or ridge above a well-defined break in slope. A site on the crest of an 

escarpment or top of a cuesta slope should be in this category. Also used for hills of significant height (such as 

drumlins) above a generally flat area, but not for small “swells” a few feet high on an undulating surface such 

as a till plain or valley flat. 

K Sinkhole: a special type of depression that results from the dissolving of soluble rocks (salt, gypsum, or 

limestone) and the subsequent collapse of the earth into the solution cavity. As such, it has special significance 

to the understanding of the hydrology in the vicinity of the site. 

L Lake or swamp: a body of inland water. However, this code is also used for swamps and marshes (i.e. areas 

where the ground may be saturated or water may stand above the land surface for a significant period of time). 

M Mangrove swamp: a tropical or subtropical marine swamp characterized by abundant mangrove trees. 

O Offshore: a coastal area or estuary that is continuously submerged. 

P Pediment: a plain of combined erosion and deposition that forms at the foot of a mountain range. 

S Hillside: the sloping side of a hill—that is, the area between a hilltop and valley flat. The important factor is 

the general aspect of the site. The steepness of the slope or height of the hill is not significant. 

T Terrace (alluvial or marine): a generally flat surface usually parallel to, but elevated above, a stream valley or 

coastline. Characteristically, steep slopes or escarpments separate the terrace from an adjacent upland on one 

side, and a lowland coast or valley on the other. Due to the effects of erosion, the terrace surface may not be as 

smooth as a valley flat, and may include undulating areas of dune sand or hill slopes within the general terrace 

area. 

U Undulating: area with many small depressions and low mounds. An undulating surface primarily is a 

depositional, not an erosional feature. The term should not be used for areas that have slightly irregular 

surfaces resulting from erosion. 

V Valley flat: a low flat area between valley walls and bordering a stream channel. It includes the flood plain, 

and is generally the flattest area in the valley. The surface may have a slight slope toward the main stream, 

toward the valley walls, or may be marked by valleys or smaller streams. Generally, the valley flat is separated 

from alluvial terraces and uplands by a pronounced break in slope. However, the outer edge of the valley 

flat may be obscured due to the deposition of colluvium eroded from the adjacent terraces and uplands. Use 

this code for sites in small valleys on a plain, if the site taps alluvium or the valley situation has hydrologic 

significance. 

W Upland draw: a small natural drainage way or depression, usually dry, on a hillside or upland. 

Section 1—Site Record 11
1.21 Hydrologic-Unit Code (HUC) (C020—Secondary Key—16-digit integer): Enter the eight-digit HUC that is identified 

with the site location. Eight-digit HUC’s consist of four parts:

(a) The first and second digits indicate the Hydrographic region code, 

(b) The third and fourth digits indicate the subregion codesignated by the Water Resources 

Council,

(c) The fifth and sixth digits indicate the accounting unit within the National Water-Data Network,

(d) The seventh and eighth digits indicate the cataloging unit of the USGS “Catalog of 

Information on Water Data”.

WAWSC Standard and Practice is to code only the eight-digit HUC in the first 8 places of the 

field and leave the last eight places blank. 

(1) For sites that are in the United States but are not within a currently designated HUC, enter the

eight-digit code 99999999.

(2) For all sites not in the United States (C041 = US) leave this field blank.

Note: A list and map of HUC’s for Washington State can be found online at:

< http://wa.water.usgs.gov/data/wuse/ > .

1.22 Drainage-Basin Code (C801—Secondary Key—two-digit integer code): Enter the two-digit numerical code that 

identifies the Washington State Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) in which the site is located. Maps delineating the 

hydrographic boundaries of these units are available from the WAWSC Groundwater Specialist. 

(a) For sites that are not within a designated WRIA, enter the two-digit code “99” or leave blank.

(b) For all sites not in Washington State (C007 = 53) leave this field blank.

Note: A list and map of WRIA’s for Washington State can be found on line at:

< http://wa.water.usgs.gov/data/wuse/ > .

1.23 Standard Time Zone Code (C813—Mandatory—six-character code): Enter the code for the time zone in which the 

site is located. Washington State is in the Pacific Standard Time Zone whose code (PST) is pre-printed on the WAWSC 

coding form. This field is validated by a reference list located at: 

/usr/opt/nwis/support/reflists/tz .

A published version of this reference list is available in Appendix J of the QWDATA User Documentation (U.S. Geological 

Survey, 2005b). 

1.24 Daylight Savings Time Flag (C814—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter a “Y” for “yes” or an “N” for “no” to 

indicate whether the site is in an area that switches between Local Standard Time and Daylight Savings Time for a part of 

the year. 

Note: Washington State observes Daylight Savings Time and the code “Y” is pre-printed on the 

WAWSC coding form. 

1.25 Map Name (C014—20-character text field): Enter the name of the best available map on which the site can be 

located. This map should be a USGS topographic quadrangle or equivalent. If no USGS map is available for the area, a 

county highway map or similar map may be used.

12  Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
1.26 Map Scale (C015—seven-digit integer): Enter the scale of the map identified in Map Name (C014). Map scales 

are ratios of map distance to land distance. Thus, a map scale of 1:24,000 means that one unit of distance on the map is 

equivalent to 24,000 of the same units on the ground. 

Rules for Map Scales

(a) If the map scale is given as a ratio (1:24,000 or 1:62,000) enter only the number after the

colon without the comma. 

(b) If the scale is given in inches per mile, as on many county highway maps, convert the given

map scale to a ratio as follows:

(1) First express the scale as an equation such as: “2 inches on the map = 1 mile

on the ground”.

(2) Convert both sides of the equation to the same units:

“2 inches on the map = 1 mile on the ground X (5,280 feet/mile) X 

(12 inches/foot)” or

“2 inches on the map = 63,360 inches on the ground” 

(3) Reduce the equation to a ratio by dividing both sides by the number on the left.

 “(2/2) inches on the map = (63,360/2) inches on the ground”, or 

 “1 inch on the map = 31,680 inches on the ground”, which converts to a scale of

 “1:31680”.

(c) Common map scales

Scale Enter

7 1⁄2-minute quadrangle = 1:24,000 24000

15-minute quadrangle = 1:62,500 62500

1 inch equals 1 mile = 1:63,360 63360

2 inches equal 1 mile = 1:31,680 31680

1.27 Agency Use (C803—Secondary Key—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the data collection 

activities by the Source Agency (C004) at the site. It is expected that this code will be changed when the use of the site 

changes.

Code Use of Site

A Active data-collection site 

I Inactive or discontinued data-collection site 

O Inventory data site only 

1.28 National Water-Use Code (C039—two-character code): See appendix 5. WAWSC Standard and Practice: The 

National Water-Use Code is not required for ground-water sites, usually is not coded or entered by the WAWSC, and does 

not appear on the WAWSC coding form.

1.29 Data Type (C804—30-position array): See appendix 5. WAWSC Standard and Practice: Data Type Collected 

usually is not coded or entered by the WAWSC, and does not appear on the WAWSC coding form.

1.30 Instruments (C805—30-position array): See appendix 5. WAWSC Standard and Practice: Instruments at the Site 

usually is not coded or entered by the WAWSC, and does not appear on the WAWSC coding form.

1.31 Date Inventoried (C711—eight-character date): Enter the date that the site was established, inventoried, or reinventoried. Dates are entered using the format MM-DD-YYYY where MM is the month, DD is the day of month, and 

YYYY the year. Use leading zeros for month or day values less than 10. If the month or day is not known, enter “01” in the 

spaces. Enter four digits for the year.

Note: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the 

GWSI software.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: If the date is not known, leave this field blank. Do not enter a 

place holder date (such as 01-01-1901). 

Section 1—Site Record 13
1.32 Remarks (C806—50-character text field): This Remarks field stores a single significant remark about a site. Multiple 

remarks about a site are stored in the Miscellaneous Remarks Records (See subsection 4.6). 

1.33 Site Type (C002—Mandatory for Ground-Water Sites—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the 

type of site to which these data apply. 

Code Site Type

C Collector or Ranney type well: a large-diameter well consisting of a concrete central casing, 

sealed at the bottom, with perforated pipes extending radially into an aquifer or under an adjacent 

body of surface water. 

D Drain: gravity-driven, nearly horizontal channel, pipe, conduit, or water-way dug to intercept the 

water table or potentiometric surface to either lower the ground-water level or serve as a water 

supply.

E Excavation: a pit, cavity, hole, etc. from which ground water is obtained. 

H Sinkhole: a depression that results from the dissolving of soluble rocks (salt, gypsum, limestone) 

and the subsequent collapse of the earth into the solution cavity. As such, it has special 

significance to the understanding of the hydrology in the vicinity of the site.

I Interconnected or Connector wells: a group of wells in close proximity, linked through a 

common header, and for which there are little or no data about the individual wells.

 Note 1: The National User’s Manual includes drainage wells (wells used to move surface

 waterunderground) in this category. 

 WAWSC Standard and Practice is to include drainage wells only if they share a common

 header as in the basic definition.

 Note 2: National User’s Manual limits use of this category to wells connected by an under

 ground header.

 WAWSC Standard and Practice is to use this category for all wells that share a common

 header connection regardless if the header is above or below ground.

M Multiple wells or Well Field: a group of wells in close proximity and for which there are little or 

no data about individual wells.

 Note: The National User’s Manual states that these wells must share a common header. 

 WAWSC Standard and Practice is to use this category or wells that do not have a common

 header and to use I = Interconnected for all wells that share a common header.

O Outcrop: rock formation that appears at land surface. 

P Pond: a pit or hole dug to intercept the water table or potentiometric surface to serve as a water 

R River Pump: a pump installed in a surface water source such as a river, lake, pond, canal, or 

ditch from which water is pumped for use. River Pump is not used for groundwater sites but is 

required for surface water sites..

S Spring: a point on the land surface where ground water flows naturally from rocks or soil on to 

land 

T Tunnel, shaft, or mine or similar excavation used to obtain ground-water.

W Well: an artificial excavation generally cylindrical in form and often walled in, sunk (drilled, 

dug, driven, bored, or jetted) into the ground to obtain minerals such as water, oil, or gas; for 

subsurface exploration; or for geohydrologic testing and observation. Use only for single wells 

other than of the Collector or Ranney type. Do not use for pits, holes, tunnels, ponds, or other 

excavations.

X Test hole: a temporary, artificial excavation (pit, hole, tunnel) not completed as a well, sunk 

(drilled, drug, drive, bored, or jetted) into the gorund to locate minerals sucha s water, oil or gas; 

for subsurface exploration; or for geohydrologic testing and observation. Test holes usually are 

destroyed after testing but may be converted to observation use.

14 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
1.34 Web-ready Flag (C032—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best indicates the status and 

availability of the Site Record for display on the Web. Only Site Records flagged with a “Y” are made available on the Web.

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display 

C Conditional Record not checked. No Web display (default)

N Not Web-ready Record has failed one or more data verification checks. No Web 

display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No Web 

display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water Science 

Center—No Web display

Notes:

(a) For the Site Record Web-ready Flag only: Status Codes “Y” and “N” are set by GWSI Data 

Checking software. 

(b) If the Site Record Web-ready Flag is not set to ‘Web-ready’ no data will be displayed on the 

Web. 

(c) If the Site Record Web-Ready Flag is set to ‘Web-Ready’ selected Site Record data will be 

displayed on the Web and the display of additional data will be controlled Web-Ready Flags 

for the individual records.

(d) The Site Record Web-ready Flag also controls the availability of the Site Record data for 

retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

1.35 Data Reliability (C003—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the reliability of 

the Site Record data according to the reporting agency. When in doubt, always select the code that portrays the lesser 

confidence.

Code Data Reliability (in descending order of confidence)

C Data field checked and verified by the reporting agency. 

L Location not correct, other data may or may not have been field checked by 

reporting agency. 

M Minimal data available, data may or may not have been field checked by reporting 

agency. 

U Data not field checked by the reporting agency, but the reporting agency considers 

the data reliable. 

1.36 Date of Construction (C021—eight-character date): Enter the date on which construction began at the site, or 

the earliest date for which data are available for the site, whichever is earlier. Dates are entered using the format MMDD-YYYY where MM is the month, DD is the day of month, and YYYY the year. Use leading zeros for month or day 

values less than 10. If the month or day is not known, enter “01” in the spaces. Enter four digits for the year. If a Date of 

Construction is entered all other dates for the site are checked against this date and no data will be accepted if associated 

with an earlier date.

Note: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the 

GWSI software.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: If this data is not available enter the date 01-01-1901.

Section 1—Site Record 15
1.37 Use of Site (C023—Mandatory for ground-water sites except springs –- one-character code): Enter the code that best 

describes the primary use of the site or the purpose for which the site was constructed (the former always takes precedence 

over the latter). If the site is used for more than one purpose, enter the principal use here and enter the subordinate uses in 

the Secondary and Tertiary Use of Site fields. Like Use of Water, Use of Site can change over time and the actual or current 

use should always take president over a former or intended use.

Code Use of Site

A Anode: used as an electrical ground for pipelines, electronic relays, power lines, or other installations. 

C Standby or Emergency supply: a water-supply source that is used only when the principal source of 

water is unavailable. 

D Drain: a drain, well, or other structure used to remove excess water from an area. 

 Note: Above definition is WAWSC usage. The National User’s Manual defines this use as “refers to

 the drainage of surface water to the subsurface.”

E Geothermal: used only for a dry geothermal power generation site where water is injected into the site 

for heating. Use of Site for a wet geothermal power generation site where water is withdrawn should be 

entered as “W – Withdrawal” and Use of Water should be “E - Power Generation”.

G Seismic: used solely for seismic exploration. If the site is used for observation, Use of Site should be “O” 

for Observation.

H Heat reservoir: used to circulate a fluid (usually water) in a closed system. Water is neither added to, 

removed from, the aquifer system.

M Mine: any tunnel, shaft, or other excavation constructed for the extraction of minerals.

O Observation: used solely for long-term water-level or water-quality observations. Observation sites are 

commonly referred to as monitoring wells. Do not use this category for sites used primarily for another 

purpose, and only incidentally for water-level or water-quality data collection. 

P Oil or gas: used in the search or for production of, petroleum or gas. It includes any oil or gas production 

well, dry hole, core hole, or injection well drilled for secondary recovery of oil, etc. An oil-test hole 

converted to a water-supply well should be classified as “W - Withdrawal.”

 Note: Washington State Law does not allow wells in this category to be converted to water supply use

 unless the well was originally constructed in accordance with the more stringent standards for a 

 watersupply well.

R Recharge: used to replenish an aquifer. Use this category for wells that are used to return water to an 

aquifer after use, such as those for returning air-conditioning water. 

S Repressurize: used to pump water into an aquifer in order to increase the pressure in the aquifer for a 

specific purpose, for example, water flood purposes in oil fields. 

T Test hole: used for sub-surface exploration, testing, or observation. The hole may be cased or uncased 

and temporarily equipped with a pump or other testing devices. Test holes are usually destroyed after 

testing but may be converted to observation use. 

U Unused: not currently in use and no use contemplated but site could be returned to use with only 

minimal effort such as providing power to the pump or installing a new pump. Category does not include 

wells that are in “off season” or other periods of temporary non-use. 

V Withdrawal/Return: used to both withdraw water for a purpose shown under Use of Water (C024) and 

to inject water into an aquifer during non-pumping periods. Does not include sites used for Drainage or 

Recharge where the sole purpose is to move water underground.

W Withdrawal: used to supply water for one of the purposes shown under Use of Water. 

X Waste-disposal: used to convey industrial waste, domestic sewage, oil-field brine, mine drainage, 

radioactive waste, or other waste fluids into an underground zone.

Z Destroyed/Abandoned/Decommissioned: site no longer in existence. The casing of most destroyed 

wells has been pulled, but may have been plugged or filled. Do not use this category for a site that merely 

is not in use. 

16 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
1.38 Secondary Use of Site (C301—one-character code): If the site is used for more than one purpose, show the secondary 

use here by entering an appropriate code from the above list. 

1.39 Tertiary Use of Site (C302—one-character code): If needed, a third use of the site can be shown here by entering an 

appropriate code from the above list. 

1.40 Use of Water (C024—Secondary Key—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the primary use of 

water from the site. If water from the site is used for more than one purpose, enter the principal use here and enter the 

subordinate uses in the in the Secondary and Tertiary Use of Water fields. Like “Use of Site,” “Use of Water” can change 

over time and the actual or current use always takes precedence over the former or intended use. 

Code Use of Water

A Air-conditioning: solely to heat or cool a building. Water used to cool industrial machinery belongs in the 

industrial category

B Bottling: water bottled for potable, non-therapeutic purposes. See Medicinal below.

Note: Category applies only to the water in the bottle. Water used by the plant to bottle the water belongs in 

the Industrial category.

C Commercial: used by facilities or establishments that provide goods or services such as retail sales stores, 

hotels, motels, restaurants, and office buildings.

D Dewatering: water that is removed from an area to lower the ground-water level to allow use of the area for 

construction, mining, agricultural, or other purposes. If the main purpose for which the water is withdrawn is 

to lower the ground-water level, dewatering should be indicated even though the water may be used for some 

other purpose.

 Note: In Washington State, most agriculture areas are dewatered using drains (gravity-driven, nearly

 horizontal pipes or conduits). Non-agricultural areas usually are dewatered using interconnected wells. 

 In both cases, the Use of Site would be as a Drain. 

E Power generation: the generation of any type of power, including cooling and boiler make up water.

F Fire protection: used principally to provide fire protection, even though the site occasionally may be used as 

a supplement supply for other uses.

H Domestic: used for household needs, such as drinking, food preparation, bathing, washing clothes and 

dishes, sanitary purposes, watering lawns and gardens, and caring for a few pets. Most domestic wells will 

be at suburban or farm homes, but wells supplying small quantities of water for domestic purposes for oneclassroom schools, turnpike gates, and similar installations should be in this category.

I Irrigation: used to assist in the growing or cultivation of plants. Most irrigation sites will supply water 

for farm crops and pastures but the category also includes water used to maintain vegetative growth at 

recreational and other facilities such as schools, industrial plants, cemeteries, golf courses, and parks. 

 WAWSC Standard and Practice is to include irrigation water systems and suppliers under this category.

J Industrial cooling: used solely for cooling industrial machines.

K Mining: used in extracting naturally occurring minerals, including solids such as coal and ores, liquids such 

as crude oil, and gases such as natural gas. Also includes water used in quarrying, well operations, milling, 

and other preparations customarily done at the mine site or as part of a mining activity. Does not include 

water used in processing, smelting, refining petroleum, or slurry pipeline operations which should be coded as 

Industrial Uses.

M Medicinal: water purported to have therapeutic value. Water may be used for bathing and/or drinking. If the 

use is mainly because of its claimed therapeutic value, use this category even though the water is bottled. (See 

Bottling above).

N Industrial: used by facilities that manufacture or fabricate a product. The water may be incorporated into the 

product or used for such purposes as processing, washing, maintenance, sanitation, cooling, or other purposes. 

Electric power generation, mining, and the extraction and procesing of crude oil and gases are included in 

other water use categories.

Section 1—Site Record 17
Code Use of Water

P Public Supply: withdrawn by a publicly or privately owned water supply system and delivered to 5 or more 

users for various purposes such as commercial, industrial, institutional, and domestic. The water supply 

system may be owned by a municipality or community, a water district, or a private concern. If the system 

supplies five or more homes, it should be considered a public supply, as four or less classify as domestic. 

Water supplies for trailer parks or summer camps with five or more living units should be in this category, but 

motels and hotels are classified as commercial. In most states, public water supplies are regulated by the State 

Department of Health which enforces minimum safety and sanitary standards.

 Notes:

 (a) Class A Public Supply Systems deliver water to at least 25 people or to a minimum of 15

 connections, and are subject to Federal, State, and Local regulations. 

 (b) Class B Public Supply Systems deliver water to at most 24 people or have from 2 to 14 connections,

 and are subject only to State and Local Regulations only. 

 (c) The USGS Water Use Program classifies all Class B Public Supply Systems as Domestic Use. 

 (d) The GWSI system classifies Class B Public Supply Systems serving less than 5 homes as Domestic

 Use. 

Q Aquaculture: used in growing or rearing of plants or animals in water; in a confined space; and under 

controlled feeding, sanitation, and harvesting procedures. Includes water used by fish hatcheries and by fish 

farms.

R Recreation: water discharged into pools or channels, which are dammed downstream to form pools, for 

swimming, boating, fishing, ice skating, or other recreational uses. Water used to irrigate golf courses and 

parks is coded as “I-Irrigation.” 

S Stock: used in the rearing of livestock (other than fish) for the production of meat, milk, eggs, wool, 

and fur. Do not include on-farm uses such as domestic use, lawn and garden watering, or irrigation 

water use.

T Institutional: used in the maintenance and operation of facilities such as large schools, universities, hospitals, 

rest homes, or similar establishments. Owners of institutions may be individuals, corporations, churches, or 

governmental units. 

U Unused: water is not being removed from the site or water removed from the site is not being used for one of 

the purposes described on this list. Water removed from a test hole, oil or gas, recharge, or observation well 

will be in this category. Water from a newly constructed site not yet in use should be considered as unused.

Note: Do not use this classification for a well in its “off season” or other temporary periods 

of nonuse. 

Y Desalination: the potable water produced by a desalting plant. Enter the Use of potable water under 

“Secondary Use of Water.”

 Note: The Desalination Plant should be Classified under Use of Site = “W” for Withdrawal. Most

 Desalination Plants in Washington State process saline surface water to produce potable water, so this Use

 of Water will not appear very often in GWSI.

Z Other: miscellaneous uses not included in the listed categories (Explain in Miscellaneous Remarks).

1.41 Secondary Use of Water (C025—one-character code): If water from the site is used for more than one purpose, show 

the secondary use here by entering an appropriate code from the list above. 

1.42 Tertiary Use of Water (C026—one-character code): If needed, a third use of water from the site can be shown here 

by entering an appropriate code from the list above. 

1.43 Aquifer Type (C713—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the type of aquifer(s) supplying water 

to the well. 

Code Aquifer Type 

U Unconfined single 

N Unconfined multiple 

C Confined single 

M Confined multiple 

X Mixed (confined and unconfined multiple) 

18  Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
1.44 Primary Aquifer (C714—Secondary Key—eight-character code): Enter the eight-character code that best identifies 

the primary aquifer unit from which water is obtained. Aquifer codes are given in the “Catalog of Aquifer Names and 

Geologic Unit Codes used by the Water Resources Division.” Codes are also available at: 

/usr/opt/nwis/support/aageol.all.states .

1.45 National Aquifer (C715—ten-character code): Enter the ten-character code that best identifies the national aquifer 

(principal aquifer) from which water is obtained. National Aquifer Codes, their names, and descriptions are listed on the 

Aquifer Basics or Ground Water Atlas Web sites. GIS coverages, when available, are at: 

< http://water.usgs.gov/ogw/NatAqCode-reflist.html > .

Note 1: As of November, 2006, coverages for Washington State are available but are unreliable.

Note 2: In some areas of the State, aquifers overlap spatially and information beyond the latitude 

and longitude of a well will be required to assign the correct code.

1.46 Hole Depth (C027—eight-digit number): Enter the total depth, in feet below the land-surface at the site, to which the 

hole was drilled, even though the hole may have been plugged back in completing the well. Hole Depth may be entered to 

two decimal places but usually is entered in whole feet. If Hole Depth is entered, no other depth entered for the site may 

exceed Hole Depth. 

Notes:

(a) Hole Depth should be entered for all wells, whenever possible.

(b) For Collector or Ranney-type wells, enter the depth of the central shaft.

1.47 Well Depth (C028—eight-digit number): Enter the depth, in feet below the land-surface datum, of the finished well. 

The depth of the well is the greatest depth to which the well can be sounded. If measurement is not practical, enter the 

reported depth at which the well was finished. Well Depth may be entered to two decimal places but usually is entered in 

whole feet. 

Notes:

(a) Well Depth should be entered for all wells, whenever possible.

(b) For Collector or Ranney-type wells, enter the depth of the central shaft. 

(c) For multiple-well fields, interconnected wells, ponds, tunnels, or drains, leave this space blank

and enter the depth in the Miscellaneous Data, Special Cases Records (C782). 

1.48 Source of Depth Data (C029—one-character code): Enter code that best indicates how the information about the 

depth of the well was obtained. 

Code Source of Depth Data 

A Reported by other government agency - not owner *

D Driller’s log or report 

G Private geologist, consultant, or university associate*

L Interpreted from geophysical logs by personnel of source agency 

M Memory (owner, operator, driller): less reliable than reported (“O” and “R”)*

O Reported by the owner of the well 

R Reported by person other than the owner, driller, or another government agency*

S Measured by personnel of reporting agency 

Z Other*

 *Explain in Miscellaneous Remarks.

Section 1—Site Record 19
Section 2—Construction Data Records

Construction Data Records consist of eight Record Types that store data related to the physical characteristics of a ground-water 

site. Each Record Type may contain one or more individual Data Records. The Primary Key for Construction Data Records 

combines Agency Code (C004), Site ID (C001), Record Type Code, and Record Sequence Number. 

Subsection Component Name Component Number

2.01 Agency Code C004

2.02 Site ID C001

2.03 Record Type –

2.1 Construction Records (CONS) C754

2.1.01 Record Sequence Number C723

2.1.02 Date of Construction C060

2.1.03 Name of Contractor C063

2.1.04 Source of Data C064

2.1.05 Method of Construction C065

2.1.06 Type of Finish C066

2.1.07 Type of Seal C067

2.1.08 Bottom of Seal C068

2.1.09 Method of Development C069

2.1.10 Hours of Development C070

2.1.11 Special Treatment C071

2.1.12 Web-ready Flag C850

2.2 Hole Records (HOLE) C756

2.2.01 Parent Sequence Number C059

2.2.02 Record Sequence Number C724

2.2.03 Depth to Top of Interval C073

2.2.04 Depth to Bottom of Interval C074

2.2.05 Diameter of Interval C075

2.2.06 Web-ready Flag C851

2.3 Casing Records (CSNG) C758

2.3.01 Parent Sequence Number C901

2.3.02 Record Sequence Number C725

2.3.03 Depth to Top of Casing C077

2.3.04 Depth to Bottom of Casing C078

2.3.05 Diameter of Casing C079

2.3.06 Casing Material C080

2.3.07 Casing Thickness C081

2.3.08 Web-ready Flag C852

2.4 Opening Records (OPEN) C760

2.4.01 Parent Sequence Number C902

2.4.02 Record Sequence Number C726

2.4.03 Depth to Top of Interval C083

2.4.04 Depth to Bottom of Interval C084

2.4.05 Diameter of Interval C087

2.4.06 Material Type C086

2.4.07 Type of Opening C085

2.4.08 Length of Opening C089

2.4.09 Width of Opening C088

2.4.10 Web-ready Flag C853

2.5 Measuring-point Records (MPNT) C766

2.5.01 Record Sequence Number C728

2.5.02 Beginning Date C321

2.5.03 Ending Date C322

2.5.04 Height of Measuring Point C323

2.5.05 Altitude of Measuring Point C325

20 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Subsection Component Name Component Number

2.5.06 Method Altitude Determined C326

2.5.07 Altitude Accuracy C327

2.5.08 Altitude Datum C328

2.5.09 Remarks C324

2.5.10 Web-ready Flag C857

2.01 Agency Code (C004—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—five-character code): This field is populated by the GWSI 

software with the Agency Code (C004) from the Site Record. 

2.02 Site ID (C001—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—15-digit integer): This field is populated by the GWSI software 

with the Site Identification Number (C001) from the Site Record.

2.03 Record Type (Mandatory—Secondary Key—four-character code): Record Type Codes identify the type of data 

included in each of the Construction Data Records. 

Code Record Type Component Number

CONS Construction data C754

HOLE Hole data C756

CSNG Casing data C758

OPEN Openings data C760

MPNT Measuring-point data C766

LIFT Lift and Pump data C752

REPR Minor Repair data C762

SPNG Spring data C764

WAWSC Standard and Practice is to code and enter data only for Record Types CONS, HOLE, 

CSNG, OPEN, and MPNT which appear on the WAWSC coding form (appendix 1). LIFT, REPR 

and SPNG records do not appear on the WAWSC coding form but are available in GWSI if 

needed (appendix 5).

2.1 Construction Records (CONS) (C754—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—four-character code): CONS records 

store data about the basic construction of a site and must be established before HOLE, CSNG, or OPEN records can be entered 

for a site. 

2.1.01 Record Sequence Number (C723—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each CONS Record being coded and entered. This number becomes the Parent Sequence Number of 

any HOLE, CSNG, or OPEN Data Record associated with the individual CONS Records. 

2.1.02 Date of Construction (C060—eight-character date): Enter the date on which all work at the site was completed. 

Dates are entered using the format MM-DD-YYYY where MM is the month, DD is the day of month, and YYYY the year. 

Use leading zeros for month or day values less than 10. If the month or day is not known, enter “01” in the spaces. Enter 

four digits for the year. For many sites, this date will be the same as the one entered as date of first construction (C021); 

however, it also must be entered here. 

Note: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the 

GWSI software.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: If the date is not known, enter the date that was entered in 

Date Constructed (C021) in the Site Record.

2.1.03 Name of Contractor (C063—12-character text field): Enter the name of the individual or company that did the 

work on the site. Meaningful abbreviations or acronyms may be used. Names for the same individual or company should 

be entered in a consistent manner (for example: Timothy Hogg Drilling, Tim Hogg Drilling, or Hogg Drilling should be 

entered in one consistent manner). 

Section 2—Construction Data Records  21
2.1.04 Source of Data (C064—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes how the construction data were 

obtained. These codes are the same as those used for Source of Depth Data (C029) in the Site Record. 

Code Source of Construction Data

A Reported by other government agency – not owner *

D Driller’s log or report 

G Private geologist, consultant, or university associate* 

L Interpreted from geophysical logs by personnel of source agency 

M Memory (owner, operator, driller): less reliable than reported (“O” and “R”)

O Reported by the owner of the well 

R Reported by person other than the owner, driller, or another government agency* 

S Reported by personnel of reporting agency 

Z Other*

 *Explain in Miscellaneous Remarks.

2.1.05 Method of Construction (C065—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the method by which the 

site was constructed. 

Code Method of Construction

A Air-rotary drilling uses a rotating length of pipe (drill stem) equipped with a bit that cuts or grinds 

earth materials while a stream of air is pumped down the drill stem to cool the bit and to carry 

cuttings to the surface in the annular space between the drill stem and the wall of the hole.

B Boring or Auger drilling uses a screw-like drilling tool resembling a carpenter’s bit, but much larger, 

to cut and remove unconsolidated earth materials from a hole. The boring tool may be powered by 

hand or machinery.

C Cable-tool drilling uses a heavy drilling tool that is raised and lowered with enough force to 

pulverize earth materials in the hole. The pulverized debris is commonly removed from the hole with 

a bailer. Also know as “percussion” or “churn-drilling”. The California mud-scow method is a special 

variation of the cable-tool method. 

D Digging (Dug) uses hand tools or power-driven digging equipment other than augers to excavate 

holes. Caissons, Collectors, Ranney-type wells, and galleries are included in this category, even 

though they may have laterals that are driven or jetted. Tunnels are also included in this category. 

H Hydraulic-rotary drilling uses a rotating length of pipe (drill stem) equipped with a bit that cuts or 

grinds the earth materials while a stream of water or drilling mud is pumped down the drill stem to 

cool the bit and to carry cuttings to the surface in the annular space between the drill stem and the 

wall of the hole. 

J Jet drilling uses a high-velocity stream of water pumped through a pipe having a restricted opening 

(orifice) to remove unconsolidated earth materials from the hole. For some types of earth materials 

a cutting bit is attached to the end of the jetting pipe. The material cut or washed from the hole 

is carried to the surface in the annular space outside the pipe. This method is most suitable for 

construction of small-diameter wells in unconsolidated material. 

P Air-percussion drilling uses a rotating length of pipe (drill stem) equipped with a bit that combines 

a rapid percussion effect with a rotary cutting and grinding action. Compressed air is pumped down 

the drill steam to drive and cool the cutting tool, and to carry cuttings to the surface in the annular 

space between the drill stem and the wall of the hole. Air-percussion drills are generally used in 

conjunction with air-rotary drilling rigs to drill through hard rocks. 

R Reverse-rotary drilling uses a rotating length of pipe (drill stem) equipped with a bit that cuts or 

grinds the earth materials. Water or drilling mud flows down the annular space between the drill stem 

and the wall of the hole to cool the bit and to carry cuttings to the surface through the drill stem. 

T Trenching refers to the construction of a sump or open pit from which ground water may be pumped. 

Trenching may be done by hand, but more commonly power equipment such as a bulldozer, dragline 

power shovel, or a backhoe is used. Ponds and drains belong in this category. 

22  Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Code Method of Construction

V Driven wells are constructed by driving a length of pipe, usually of small diameter and generally 

equipped with a sand point, to the desired depth. The wells may be driven by hand or by power 

equipment such as an air hammer. The essential feature of a driven well is that no earth material is 

removed from the hole as the well is constructed.

W Drive and wash wells are constructed by driving a small diameter open-end casing a few feet into 

the earth, then washing out the material from inside the casing with a jet of water. The process is 

repeated until the well has penetrated a sufficient depth into the aquifer. 

Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

2.1.06 Type of Finish (C066—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes how the well was finished or the 

nature of the openings that allow water to enter the well.

Code Type of Finish

C Porous concrete: concrete casing that is pervious enough to allow ground-water to seep into the 

well. 

F Gravel with perforations: well casing with holes or slots to admit water into the well and a gravel 

envelope opposite the interval of casing with the openings. 

G Gravel with screen: well completed with a commercial well screen designed to allow water into 

the well while preventing sediment from entering the well and a gravel envelope opposite the 

screen.

H Horizontal well, gallery, or collector: any well in which a screen or perforated pipe essentially is 

horizontal. All horizontal wells should be in this class, including Ranney or Collector-type wells 

and infiltration galleries. 

O Open-end: well casing extends to the bottom of the hole so water can enter the well only through 

the bottom of the casing. 

P Perforated or slotted: well casing has holes or slots to admit water into the well. Perforated or 

slotted wells that have a gravel pack are coded “F”. 

S Screened: well completed with a commercial well screen designed to allow water into the well 

while preventing sediment from entering the well. Common types of screen are wire mesh, wrapped 

trapezoidal wire, and shutter screen. Screened wells that have gravel pack are coded as “G”.

T Sand or well point: well is equipped with a commercial screening device equipped with a point at 

one end designed to be driven into the sand.

W Walled or shored: a well (usually dug) in which the walls have been shored up with open-jointed 

fieldstone, brick, tile, concrete blocks, wood cribbing, gravel, or other material. A dug well that is 

mostly open-hole but has even a few feet of cribbing, corrugated pipe, or other shoring to prevent 

caving should be in this category.

X Open-hole: well casing does not extend to the bottom of the well and the part of the well hole 

below the casing has not caved in or been backfilled so that water enters the well through the side 

walls of the uncased hole. 

Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

2.1.07 Type of Seal (C067—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the type of material used to fill the 

annular space between the casing and the side of the hole to prevent the entry of surface water and other foreign material 

into the aquifer system.

Code Seal Material Code Seal Material

B Bentonite clay N None

C Clay or drill cuttings Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

G Cement grout

Section 2—Construction Data Records  23
2.1.08 Bottom of Seal (C068—four-digit integer): Enter the depth, to the nearest foot below land surface, to the bottom of 

the seal.

2.1.09 Method of Development (C069—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the method used to repair 

damage to the aquifer formation caused by the drilling process and to increase performance of the well by increasing the 

permeability of the earth materials surrounding the intake portion of the well. 

Code Method of Development Code Method of Development

A Pumped with air lift N None

B Bailed P Pumped

C Blown or surged with compressed air S Surged with surge block

J Jetted or washed Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

2.1.10 Hours of Development (C070—three-digit number): Enter the number of hours that the well was bailed, pumped, 

and so forth, during development. 

2.1.11 Special Treatment (C071—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes any special treatment that was 

applied during development of the well.

Code Special Treatment Code Special Treatment

C Chemical (acid and so forth) H Hydrofracturing

D Dry ice M Mechanical abrasion

E Explosives Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

F Deflocculent

2.1.12 Web-ready Flag (C850—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the status and 

availability of the CONS record for display on the Web. 

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display (default)

C Conditional Record not checked—No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No Web 

display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water 

Science Center—No Web display

Note: Web-ready Flags for CONS records are set manually by the person entering 

the data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. CONS records are not 

displayed on the Web and these flags control the availability of the records for 

retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

2.2 Hole Records (HOLE) (C756—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—four-character code): HOLE records store data 

about the hole in which a well or other ground-water site was constructed. A CONS record must be entered before a HOLE 

record can be entered.

2.2.01 Parent Sequence Number (C059—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter the Record 

Sequence Number (C723) of the CONS record with which the HOLE record is associated.

2.2.02 Record Sequence Number (C724—Mandatory—Part or Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each individual HOLE record being coded and entered. Record Sequence Number “001” is always 

assigned to the interval of a hole that begins at the land surface. Additional Record Sequence Numbers should be assigned 

when the hole diameter or drilling method changes.

24 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
2.2.03 Depth to Top of Interval (C073—Mandatory—eight-digit number): Enter the depth, in feet below land surface, of 

the point where the interval of hole begins. HOLE depths may be entered to two decimal places but usually are entered in 

whole feet. The top of the first HOLE interval always begins at the land surface and its depth is entered as zero (0). 

2.2.04 Depth to Bottom of Interval (C074—eight-digit number): Enter the depth, in feet below land surface, of the point 

where the interval of hole ends. HOLE depths may be entered to two decimal places but usually are entered in whole feet.

2.2.05 Diameter of Interval (C075—five-digit number): Enter the nominal diameter, in inches, of the bit used to drill the 

interval of hole or the diameter to which the interval was reamed. HOLE diameters may be entered to two decimal places 

but usually are entered in whole inches. 

2.2.06 Web-ready Flag (C851—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the status and 

availability of the HOLE record for display on the Web. 

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display (default)

C Conditional Record not checked - No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No Web 

display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water 

Science Center—No Web display

Note: Web-ready Flags for HOLE records are set manually by the person entering the 

data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. HOLE records are not displayed on 

the Web and these flags control the availability of the records for retrieval by the GWSI 

Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

2.3 Casing Records (CSNG) (C758—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—four-character code) : CSNG records store data 

about the casing used to construct a well or other ground-water site. A CONS record must be entered before a CSNG Record can 

be entered. 

2.3.01 Parent Sequence Number (C901—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter the Record 

Sequence Number (C723) of the CONS record with which the CSNG record is associated. 

2.3.02 Record Sequence Number (C725—Mandatory—Part of the Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each individual CSNG record being coded and entered. Starting at the land surface, Record Sequence 

Number “001” is assigned to the casing with the largest diameter. Additional Record Sequence Numbers should be 

assigned when the casing diameter, material, or thickness changes.

2.3.03 Depth to Top of Casing (C077—Mandatory —eight-digit number): Enter the depth, in feet below land surface, to 

the point where the section of casing begins. If the casing extends above land surface, the height of the casing above land 

surface is preceded by a minus sign (-). CSNG depths may be entered to two decimal places but are usually entered as 

whole feet. 

2.3.04 Depth to Bottom of Casing (C078— eight-digit number): Enter the depth, in feet below land surface, to the point 

where the section of casing ends. CSNG depths may be entered to two decimal places but usually are entered in whole feet.

2.3.05 Diameter of Casing (C079— eight-digit number): Enter the nominal diameter, in inches, of the section of casing. 

CSNG diameters may be entered to two decimal places but usually are entered in whole inches.

Note: Casing diameters up to 12 inches refer to the inside diameter of the casing; diameters 

greater than 12 inches refer to the outside diameter of the casing.

Section 2—Construction Data Records  25
2.3.06 Casing Material (C080— one-character code): Enter the code that best indicates the material from which the casing 

is made. 

Code Casing Material Code Casing Material 

A ABS Plastic N PVC Plastic (glued) 

B Brick P PVC Plastic 

C Concrete Q FEP Plastic

D Copper R Rock or Stone 

E PTFE Plastic S Uncoated Steel 

F Fiberglass T Tile 

G Galvanized Iron U Coated Steel 

H Fiberglass Plastic V Stainless Steel 

I Wrought Iron W Wood 

J Fiberglass Epoxy X Carbon Steel 

K PVC Plastic (threaded)Y Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous 

Remarks)

L Glass 4 Stainless Steel 304

M Other Metal (explain in 

Miscellaneous Remarks)

Note: Codes Casing Material for are not the same as Codes for Opening Materials in 

section 2.4.06 of this report.

2.3.07 Casing Thickness (C081—six-digit number): WAWSC Standard and Practice: Casing thickness usually is not 

coded or entered and does not appear on the WAWSC coding form (appendix 1).

2.3.08 Web-ready Flag (C852—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the status and 

availability of the CSNG record for display on the World-Wide-Web. 

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display (default)

C Conditional Record not checked - No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No 

Web display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water 

Science Center—No Web display

Note: Web-ready Flags for CSNG records are set manually by the person 

entering the data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. CSNG records 

are not displayed on the Web and these flags control the availability of the 

records for retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological 

Survey, 2005a).

2.4 Opening Records (OPEN) (C760—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—four-character code): OPEN records store 

data about the intervals of a well designed to allow water into the well. A CONS record must be entered before an OPEN record 

can be entered. 

2.4.01 Parent Sequence Number (C902—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter the Record 

Sequence Number (C723) of the CONS record with which the OPEN record is associated. 

2.4.02 Record Sequence Number (C726—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each individual OPEN record being coded and entered. Record Sequence Number “001” is assigned 

to the open interval nearest the land surface. Additional Record Sequence Numbers should be assigned when the Opening 

diameter, material, or type changes.

26 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
2.4.03 Depth to Top of Interval (C083—Mandatory—eight-digit number): Enter the depth, in feet below land surface, 

to the point where the open interval begins. OPEN depths may be entered to two decimal places but usually are entered in 

whole feet.

2.4.04 Depth to Bottom of Interval (C084—eight-digit number): Enter the depth, in feet below land surface, to the point 

where the open interval ends. OPEN depths may be entered to two decimal places but usually are entered in whole feet.

2.4.05 Diameter of Interval (C087—five-digit number): Enter the nominal diameter, in inches, of the open interval. OPEN 

diameters may be entered to two decimal places, but usually are entered in whole inches. 

2.4.06 Material Type (C086—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the type of material from which a 

screen or open section is made. 

Code Openings Material Code Openings Material 

A ABS N PVC Plastic (glued) 

B Brass/Bronze P PVC Plastic

C Concrete Q FEP Plastic

D Ceramic R Stainless Steel 

E PTFE Plastic S Steel 

F Fiberglass T Tile 

G Galvanized iron V Brick 

H Fiberglass Plastic W Membrane 

I Wrought Iron X Carbon Steel 

J Fiberglass Epoxy Y Galvanized Steel

K PVC Plastic (threaded) Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous 

Remarks)

L Glass 4 304 Stainless Steel 

M Other Metal (explain in Miscellaneous 

Remarks)

6 306 Stainless Steel

Note: Codes for Opening Materials are not the same as Codes for Casing Material in section 2.3.06 

of this report.

2.4.07 Type of Opening (C085—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the type of openings 

in an open interval.

Code Type of Openings Code Type of Openings

F Fractured rock S Screen, type unknown

L Louvered or shutter-type T Sand point screen 

M Mesh screen W Walled or shored

P Perforated, porous, slotted X Open hole

R Wire-wound screen Z Other (explain in 

Miscellaneous Remarks)

2.4.08 Length of Opening (C089—six-digit number): Enter the long dimension, in inches, of the individual perforations or 

slots. Lengths may be entered to two decimal places, but usually are entered in whole inches.

2.4.09 Width of Opening (C088—six-digit number): Enter the short dimension, in inches, of the individual perforations or 

slots, or the mesh size of screens. Widths may be entered to three decimal places. 

Section 2—Construction Data Records  27
2.04.10 Web-ready Flag (C853—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the status and 

availability of the OPEN record for display on the Web. 

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display (default)

C Conditional Record not checked—No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—

No Web display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water 

Science Center—No Web display

Note: Web-ready Flags for OPEN records are set manually by the person 

entering the data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. OPEN 

records are not displayed on the Web and these flags control the availability 

of the records for retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. 

Geological Survey, 2005a).

2.5 Measuring-Point Records (MPNT) (C766—Mandatory— Part of Primary Key—four-character code): MPNT 

records store data about places on or near a well from which water levels in the well can be measured. Entry of a MPNT record 

does not require prior entry of a CONS record.

2.5.01 Record Sequence Number (C728—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each individual MPNT record being coded and entered.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: MPNT Record Sequence Numbers can be assigned on the 

basis of the order in which measuring points were established, the priority of their use, or to match 

numbers assigned by the well owner or another agency.

2.5.02 Beginning Date (C321—eight-digit date): Enter the date on which the measuring point was established or the 

earliest date on which the measuring point was known to have been used. Dates are entered using the format MM-DDYYYY where MM is the month, DD is the day of month, and YYYY the year. Use leading zeros for month or day values 

less than 10. If the month or day is not known, enter “01” in the spaces. Enter four digits for the year.

Note: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the 

GWSI software.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: If the date is not know, enter the date that was entered in 

Construction Date (C060) from the CONS record, or the earliest date on which water levels were 

known to have been measured using this Measuring Point.

2.5.03 Ending Date (C322—eight-digit date): If a measuring point (MP) can no longer be used, enter the date on which 

it was last used as a measuring point. Dates are entered using the format MM-DD-YYYY where MM is the month, DD is 

the day of month, and YYYY the year. Use leading zeros for month or day values less than 10. If the month or day is not 

known, enter “01” in the spaces. Enter four digits for the year. A MPNT Record should be entered for the new measuring 

point. In this way, a history of measuring point data corresponding to each water level can be maintained. 

Note: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the 

GWSI software.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: If the date is not known, leave this field blank.

2.5.04 Height of Measuring Point (C323—six-digit number): Enter the height, in feet, of the measuring point above or 

below land surface at the site. Heights above land surface are unsigned: heights below land surface are preceded by a minus 

sign (-).

WAWSC Standard and Practice: Heights of Measuring Points usually are measured and entered 

to one-decimal place.

28  Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
2.5.05 Altitude of Measuring Point (C325—eight-digit number): Enter the altitude, in feet, of the measuring point above 

or below the Altitude Datum given in component C328. Altitudes above a datum are unsigned; altitudes below a datum are 

preceded by a minus sign (-). Altitudes may be entered to two decimal places. An entry of Altitude (C325) also requires the 

entry of Method Altitude Determined (C325), Altitude Accuracy (C327), and Altitude Datum (C328).

Note: MP Altitudes can be measured directly or calculated by adding Height of Measuring Point 

(C323) to Altitude of Land Surface (C016 in the Site Record). In either case, if a value for Altitude 

(C016) has been entered, Measuring Point Altitude (C325) must equal Altitude C016 + MP Height 

(C323). 

2.5.06 Method Altitude Determined (C326—Conditional—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes 

the method used to determine Altitude of Measuring Point (C325). If the altitude was calculated by adding Height of 

Measuring Point (C323) and Altitude of Land Surface (C016), enter the method used to determine Altitude of Land Surface 

(C017 from the Site Record). Method Altitude Determined (C326) is mandatory if Altitude of Measuring Point (C325) is 

entered.

Code Altitude Method

A Altimeter 

D Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) 

G Global Positioning System (GPS)

L Level or other surveying method 

M Interpolated from topographic map 

N Interpolated from digital elevation model (DEM) 

R Reported (method unknown)

U Unknown 

2.5.07 Altitude Accuracy (C327—Conditional— three-digit number): Enter the accuracy of the Altitude entered in 

component C325 in terms of the possible error, in feet. An accuracy of +/- 0.1 foot would be entered as “.1”. Altitudes 

interpolated from the contours on topographic maps generally are accurate to one-half of the contour interval of the map. 

If altitude was calculated by adding Height of Measuring Point (C323) and Altitude of Land Surface (C016), enter the 

Altitude Accuracy (C018) from the Site Record. Altitude Accuracy is mandatory if Altitude (C325) is entered. 

2.5.08 Altitude Datum (Measuring Point Description C328— Conditional—ten-character code): Enter the code that 

identifies the vertical datum used to determine MP Altitude (C325). Altitude datum is mandatory when MP Altitude (C325) 

is entered.

Code Altitude Datum

NGVD29 National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 

NAVD88 North American Vertical Datum of 1988 

OLDAK Old Alaska (Mainland) and Aleutian Island Datum

OLDPR Old Puerto Rico and Virgin Island Datum

HILOCAL Local Hawaiian Datum 

ASLOCAL Local American Samoa Datum 

GULOCAL Local Guam Datum 

COE1912 COE Datum 1912 

WAWSC Standard and Practice: Requests for new datums will be submitted to the WAWCS 

Groundwater Specialist. 

Section 2—Construction Data Records  29
2.5.09 Remarks (C324— 94-character text field): Enter a detailed description of the measuring point. Meaningful 

abbreviations or acronyms may be used.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: MP descriptions always must start with the MP Number, and 

include the height of the MP above or below land surface.

Examples: “MP1, TOP OF CASING WEST SIDE AT ORANGE MARK, 2.0 FT ABOVE LSD”. 

 “MP2, TOC WEST SIDE AT NOTCH, 6.0 FT BLW LSD”

2.5.10 Web-ready Flag (C857—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the status and 

availability of the MPNT record for display on the Web. 

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display (default)

C Conditional Record not checked—No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No 

Web display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water 

Science Center—No Web display

Note: Web-ready Flags for MPNT records are set manually by the person 

entering the data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. MPNT 

records are not displayed on the Web and these flags control the availability 

of the records for retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. 

Geological Survey, 2005a).

30 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Section 3—Water-Level Data Records (LEV)

Water-Level Data Records consist of three record types that store data and information about water levels measured in wells and 

similar ground-water sites. Each record type is identified by a Water-Level Entry Code and may contain one or more individual 

Water Level Records. The Primary Key for Water Level Records is a combination of Source Agency Code (C004), Site ID 

(C001), Measurement Date (C235), and Measurement Time (C709). Of these, Source Agency Code, Site ID, and Measurement 

Date are Mandatory. However, Measurement Time (C709) should be entered whenever it is readily available.

Subsection Component Name Component Number 

3.01 Agency Code C004

3.02 Site ID C001

3.03 Measurement Date C235

3.04 Time Water Level Measured C709

3.05 Water-Level Entry Code C243

3.1 Water Levels from Land Surface (LSD)

3.1.01 Water Level from LSD C237

3.1.02 Status C238

3.1.03 Method of Measurement C239

3.1.04 Reference C240

3.1.05 Accuracy C276

3.1.06 Source C244

3.1.07 Party ID C246

3.1.08 Source Agency C247

3.1.09 Web-ready Flag C858

3.01 Agency Code (C004—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—five-character code): This field is populated by the NWIS 

Software with the Agency Code (C004) from the Site Record. 

3.02 Site ID (C001—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—15-digit integer): This field is populated by the NWIS Software 

with the Site Identification Number (C001) from the Site Record.

3.03 Measurement Date (C235—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—eight-digit date): Enter the date on which the water 

level was measured. Dates are entered using the format MM-DD-YYYY where MM is the month, DD is the day of month, 

and YYYY the year. Use leading zeros for month or day values less than 10. If the month or day is not known, enter “01” in 

the spaces. Enter four digits for the year.

Note: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the 

GWSI software.

Note: If the day is not entered, only one water level can be entered for the month. Similarly, if the 

month and day are not entered, only one water level can be entered for the year.

However, multiple water levels for a partial date may be entered if the water levels have different 

Measurement Times. 

3.04 Time Water Level Measured (C709—Part of Primary Key—four-digit integer): Enter the time of day, when known, 

using the 24-hour clock, at which the water level was measured. Leave blank if not known.

Note: If Measurement Time is not entered, only one water level can be entered for a date.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: Measurement Time (C709) should be entered whenever it is 

readily available.

Section 3—Water Level Data Records (LEV)  31
3.05 Water-Level Entry Code (C243—Mandatory—one-character code): The Water Level Entry Code functions in much 

the same way as Record Type and allows the user to enter water levels referenced to different datums. 

Code Reference Datum 

L Land Surface (LSD)

M Measuring Point (MP)

S Sea Level (MSL)

Note: Only one water-level Entry Code 

may be entered for each date and time.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: All water levels are to be entered referenced to LSD. Projects 

wishing to enter water levels from an alternative datum must contact the WAWSC Ground-water 

Specialist for guidance and quality assurance purposes before entering data. See appendix 5 for 

additional discussion on water levels referenced to MP and MSL.

3.1 Water Levels from Land Surface (LSD) (Water-Level Entry Code C243 = L): These record store water-level data 

referenced to the land surface datum (LSD) at a ground-water site.

3.1.01 Water Level from LSD (C237—Conditional—seven-digit number): Enter the water level, in feet from LSD at 

the site. Water levels below LSD are unsigned, water levels above LSD are preceded by a minus sign (-). Precision can be 

carried to two decimal places. An entry of Water Level from LSD requires the prior entry of Altitude (C016) in the Site 

Record. 

Notes:

(a) Water-level is mandatory unless associated with Status Codes C = Ice, D = Dry, 

F = Flowing, N = Discontinued, O = Obstruction, or W = Destroyed. 

(b) If the water level is above LSD and water level was determined, enter the head or water level

preceded by a minus sign (-) but do not enter a Status Code of “F” for Flowing.

(c) If the water level is above LSD but water level was not determined leave this field blank and enter 

a Status Code of “F” for Flowing.

(d) If the well was being pumped and the water level was determined enter the water level and record a Status

Code of “P” for Pumping.

 Note: The GWSI Entry Routine will not display a warning message, but the Edit and Update 

routines will generate a warning message that the water level and status may not be compatible.

(e) If the well was being pumped and the water level was not determined leave this field blank

and enter a Status Code of “P” for Pumping.

3.1.02 Status (C238—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the status of the site or water level at the time 

the water level was measured. If no status is indicated, the reported water-level measurement is assumed to represent a 

static water level.

Code Status

A Water level affected by atmospheric pressure

B Water level affected by tide stage

C Water level affected by ice (water in well was frozen, no water level measured)

D Site dry 

E Site recently flowing

F Site flowing 

G Nearby site tapping same aquifer flowing. 

H Nearby site tapping same aquifer recently flowing 

I Water being injected into the aquifer (Injector site). 

J Water being injected into the aquifer at a nearby site 

Note: The National User’s Manual limits use of this status to Injector site monitor wells.

M Well plugged and not in hydraulic contact with aquifer 

N Measurement discontinued 

32  Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Code Status

O Obstruction encountered in the well 

P Site being pumped

R Site recently pumped

S Nearby site tapping same aquifer being pumped

T Nearby site tapping same aquifer recently pumped 

V Foreign substance present on surface of water in well 

W Well destroyed 

X Water level affected by nearby surface-water site

Z Other conditions affected the measured water level (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

Notes:

(a) Water Level cannot be entered with Status codes C = Ice, D = Dry, F = Flowing, N = Discontinued, 

O = Obstruction, or W = Destroyed. 

(b) Water Level is allowed but may not be compatible with Status code P = Pumping.

Note: The GWSI Entry Routine will not display a warning message, but the Edit 

and Update routines will generate a warning message that the water level and status 

may not be compatible.

(c) Water Level is required for all status codes except those listed above in notes (b) and (c).

(d) Statistics generated during some tabling options will not include water levels where a status code is

indicated.

3.1.03 Method of Measurement (C239—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes how the 

water level was measured. 

Code Method of Measurement Code Method of Measurement

A Airline M Manometer 

B Analog or graphic recorder N Non-recording gage

C Calibrated airline * O Observed**

E Estimated R Reported, method not known 

F Transducer S Steel-tape 

G Pressure-gage T Electric-tape

H Calibrated pressure-gage * V Calibrated electric tape*

L Interpreted from geophysical logs Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

*Calibrated implies the accuracy of the method, equipment, or instrument has been

 checked and verified, usually by comparison to a concurrent water level measured

 with a steel tape. 

**Required for Status Codes F = Flowing, N = Discontinued, and W = Destroyed:

 allowed for all others.

3.1.04 Reference (C240—one-character code): If the water level was obtained from a continuous recorder (analog or 

digital), enter the code that best indicates how the value was selected from the readings available for that day. 

Code Water level entered is the:

M Daily maximum (deepest water level for the day) 

N Daily minimum (shallowest water level for the day) 

X Daily mean. 

Z Monthly mean 

A 12:00 noon reading

P l2:00 midnight reading

Note: Reference (C240) does not appear on the WAWSC 

coding form.

Section 3—Water Level Data Records (LEV)  33
3.1.05 Accuracy (C276—Conditional—one-character code): This field is populated by the GWSI Software on the basis 

of the number of significant figures entered for a new water level. However, this value may be over-ridden by manually 

entering a different accuracy code. This field is mandatory if Water Level (C237) is entered.

Code Accuracy of water level 

0 Nearest foot 

1 Nearest tenth of a foot 

2 Nearest one-hundredth of a foot 

9 Not to nearest foot 

Note: Starting with GWSI Version 4.4, water 

levels displayed on the Web (Web-ready Flag 

C858= Y) are rounded according to their WaterLevel Accuracy Codes (C276). An Accuracy 

code of 9 indicates uncertainty greater than 1 

foot but it does not imply any accuracy (such as 

to the nearest 5, 10, or 100 feet). Because there is 

no set accuracy associated with this code, water 

levels with this accuracy code are rounded to the 

nearest foot.

3.1.06 Source (C244—Mandatory—one-character-code): Enter the code that best describes the source of the water-level 

data. The codes are the same as those used for Source of Depth Data (C029) in the Site Record. 

Code Source of water-level data

A Reported by other government agency - not owner

D Driller’s log or report 

G Private geologist, consultant, or university associate* 

L Interpreted from geophysical logs by personnel of source agency 

M Memory (owner, operator, driller): less reliable than reported (“O” and “R”)* 

O Reported by the owner of the well 

R Reported by person other than the owner, driller, or another government agency* 

S Measured, Observed or Reported by personnel of reporting agency 

Z Other *

*Explain in Miscellaneous Remarks C788

3.1.07 Party ID (C246—six-character text field): For water-levels measured by USGS Personal enter the last name and 

initials, or the userid of the person who measured the water level. For water-levels measured by personnel from other 

agencies enter the abbreviation or acronym of the party’s agency (See WAWSC Standard and Practice following Source 

Agency (C247) below).

3.1.08 Source Agency (C247—Mandatory—five-character code): Enter the Agency Code of the person who measured the 

water level. These are the same codes used for Source Agency (C004) in the Site Record. Codes and their meanings can be 

accessed by typing “?” in the field for Source Agency on the GWSI data entry screen.

WAWSC Standards and Practice: For water-levels measured by personnel from another agency 

enter Party ID (C246) and Source Agency as follows:

Name of Agency Party ID C246 Source Agency C247

Washington Dept. of Ecology WDOE WA001

Washington Dept. of Health WDOH WA127

Washington Dept. of Natural Resources WDNR WA019

Driller WDOE WA001

Owner OWNR USGS

34 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
3.1.09 Web-ready Flag (C858—Mandatory—one-character code [licensing & reporting agency]): Enter the code that best 

indicates the status and availability of the Water-level Record for display on the Web. 

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display (default)

C Conditional Record not checked—No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—

No Web display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water 

Science Center—No Web display

Note: Web-ready Flags for Water-level records are set manually by the 

person entering the data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding Form. 

These flags also control the availability of the records for retrieval by the 

GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S, Geological Survey 2005a).

Section 3—Water Level Data Records (LEV)  35
Section 4—Miscellaneous Data Records

Miscellaneous Data Records consist of eleven record types that store data and information about a ground-water site that do not 

relate to other data records. Each record type may contain one or more individual data records. The Primary Key for Miscellaneous 

Data Records combines Agency Code (C004), Site ID (C001), Record Type Code, and Record Sequence Numbers.

Subsection Component Name Component Number

4.01 Agency Code C004

4.02 Site ID C001

4.03 Record Types –

4.1 Other ID Records (OTID) C770

4.1.01 Record Sequence Number C736 

4.1.02 Other ID C190

4.1.03 Assigner C191

4.1.04 Web-ready Flag C861

4.2 Visits Records (VIST) C774

4.2.01 Record Sequence Number C737

4.2.02 Date of Visit C187

4.2.03 Name of Person C188

4.2.04 Web-ready Flag C863

4.3 Logs Records (LOGS) C778

4.3.01 Record Sequence Number C739 

4.3.02 Type of Log C199

4.3.03 Beginning Depth C200

4.3.04 Ending Depth C201

4.3.05 Source of Data C202

4.3.06 Format of Data C225

4.3.07 Log Location C226

4.3.08 Web-ready Flag C865

4.4 Other-Data-Available Records (OTDT) C772

4.4.01 Record Sequence Number C312

4.4.02 Other Data Type C181

4.4.03 Other Data Location C182 

4.4.04 Format C261

4.4.05 Web-ready Flag C862

4.5 Owner Records (OWNR) C768

4.5.01 Record Sequence Number C718

4.5.02 Date of Ownership C159

4.5.03 End Date of Ownership C374 

4.5.04 Type of Owner C350

4.5.05 Name C161

4.5.06 Alias C360

4.5.07 Phone C351

4.5.08 Access to Name C352

4.5.09 Address (1) C353

4.5.10 Address (2) C354

4.5.11 City C355

4.5.12 State C356

4.5.13 Zip C357

4.5.14 Country C358

4.5.15 Access to Phone/Address C359 

4.6 Remarks Records (RMKS) C788

4.6.01 Record Sequence Number C311 

4.6.02 Date of Remark C184

4.6.03 Remark C185

4.6.04 Web-ready Flag C870

36 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
4.01 Agency Code C004— Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—five-character code): This field is populated by the GWSI 

software with the Agency Code (C004) from the Site Record. 

4.02 Site ID (C001—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—15-digit integer): This field is populated by the GWSI software 

with the Site Identification Number (C001) from the Site Record.

4.03 Record Type (Mandatory—four-character code): Record Type Codes identify the category of data included in the 

each of the Miscellaneous Data Records. 

Code Record Type Component 

Number Code Record Type Component Number

OTID Other-identifiers C770 OCNT Contact C797

VIST Site-visits C774 NETW Networks C780

LOGS Logs C778 SPEC Special Cases C782

OTDT Other Data Available C772 MSVL Miscellaneous Values C784

OWNR Owner C768 COOP Cooperator’s Data C786

RMKS Remarks C788 

WAWSC Standard and Practice is to code and enter data only for Record Types OTID, VIST, 

LOGS, OTDT, OWNR, and RMKS which appear on the WAWSC coding form. The other five 

Record Types (OCNT, NETW, SPEC, MSVL, and COOP) are available (see appendix 5) if needed 

but do not appear on the WAWSC coding form (appendix 1).

4.1 Other ID Records (OTID) (C770—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—four-character code): OTID Records store 

identification numbers and names assigned to a site.

4.1.01 Record Sequence Number (C736—Mandatory—Part of PRIMARY KEY—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each OTID Record being coded.

WAWSC Standards and Practices: Selected Other ID Record Sequence Numbers are reserved 

for specific applications:

Numbers Reserved for

001–009 USGS Project Numbers 

010–019 USGS Networks/IDs

021 Washington State Department of Health Public Water Supply System ID

022 Washington State Department of Health Public Water Supply Source ID

031 Washington State Department of Ecology Unique Well ID Number

032 Washington State Department of Ecology Start Card Number

033 Washington State Department of Ecology Application Number

034 Washington State Department of Ecology Permit Number

035 Washington State Department of Ecology Certification Number

041–049 Owners Well Id and Names

4.1.02 Other ID (C190—Mandatory—15-character text field): Enter an ID number or name assigned to the site.

4.1.03 Assigner (C191—Mandatory—15-chatacter text field): Enter the name of the person or organization that assigned 

the ID number or name to the site. Meaningful abbreviations or acronyms may be used. Care must be taken to ensure that 

an identical name, abbreviation, or acronym is used in all cases. Failure to do so will lead to problems in retrieving specific 

values from the record. 

WAWSC Standards and Practices Minimum expected OTID entry is the current and previous 

Project Numbers (C005) and the Washington Department of Ecology Unique Well ID Number (if 

one has been assigned).

Section 4—Miscellaneous Data Records  37
Record Sequence 

Number (C736) Assigner (C191) Name of Organization

001–009 USGS PROJECT ID U.S Geological Survey

021 WDOH PWS SYSTEM Washington State Department of Health

022 WDOH PWS SOURCE Washington State Department of Health

031 WDOE UNIQE ID Washington State Department of Ecology

032 WDOE START CARD Washington State Department of Ecology

033 WDOE APPLIC NUM Washington State Department of Ecology

034 WDOE PERMIT NUM Washington State Department of Ecology

035 WDOE CERTIF NUM Washington State Department of Ecology

4.1.04 Web-ready Flag (C861—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best indicates the status and 

availability of the OTID Record for display on the Web. 

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display (default)

C Conditional Record not checked - No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No Web 

display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water 

Science Center—No Web display

Note: Web-ready Flags for OTID Records are set manually by the person entering 

the data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. OTID Records are not 

displayed on the Web and these flags control the availability of the records for 

retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

4.2 Visits Records (VIST) (C774 —Mandatory—Part of Primary Key— four-character code): VIST records store data 

about visits to the site for inventory or reinventory purposes. Routine visits for data collection need not be recorded here. This 

record is used to keep a history of the inventory activity at the site or an indication of the data’s most recent reverification.

4.2.01 Record Sequence Number (C737—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each VIST Record being coded.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: The earliest known visit is assigned Record Sequence Number 

“001”.

4.2.02 Date of Visit (C187—Mandatory—eight-digit date): Enter the date on which the site was visited. Dates are entered 

using the format MM-DD-YYYY where MM is the month, DD is the day of month, and YYYY the year. Use leading zeros 

for month or day values less than 10. If the month or day is not known, enter “01” in the spaces. Enter four digits for the 

year.

Note: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the 

GWSI software.

38  Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
4.2.03 Name of Person (C188—22-character test field): Enter last name and the initials of the person who made the site 

inventory or visit. Leave a space between the last name and initials and do not include periods. For example, Charlie Arthur 

Brown would be entered as “BROWN C A”.

WAWSC Standards and Practices

(a) For USGS personnel, “name” is replaced by USGS.

(b) For personnel from another agency “name” is replace by a meaningful abbreviation or

acronym of the agency’s name.

(c) Care must be taken to ensure that an identical name, abbreviation, or acronym is used in all

cases.

(d) The WAWSC Project Number under which the visit was conducted is placed after the agency

code.

 Examples:

 USGS WA 002 28 WDOE WA 408 00

 USCOE WA 9BI 00 WDOH WA 007 00

4.2.04 Web-ready Flag (C863—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best indicates the status and 

availability of the VIST Record for display on the Web.

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display

C Conditional Record not checked—No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No Web 

display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water 

Science Center—No Web display (default)

Note: Web-ready Flags for VIST Records are set manually by the person entering 

the data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. VIST Records are not 

displayed on the Web and these flags control the availability of the records for 

retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

4.3 Logs Records (LOGS) (C778—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—four-character code): LOGS records store data 

about the types of geophysical and other logs available for the site. 

4.3.01 Record Sequence Number (C737—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each LOGS Record being coded.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: Driller’s Logs should be assigned Record Sequence Number 

“001”.

Section 4—Miscellaneous Data Records  39
4.3.02 Type of Log (C199—Mandatory—two-character code): Enter the code that best describes the type of log. 

Code Type of Log Code Type of Log

ACOUSTIC ELECTROMAGNETIC

AS Sonic MM Magnetic 

AV Acoustic velocity MS Magnetic susceptibility 

AW Acoustic waveform MI Electromagnetic induction

AT Acoustic televiewer MD Electromagnetic dual induction 

CALIPER MR Radar reflection image 

CP Caliper MV Radar direct-wave velocity 

CS Caliper, single arm MA Radar direct-wave amplitude 

CT Caliper, three arm FLUID

CM Caliper, multiple arm FH Heat-pulse flow-meter

CA Caliper, acoustic FE Electromagnetic flow-meter

COMBINATION FD Doppler flow-meter 

ZF Gamma, fluid resistivity, and temperature FA Radioactive tracer 

ZI Gamma and EM induction FY Dye tracer 

ZR Long/short normal resistivity FB Brine tracer 

ZT Fluid resistivity and temperature FC Fluid conductivity 

ZM EM flow-meter, fluid resistivity, temperature FR Fluid resistivity 

ZN Long/short normal resistivity spontaneous 

potential

FT Fluid temperature

ZP Single-point resistance, spontaneous 

potential

FF 

FV

Fluid differential temperature

Fluid velocity

ZE Gamma, long/short normal 

resistivity,spontaneous potential, single-point 

resistance, fluid resistivity, temperature

FS Spinner flow-meter

DRILLING NUCLEAR

DT Drilling time NG Gamma 

DR Drillers NS Spectral gamma 

DG Geologist NA Gamma-gamma 

DC Core NN Neutron 

NT Neutron activation 

NM Nuclear magnetic resonance 

ELECTRIC OPTICAL

EE Electrical OV Video

ER Single-point resistance OF Fisheye video

EP Spontaneous potential OS Sidewall video

EL Long-normal resistivity OT Optical televiewer

ES Short-normal resistivity OTHER

ET Lateral resistivity OR Other (explain in Miscellaneous 

Remarks)

EC Micro-resistivity focused WELL CONSTRUCTION

EN Micro-resistivity WC Casing collar

EO Micro-resistivity lateral WD Borehole deviation

ED Dip-meter 

WAWSC Standards and Practices: The most commonly available logs in the WAWSC GWSI 

database are DR = Drillers, EE = Electrical, DG = Geologist, and OR = Other. While all Log 

Types are available, only these four are pre-printed on the WAWSC coding form.

40 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
4.3.03 Beginning Depth (C200—eight-digit number): Enter the depth, in feet below land surface, to the top of the logged 

interval. 

WAWSC Standards and Practices: Beginning Depths may be entered to two-digit precision but 

usually are entered in whole feet.

4.3.04 Ending Depth (C201—eight-digit number): Enter the depth, in feet below land surface, to the bottom of the logged 

interval.

WAWSC Standards and Practices: Ending Depths may be entered to two-digit precision but 

usually are entered in whole feet.

4.3.05 Source of Data (C202— one-character code): Enter the code that best describes who provided the LOGS data. The 

codes are the same as those used for Source-of-Depth data (C029) in the Site Record. 

Code Source of Logs 

A Reported by other government agency - not owner*

D Driller’s log or report 

G Private geologist, consultant, or university associate* 

L Interpreted from geophysical logs by personnel of source agency 

M Memory (owner, operator, driller): less reliable than reported (“O” and “R”)*

O Reported by the owner of the well 

R Reported by person other than the owner, driller, or another government agency *

S Reported by personnel of reporting agency

Z Other *

*Explain in Miscellaneous Remarks

4.3.06 Format of Data (C225—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the format in which the Log Data 

are stored. 

Code Format of Logs Code Format of Logs

F Files (raw data) P Published (report or basic data release)

M Machine readable Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks) 

4.3.07 Log Location (C226—64-character text field): Enter a narrative description of the location of any additional 

geophysical logs data. 

4.3.08 Web-ready Flag (C865—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best indicates the status and 

availability of the LOGS Record for display on the Web. 

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display (default)

C Conditional Record not checked—No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No Web display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water Science Center—

No Web display

Note: Web-ready Flags for LOGS Records are set manually by the person entering the data and 

do not appear on the WAWSC coding form but. LOGS Records are not displayed on the Web 

and these flags control the availability of the records for retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling 

Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

Section 4—Miscellaneous Data Records 41
4.4 Other-Data-Available Records (OTDT) (C772—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—four-character code): OTID 

records indicate the availability of additional data pertinent to the site

4.4.01 Record Sequence Number (C312—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each OTDT Record being coded.

4.4.02 Other Data Type (C181—Mandatory—38-character text field): Describe the type of other data available for the 

site. Use meaningful abbreviations, if needed. 

4.4.03 Other Data Location (C182—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the location of the other data. 

Code Location of Other Data Code Location of Other Data

C Cooperator’s office R Reporting agency office

D USGS Water Science Center Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

4.4.04 Format (C261—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the form in which the other data are stored. 

Code Format of Other Data Code Format of Other Data

F Files (raw data) P Published (report or basic data release)

M Machine readable Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

4.4.05 Web-ready Flag (C862—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best indicates the status and 

availability of the OTDT Record for display on the Web.

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display

C Conditional Record not checked—No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No Web 

display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water Science 

Center—No Web display (default)

Note: Web-ready Flags for OTDT Records are set manually by the person entering 

the data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. OTDT Records are not 

displayed on these Web and these flags control the availability of the records for 

retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

4.5 Owner Records (OWNR) (C768—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—four-character code): OWNR records store 

data and information about the ownership of a site. Due to privacy consideration, OWNR data cannot be used in the GWSI 

Detail Testing Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

Note: USGS Policy is to not release Owner data for public water supplies or other sensitive 

installations and facilities to the general public.

WAWSC Standard and Practice is to not release any OWNR data to the general public.

4.5.01 Record Sequence Number (C718—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each OWNR Record being coded.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: The original owner is assigned Record Sequence Number 

“001”. Subsequent Record Sequence Numbers are assigned in the order of ownership.

42  Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
4.5.02 Date of Ownership (C159—eight-digit date): Enter the date that the owner acquired ownership of the well, spring, 

etc., or the earliest date on which this owner was known to own the source. Dates are entered using the format MM-DDYYYY where MM is the month, DD is the day of month, and YYYY the year. Use leading zeros for month or day values 

less than 10. If the month or day is not known, enter “01” in the spaces. Enter four digits for the year. 

Note 1: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the 

GWSI software.

Note 2: For a new well, Date of Ownership = Date of Construction (C060). If C060 is not known, 

Date of Ownership = Date of Construction (C021). 

WAWSC Standards and Practices: Date of Ownership should be entered for all wells, whenever 

possible.

4.5.03 End Date of Ownership (C374—eight-digit date): Enter the date that the owner relinquished ownership of the 

well, spring, etc., or the earliest date on which this owner was known to have given up ownership. Dates are entered using 

the format MM-DD-YYYY where MM is the month, DD is the day of month, and YYYY the year. Use leading zeros for 

month or day values less than 10. If the month or day is not known, enter “01” in the spaces. Enter four digits for the year.

Note: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the 

GWSI software.

WAWSC Standards and Practices: End Date of Ownership usually is not coded and entered and 

does not appear on the WAWSC coding form.

4.5.04 Type of Owner (C350—Mandatory—two-character code): Enter the code that best describes the type of ownership. 

Code Type of Ownership 

CP Corporation: Owner is a legal entity composed of one or more individuals acting as a single 

person. A local or national company owning an industrial or commercial facility is an example. 

Non-profit natural land trusts and land conservancies should be coded as corporations. 

Corporations that are water suppliers should be coded as a water supplier. 

GV Government: Owner is a local, state, or federal agency including federal- or state-recognized 

Indian tribal governments and corporations wholly owned by tribal governments.

(a) Agencies providing wastewater treatment (a municipal sewer authority) should be coded as 

government.

(b) Agencies providing water supply (a municipal water authority) should not be coded as 

government but should be coded as a water supplier.

IN Individual: Owner is an individual, or a group of individuals that is not a legal corporation. 

OT Other: The type of owner is something other than a water supplier, a corporation, individual, or 

government (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks C788). For example, private-public partnerships 

should be coded as “Other.” Use of Other should be avoided, if possible.

UN Unspecified: The type of owner is unknown or unspecified. 

WS Water Supplier: Owner is a private or public entity that withdraws and/or distributes water to 25 

or more residents or a minimum of 15 service connections. 

Section 4—Miscellaneous Data Records 43
4.5.05 Name (C161—Mandatory—64-character text field): Enter the name of the person or organization that owns the well 

or spring site. 

(a) The format for entering an individual’s name is: last name, first name, middle initial. 

(b) Meaningful abbreviations or acronyms may be used for the names of organizations, 

companies, and agencies. 

(c) For entities that own multiple sites, care must be taken to ensure that the identical name,

abbreviation, or acronym is used in all cases.

(d) For entities that own multiple sites, individual sites should be identified by including the

owner’s well id or well number with the name.

 Examples:

 WASHINGTON STATE ECOLOGY (NAUGHTY FLATS WELL 2)

AVISTA UTILITIES (UPPER FALLS WELL MW-17)

(e) If the site is used or leased by someone other than the landowner, the name and other

information for the user or lessee should be entered in the Contact’s Record.

(f) If the land is used, leased, or occupied by someone other than the landowner, the name and

other information for the user, lessee, or tenant should be entered in the Contact’s Record

(OCNT C797).

 Note: Normally, the site owner and the landowner are the same entity. However, it is not

unusual for sites such as monitoring wells to be on land not owned by the entity that owns

(installed, maintains, or uses) the wells. In these cases, Owner’s Name should be the entity

that installed, maintains, or uses the well with the landowner’s name entered in the Contact’s

Record.

 WAWSC Standard and Practice: Include the landowner’s name and site location in Address

Line 1 (Need to also enter Access to Owner’s Address C359).

 Example:

 Site Owner = U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY (SMITH MW-1)

Address 1 = SMITH HOUSE, 12TH AVE & NEVER WAY

(g) During screen entry when all or part of a new name is entered in the Name field (C161)

previously entered versions of the name and associated alias (see below) appear at the bottom

of the screen along with a prompt that allows the user to continue searching, select and enter a

displayed name, or quit searching. 

4.5.06 Alias (C360—64-character text field): This field is populated by the GWSI Software with information from the 

Owner’s Name (C161).

(a) During screen entry when all or part of new name is entered in the Owner’s Name field

(C161), previously entered versions of the name and associated alias appear at the bottom

of the screen along with a prompt that allows the user to continue searching, select and enter a

displayed name and alias, or quit searching. 

(b) During screen entry, the contents of Owner’s Alias can be searched if the Owner’s Name field

(C161) is left blank and a carriage return is entered. The Alias prompt then appears at the

bottom of the screen. If all or part of an Alias is entered, followed by a carriage return,

previously entered versions of the Alias and the associated Name will be displayed at the

bottom of the screen along with a prompt that allows the user to continue searching, select and

enter a displayed name, or quit searching. 

4.5.07 Phone (C351—24-character field): Enter owner’s phone number, including area code and extension.

44 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
4.5.08 Access to Name (C352—Conditional—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes access to the owner’s 

name. Entry of an access code is required if an Owner’s Name was entered in Component C161.

Code Access Data available to

0 Public USGS employees, cooperators, and the general public. 

1 Cooperator USGS employees and specified cooperators. 

2 USGS USGS employees only

3 District USGS employees of the local Water Science Center (default).

4 Proprietary Specific USGS employees only—check with Ground-Water Specialist 

before using. 

Note: OWNR Name Records are not displayed on the Web and these codes control the 

availability of the data for retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine.

4.5.09 Address (1) (C353—64-character text field): Enter first line of owner’s street address. 

Note: Mailing and street addresses may be different.

WAWSC Standard and Practice (suggestion only): Rather than the exact street address, enter 

the nearest major road or intersection, and other locational information.

Examples:

Site Owner = U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY (SMITH MW-1)

Address 1 = SMITH HOUSE, 12TH AVE & NEVER WAY

Site Owner = BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION 

Address 1 = PROSPECTOR WAY & MULE DRIVE, NORTH WELL

4.5.10 Address (2) (C354—64-character text field): Enter second line of owner’s street address, if necessary. 

4.5.11 City (C355—64-character text field): Enter the name of the city in the owner’s street address. 

4.5.12 State (C356—two-character code): Enter the two-character FIPS alpha code for the state in the owner’s street 

address.

4.5.13 Zip (C357—ten-character code): Enter the postal zip code in the owner’s street address. 

4.5.14 Country (C358—48-character text field): Enter the country name in the owner’s street address. 

4.5.15 Access to Phone/Address (C359—Conditional—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes access to 

the owner’s telephone number and street address. Entry of an access code is required if a Phone Number (C349) or Address 

(C353/354) was entered. Codes and their meanings are the same as for Access to Owner’s Name (C352).

Code Access Data Available to

0 Public USGS employees, cooperators, and the general public. 

1 Cooperator USGS employees and specified cooperators. 

2 USGS USGS employees only

3 District USGS employees of the local Water Science Center (default).

4 Proprietary Specific USGS employees only—check with Ground-Water 

Specialist before using.

Note: OWNR phone and address records are not displayed on the Web and these 

codes control the availability of the data for retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling 

Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

Section 4—Miscellaneous Data Records 45
4.6 Remarks Records (RMKS) (C788—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—four-character code): RMKS Records store 

meaningful data, information, or other pertinent comments about a site for which no specific field is available. Use this space to 

explain entries of “Other” in any coded fields on the schedule.

4.6.01 Record Sequence Number (C311—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each OCNT Record being coded.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: RMKS Record Sequence Numbers are assigned in the order 

that the records were coded and entered into the GWSI database. 

4.6.02 Date of Remark (C184—eight-character date): Enter the date pertaining to the origin of the remark. Dates are 

entered using the format MM-DD-YYYY where MM is the month, DD is the day of month, and YYYY the year. Use 

leading zeros for month or day values less than 10. If the month or day is not known, enter “01” in the spaces. Enter four 

digits for the year. 

Note: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the 

GWSI Software.

4.6.03 Remark (C185—Mandatory— 44-character text field): Enter the Remark exactly as it is to be stored and printed. 

WAWSC Standard and Practice:

(a) Begin each remark with the record type , record sequence number, and component number to

which the remark relates.

(b) If a single remark contains more than one line, begin subsequent lines with three blank spaces

to highlight the beginning of each new remark. 

4.6.04 Web-ready Flag (C870—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best indicates the status and 

availability of the RMKS Record for display on the Web.

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display

C Conditional Record not checked - No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No Web 

display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water 

Science Center—No Web display (default)

Note: Web-ready flags for RMKS records are set manually by the person entering 

the data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. RMKS Records are not 

displayed on the Web and these flags control the availability of the records for 

retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

46 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Section 5—Discharge Data Records

Discharge Data Records (DISC) consist of a single record type that stores discharge and water-level data needed to estimate well 

performance for both flowing and pumped sites. The Primary Key for individual DISC records combines the Source Agency 

Code (C004), Site ID (C001), Record Sequence Number (C147), and the Date Discharge Measured (C148). 

Subsection Component Name Component Number 

5.01 Agency Code C004

5.02 Site ID C001

5.03 Record Sequence Number C147

5.04 Date Discharge Measured C148

5.05 Type of Discharge C703

5.06 Discharge (gpm) C150

5.07 Accuracy of Discharge C310

5.08 Source of Discharge Data C151

5.09 Method of Measurement C152

5.10 Production Level C153

5.11 Static Level C154

5.12 Source of Level Data C155

5.13 Method of Level Measurement C156

5.14 Pumping Period C157

5.15 Specific Capacity C272

5.16 Drawdown C309

5.17 Web-ready Flag C859

5.01 Agency Code (C004—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—five-character code): This field is populated by the GWSI 

software with the Agency Code (C004) from the Site Record. 

5.02 Site ID (C001—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—15-digit integer): This field is populated by the GWSI software 

with the Site Identification Number (C001) from the Site Record.

5.03 Record Sequence Number (C147—Mandatory—three-digit integer): Enter a Record Sequence Number for each 

DISC record being coded.

Note: More than one DISC record can be entered for a given date, and the same Record Sequence 

Number may be used with different dates.

5.04 Date Discharge Measured (C148—Mandatory—eight-character date): Enter the date on which the discharge data 

were collected. Dates are entered using the format MM-DD-YYYY where MM is the month, DD is the day of month, and 

YYYY the year. Use leading zeros for month or day values less than 10. If the month or day is not known, enter “01” in the 

spaces. Enter four digits for the year. 

Note: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the 

GWSI software.

5.05 Type of Discharge (C703—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that describes the type of discharge 

recorded in the record.

Code Type of Discharge 

P Pumped 

F Natural Flow

5.06 Discharge (gpm) (C150—Mandatory—10-digit number): Enter the discharge from the site, in gallons per minute. 

Two decimal places are provided for very small discharges. 

WAWSC Standard and Practice: enter Discharge to two significant digits. Although ten digits 

may enter, the WAWSC coding form shows only seven places.

Section 5—Discharge Data Records 47
5.07 Accuracy of Discharge (C310—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the estimated accuracy of the 

discharge measurement. 

Code Accuracy of Discharge Code Accuracy of Discharge

E Excellent (less than 2 percent) G Good (2–5 percent) 

F Fair (5–8 percent) P Poor (greater than 8 percent) 

5.08 Source of Discharge Data (C151—one-character code): Enter the code that best indicates who furnished the 

discharge data. The codes are the same as those for Source of Depth Data (C029) in the Site Record. 

Code Source of Discharge Data

A Reported by other government agency - not owner*

D Driller’s log or report 

G Private geologist, consultant, or university associate* 

L Interpreted from geophysical logs by personnel of source agency 

M Memory (owner, operator, driller): less reliable than reported (“O” and “R”)*

O Reported by the owner of the well 

R Reported by person other than the owner, driller, or another government agency* 

S Measured by personnel of reporting agency 

Z Other *

*Explain in Miscellaneous Remarks

5.09 Method of Measurement (C152—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the method 

used to determine the discharge. 

Code Method 

A Acoustic transient-time meter

B Bailer 

C Current meter = either propeller-type meter in the discharge pipe, or propeller- or 

cup-type meter in the discharge channel. 

D Doppler meter 

E Estimated 

F Flume 

M Totaling meter 

O Orifice 

P Pitot-tube meter, includes Cox meter, Collins meter, etc. 

R Reported, method not known 

T Trajectory (free-fall) 

U Venturi meter 

V Volumetric: bucket or barrel and stopwatch 

W Weir 

X Unknown 

Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks C788)

5.10 Production Level (C153—eight-digit number): Enter the water level, in feet below land surface, while the well was 

discharging. If the discharge is by natural flow, the production level (if measurable) is the water level above land surface 

preceded by a minus sign (-). 

5.11 Static Level (C154—eight-digit number): Enter the static water level, in feet below land surface. If the static level is 

above land surface, enter the water level above land surface (if measurable) preceded by a minus sign (-). 

48  Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
5.12 Source of Level Data (C155—one-character code): Enter the code that best indicates who provided the water-level 

data. The codes are the same as those for Source of Discharge Data (C151 above) and for Source of Depth Data (C029) in 

the Site Record . 

Code Source of Level Data 

A Reported by other government agency—not owner*

D Driller’s log or report 

G Private geologist, consultant, or university associate* 

L Interpreted from geophysical logs by personnel of source agency 

M Memory (owner, operator, driller): less reliable than reported (“O” and “R”)*

O Reported by the owner of the well 

R Reported by person other than the owner, driller, or another government agency* 

S Measured by personnel of reporting agency 

Z Other *

*Explain in Miscellaneous Remarks 

5.13 Method of Level Measurement (C156—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the method by which 

the water levels were measured. If the static level and the production level were measured by different methods, record the 

method considered least accurate. The codes, except for U = Unknown, are the same as those used for Water-Level Method 

of Measurement (C239) Sub-section 3.1.03 in the Water-Level File.

Code Method of Measurement Code Method of Measurement

A Airline M Manometer 

B Analog or graphic recorder N Non-recording gage

C Calibrated airline * O Observed

E Estimated R Reported, method not known 

F Transducer S Steel-tape 

G Pressure-gage T Electric-tape

H Calibrated pressure-gage * V Calibrated electric tape*

L Interpreted from geophysical logs Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

*Calibrated implies the accuracy of the method, equipment, or instrument has been

 checked and verified, usually by comparison to a concurrent water level measured

 with a steel tape. 

5.14 Pumping Period (C157—seven-digit number): Enter the length of time, in hours, that the well was pumped prior to 

the measurement of production level. One decimal place is provided for times shorter than one hour. 

5.15 Specific Capacity (C272—eight-digit number): Enter the value of Specific Capacity in gallons per minute per foot of 

drawdown, for the discharging well. Specific Capacity is defined as the Discharge in gallons-per-minute (C150) divided by 

Drawdown, in feet (C516). If production or static levels are not known but a specific capacity value is available, record that 

value in this field. Precision may be carried to two decimal places. Specific capacity will be computed and stored by the 

GWSI software if Discharge (C150) and Drawdown (C309) are entered.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: enter Specific Capacity to two significant digits.

5.16 Drawdown (C309—eight-digit number): Enter the Drawdown, in feet, for the discharging well. Drawdown is defined 

as Static Level (C154) minus Production Level (C153). Drawdown will be computed and stored by the GWSI software if 

Production Level (c153) and Static level (C154) are entered.

Section 5—Discharge Data Records 49
5.17 Web-ready Flag (C859—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the status and 

availability of the DISC record for display on the Web.

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display (default)

C Conditional Record not checked—No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No Web display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water Science 

Center—No Web display

Note: Web-ready Flags for DISC Records are set manually by the person entering the data 

and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. Disc Records are not displayed on the Web 

and these flags control the availability of the records for retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/

Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

50 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Section 6—Geohydrologic Data Records

Geohydrologic Data Records consist of two record types that store lithologic and hydrologic data about a site. Each record type 

may contain one or more individual data records. The Primary Key for Geohydrologic Data Records consists of Agency Code 

(C004), Site ID (C001), Record Type, and Record Sequence Number.

Subsection Component Name Component Number

6.01 Agency Code C004

6.02 Site ID C001

6.03 Record Type –

6.1 Geohydrologic Records (GEOH) C748

6.1.01 Record Sequence Number C721

6.1.02 Depth to Top of Interval C091

6.1.03 Depth to Bottom of Interval C092

6.1.04 Unit Identifier C093 

6.1.05 Lithology C096 

6.1.06 Contributing Unit C304 

6.1.07 Lithologic Modifier C097 

6.1.08 Web-ready Flag C871 

6.2 Aquifer Records (AQFR) C750

6.2.01 Parent Sequence Number C256

6.2.02 Record Sequence Number C742

6.2.03 Date C095

6.2.04 Water Level C126 

6.2.05 Contribution C132 

6.2.06 Web-ready Flag C872

6.01 Agency Code (C004—Mandatory —Part of Primary Key—five-character code): This field is populated by the GWSI 

software with the Agency Code (C004) from the Site Record. 

6.02 Site ID (C001—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—15-digit integer): This field is populated by the GWSI software 

with the Site Identification Number (C001) from the Site Record.

6.03 Record Type (Mandatory—four-character code): The Record Type code identifies the category of data included in 

each of the Geohydrologic records. 

Code Type of Record Component Number

GEOH Geohydrologic Data C748 

AQFR Aquifer Data C750

6.1 Geohydrologic Records (GEOH)—(CONS)—C748—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—four-character code): 

GEOH Records store descriptive information and depth interval data about lithologic units at a site. GEOH records can be used 

to record as little as a single lithologic unit or as much as an entire log for the site.

6.1.01 Record Sequence Numbers (C721—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key— three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each GEOH Record being coded. This number becomes the Parent Record Number of any Aquifer 

Data Records (AQFR) associated with parent GEOH Record. 

WAWSC Standard and Practice: GEOH Record Sequence Number “001” is assigned to the 

coded/entered unit closest to the land surface.

6.1.02 Depth to Top of Interval (C091—eight-digit number): Enter the depth, in feet below land surface, to the top of the 

interval. Depths may be entered to two decimal places but usually are entered in whole feet. This field should be specified 

for all units in the hole.

Note: The interval need not be an entire formation or aquifer.

Section 6—Geohydrologic Data Records  51
6.1.03 Depth to Bottom of Interval (C092—eight-digit number): Enter the depth, in feet below land surface, to the bottom 

of the interval. Depths may be entered to two decimal places but usually are entered in whole feet. This field should be 

specified for all units except the bottom most unit in the hole.

6.1.04 Unit Identifier (C093—Mandatory—eight-character code): Enter the eight-character code that best identifies the 

interval. Codes are listed in appendix 3, and can be found in the NWIS software at:

< /usr/opt/nwis/support/aageol.all.states >.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: If the Unit Identifier is unknown one of the following general codes may be 

used:

Geologic Time Unit Identifier Geohydrologic Unit

Unknown 000FILL UNCLASSIFIED FILL

Unknown 00OVBD UNCLASSIFIED OVERBURDEN

Unknown BEDROCK BEDROCK (basalt etc)

Unknown BASEMENT BASEMENT (granite etc)

6.1.05 Lithology (C096—four-character code): Enter the code that best describes the principal earth materials of the 

interval (See appendix 4—Lithology Codes). 

6.1.06 Contributing Unit (C304—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the unit’s actual contribution of 

water to the well. If this field is left blank, the GWSI edit program will populate this component with a default value of “U” 

and will print a warning message to that effect. 

Code Contributing Unit Code Contributing Unit

P Principal contributing aquifer 

(only one per site) 

Q Aggregate of lithologic units

S Secondary contributing aquifer U Unknown contribution

N Contributes no water 

Note: If an interval is identified as the Principal Aquifer at a site Primary Aquifer 

(C714) in the Site Record must contain the same code as was entered as the Unit 

Identifier (C093).

6.1.07 Lithologic Modifier (C097—123-character text field): Enter a detailed adjective description of the earth material in 

the unit. This field is free form—there are no assigned codes. Meaningful abbreviations or acronyms (such as those listed 

under Lithology (C096) above) may be used.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: Rock material is to be described using the format ‘Type/

Lithology, color, particle size, hardness, water content.’

Example: for a saturated, coarse, well-packed, gray, sand.

Enter ‘SAND, GRAY, COARSE, WELL-PACKED, SATURATED’

6.1.08 Web-ready Flag (C871—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the status and 

availability of the GEOH record for display on the Web. 

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display (default)

C Conditional Record not checked - No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No Web 

display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water Science 

Center—No Web display

Note: Web-ready flags for GEOH Records are set manually by the person entering the 

data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. GEOH Records are not displayed 

on the Web and these flags control the availability of the records for retrieval by the 

GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

52  Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
6.2 Aquifer Records (AQFR)—(C750—Mandatory—four-character code): AQFR records store hydrologic data about each 

lithologic unit at a site. A GEOH Record must exist for a unit before an AQFR Record can be entered.

6.2.01 Parent Sequence Number (C256—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter the Record 

Sequence Number (C721) of the GEOH Record with which the AQFR Record is associated. 

6.2.02 Record Sequence Number (C742—Mandatory—Part of the Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each AQFR Record being coded.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: AQFR Record Sequence Number “001” is assigned to the 

coded/entered unit closest to the land surface.

6.2.03 Date (C095—Mandatory—eight-character date): Enter the date on which the aquifer data were collected. Dates 

are entered using the format MM-DD-YYYY where MM is the month, DD is the day of month, and YYYY the year. Use 

leading zeros for month or day values less than 10. If the month or day is not known, enter “01” in the spaces. Enter four 

digits for the year. 

Note: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the 

GWSI software.

6.2.04 Water Level (C126—seven-digit number): Enter the static water level in this unit, if known, in feet below land 

surface. If the water level is above land surface, enter the head above land surface preceded by a minus sign (-). Precision 

can be carried to two decimal places. 

6.2.05 Contribution (C132—three-digit integer): Enter the percentage of the total yield of the well that is contributed by 

this unit, if known. If part of the water that the well would otherwise produce is lost to this unit, enter the percentage of the 

water lost preceded by a minus sign (-).

6.2.06 Web-ready Flag (C872—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the status and 

availability of the AQFR record for display on the Web.

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display (default)

C Conditional Record not checked - No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No Web 

display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water 

Science Center —No Web display

Note: Web-ready Flags for AQFR records are set manually by the person entering 

the data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. AQFR Records are not 

displayed on the Web and these flags control the availability of the records for 

retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

Section 6—Geohydrologic Data Records  53
This page is intentionally left blank.

54 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Appendix 1. Coding Forms
56 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center

alluvial

fan

active inactive inventory

only

playa stream

channel

depressiondunes flat floodplainhilltopsinkholelake or

swamp

mangrove

swamp

offshorepedImonthillsideterraceundulatingvalley

flat

upland

draw

section township range merid(s) 1/4 1/4

LAND NET

(C013)

MAP NAME

(C014) AGENCY

USE (C803)

MAP SCALE

(C015)

REMARKS (C806)

DRAINAGE

BASIN CODE

(C801)

TOPOGRAPHIC

SETTING

(C019)

DATE

INVENTORIED

(C711)

ALTITUDE

(C016) ACCURACY

(C018)

HYDROLOGIC

UNIT CODE

(C020)

DATUM

(C022)

TS R W

A B C D E F G H K

A I O

WEB-READY

FLAG (C032)

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS

TIME FLAG (C814)

TIME ZONE

(C813)

C P L

L M O P S T U V W

National Geodetic

Vertical Datum of 1929

North American

Vertical Datum of 1988

NGVD 29 NAVD 88

TSP Y

Ground-water site schedule - 1

anode standby

emer.

supply

drain geothermalseismic heat

reservoir

mine observationoil or

gas

recharge repressurize

test unused withdrawal/

return

withdrawalwaste destroyed

USE OF

SITE

(C023)

SECONDARY 

USE

(C301) 

TERTIARY

USE

(C302) 

SECONDARY USE

WATER (C025)

TERTIARY USE

WATER (C026)

A C D E G H M O P R S T U V W X Z

air

cond

bottling com

mercial

dewaterpower fire domestic irrigationindustrial

(cooling)

mining medicinalindusttrialpublic

supply

aquaculturerecreationstock institutionalunused desalinationother

USE OF

WATER 

(C024)

A B C D E F H I J K M N P Q R S T U Y Z

collector drain excavationsinkholeinterconnectedmultiple 

wells

out

crop

pond tunnel well test

hole

SITE

TYPE

(C002) C D E H I M O P R S T W X

field

checked

poor

location

minimal

data

unchecked

DATA

RELIABILITY

(C3) C L M U

unconfined

single

unconfined

multiple

confined

single

confined

multiple

mixed

AQUIFER

TYPE

(C713)

U N C M X

river spring

pump

other

gov't

driller geologistlogs memory owner other

reported

reporting

agency

other

SOURCE OF

DEPTH DATA

(C029)

A D G L M O R S Z

DATE OF

CONSTRUCTION 

(C021)

PRIMARY

AQUIFER (C714)

HOLE

DEPTH

(C027)

WELL

DEPTH

(C028)

Coded by

Checked by

Entered by

Verified by

AGENCY

CODE (C004)

SITE ID

(C001)

PROJECT

NUMBER

(C005) 

Form No. 9-1904-A Revised March 2008

File Code

Date

U S G S

GROUND-WATER SITE SCHEDULE

General Site Data

str lake

res

est ss spr gw wu

STATION

TYPE

(C802)

STATION NAME (Local Number) C012

DISTRICT 

(C006) 5 3 COUNTRY

(C041) U S

COUNTY

(C008)

STATE 

(C007) 5 3

LATITUDE

(C009)

LONGITUDE

(C010)

DATUM

(C036)

METHOD

(C035)

ACCURACY

(C011)

hndrth

sec

North American

Datum of 1927

North American

Datum of 1983 tenth

sec

half

sec

sec 3

sec

5

sec

10

sec

dgps gps loran map re

ported

digital

map

unknown

min

H 1 5 R F T M

un

known

S U D G L R U survey

SM N NAD 27 NAD 83

U.S DEPT. OF THE INTERIOR

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

WASHINGTON WATER SCIENCE CENTER

met out div la agw asw cos

Y = yes and

blank = no

entry

METHOD

(C017)

altimeter dgps gps level map re

ported

unknown

DA G I M N J

DEM

L

Plotted by

C

land

net

1/4 1/4 1/4 1/4

month day year

month day year

conditionalproprietarylocal use

only

NATIONAL

AQUIFER (C715)

R U

IfSAR LiDAR
Appendix 1 57

air-rotary bored or

augered

cable

tool

dug hydraulic

rotary

jetted air percussionreverse

rotary

trenching driven drive

wash other

METHOD OF

CONSTRUCTION 

(C065)

A B C D H J P R T V W Z

2 - Ground-water site schedule

bentonite clay cement grout none other

TYPE OF

SEAL

(C067)

B C G N Z

porous

concrete

gravel

perf

gravel

screen

horiz.

gallery

open

end

perf. or

slotted

screen sand

point

walled open

hole

other

TYPE OF

FINISH 

(C066)

C F G H O P S T W X Z

air-lift

pump

bailed compressed airjetted none pumped surged other

A B C J N P S Z

SOURCE OF 

DATA (C064)

NAME OF 

CONTRACTOR

(C063)

C O N S

HOURS OF

DEVELOPMENT

(C070)

BOTTOM

OF SEAL

(C068)

METHOD OF

DEVELOPMENT

(C069) 

RECORD

TYPE 

(C754)

RECORD

SEQUENCE

NUMBER (C723)

CONSTRUCTION DATA DATE OF

CONSTRUCTION

(C060)

other

gov't

driller geologistlogs memory owner other

reported

reporting

agency

other

A D G L M O R S Z

chemicalsdry ice explosivesdefloculenthydrofracturingmechanicalother

C D E F H M Z SPECIAL

TREATMENT

(C071)

HOLE RECORDS

CASING RECORDS

H O L E

C S N G

RECORD 

TYPE

(C756)

RECORD 

TYPE 

NUMBER (C758)

RECORD SEQUENCE

NUMBER (C724)

RECORD SEQUENCE

NUMBER (C725) CASING MATERIAL

(C080) 

DEPTH TO BOTTOM

OF INTERVAL (C074)

DEPTH TO TOP OF 

INTERVAL (C073)

DEPTH TO TOP 

OF CASING (C077) DEPTH TO BOTTOM 

OF CASING (C078)

DIAMETER OF

INTERVAL (C075)

DIAMETER OF 

CASING (C079)

C G P S V 4 6 Z CASING MATERIAL 

CODES

concrete galv iron PVC or

plastic

steel stainless

steel

stainless

304

stainless

316

other

material

See Guidelines 2.3.06

for additional codes

OPENING RECORDS

FOOTNOTES:

O P E N

C G P R 4 6 S Z

F L M P R S T W X Z

RECORD

TYPE 

(C760)

TYPE OF

OPENING

(C085)

LENGTH OF

OPENING

(C089)

RECORD

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C726)

MATERIAL

TYPE

(C086)

MATERIAL CODE

OPENING C086

TYPE CODES

OPENINGS

C085

WIDTH OF

OPENING

(C088)

DEPTH TO 

BOTTOM OF 

INTERVAL (C084)

DEPTH TO 

TOP OF

INTERVAL (C083)

DIAMETER OF 

INTERVAL (C087)

PARENT 

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C902)

concrete galv iron PVC or

plastic

stainless

steel

stainless

304

stainless

306

steel other

fractured

rock

louvered

shuttered

mesh perf or

slotted

wirewoundscreen

(unknown)

sand

point

walled open

hole

other

TYPE OF

OPENING

(C085)

LENGTH OF

OPENING

(C089)

RECORD

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C726)

MATERIAL

TYPE

(C086)

WIDTH OF

OPENING

(C088)

DEPTH TO

BOTTOM OF 

INTERVAL (C084)

DEPTH TO TOP 

OF INTERVAL 

(C083)

DIAMETER OF 

INTERVAL (C087)

TYPE OF

OPENING

(C085)

LENGTH OF

OPENING

(C089)

RECORD

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C726)

MATERIAL

TYPE

(C086)

WIDTH OF

OPENING

(C088)

DEPTH TO

BOTTOM OF 

INTERVAL (C084)

DEPTH TO 

TOP OF

INTERVAL (C083)

DIAMETER OF 

INTERVAL (C087)

month day year

See Guidelines 2.4.06

for additional codes

See Guidelines 2.4.07

for additional codes

Construction Data Records

PARENT 

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C902)

PARENT 

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C902)

S

sonic
58 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center

atmos- dry

pheric

pressure

flowing nearby

flowing

nearby

recent

flow

injection

at well

injection

nearby

discontinuedplugged obstructionpumping recent

pumping

nearby

pumping

nearby

recent

pumping

foreign

substance

destroyednearby

sw

effects

other

STATUS

(C238) B D

recent

flowing

C E F G H I J NM O P R S T V W X Z

SOURCE

(C244)

REMARKS

A D G L M O R S Z

MEASUREMENT

DATE (C235) WATER LEVEL

FROM LSD 

(C237)

TIME 

WATER LEVEL 

MEASURED

(C709)

WATER LEVEL

ENTRY CODE

(C243)

WATER-LEVEL RECORDS

other

gov't

driller geologistlogs memory owner reported reporting

agency

other

PARTY ID

(C246)

SOURCE

AGENCY

(C247)

M P

M P

N T

L E V

A D G L M R U

RECORD

TYPE

(C766)

RECORD 

SEQUENCE 

NUMBER

(C728)

ALTITUDE

ACCURACY

(C327)

BEGINING

DATE

(C321)

REMARKS (C324)

HEIGHT OF

MEASURING

POINT (C323)

ENDING

DATE

(C322)

METHOD

ALTITUDE

DETERMINED

(C326) altim

eter DGPS GPS level topo

map

reported unknown

National Geodetic

Vertical Datum of 1929

North American

Vertical Datum of 1988

NGVD 29 NAVD 88

L

RECORD 

SEQUENCE 

NUMBER

(C728)

BEGINING

DATE

(C321)

ENDING

DATE

(C322)

M P

ALTITUDE

ACCURACY

(C327)

ALTITUDE REMARKS (C324)

DATUM

(C328) National Geodetic

Vertical Datum of 1929

North American

Vertical Datum of 1988

NGVD 29 NAVD 88

Ground-water site schedule - 3

MEASURING POINT RECORDS

:

airline analog calibrated

airline

estimated pressure

gage

calibrated

pressure

gage

logs manometernon recording

gage

observed reportedsteel

tape

calibrated

electric

tape

other

METHOD OF

MEASUREMENT

(C239)

ACCURACY A B C E (C276)

transducer

F G H L M N O R S

electric

tape

T V Z 0 1 2

1 ft 0.1 ft 0.0 ft

9

= 1/

altimeter dgps gps level topo

map

reportedunknown

DA G L R U M DEM

N

tidal

stage

month day year month day year

ALTITUDE

DATUM 

(C328)

ALTITUDE OF

MEASURING

POINT (C325)

month day year month day year

HEIGHT OF

MEASURING

POINT (C323)

ALTITUDE OF

MEASURING

POINT (C325)

METHOD

ALTITUDE

DETERMINED

(C326)

month day year

N

DEM

A D

ice

atmos- dry

pheric

pressure

flowing nearby

flowing

nearby

recent

flow

injection

at well

injection

nearby

discontinuedplugged obstructionpumping recent

pumping

nearby

pumping

nearby

recent

pumping

foreign

substance

destroyednearby

sw

effects

other

STATUS

(C238) B D

recent

flowing

C E F G H I J NM O P R S T V W X Z

SOURCE

(C244)

REMARKS

A D G L M O R S Z

MEASUREMENT

DATE (C235) WATER LEVEL

FROM LSD 

(C237)

TIME 

WATER LEVEL 

MEASURED

(C709)

WATER LEVEL

ENTRY CODE

(C243)

other

gov't

driller geologistlogs memory owner reported reporting

agency

other

PARTY ID

(C246)

SOURCE

AGENCY

(C247)

: L

airline analog calibrated

airline

estimated pressure

gage

calibrated

pressure

gage

logs manometernon recording

gage

observed reportedsteel

tape

calibrated

electric

tape

other

METHOD OF

MEASUREMENT

(C239)

ACCURACY A B C E (C276)

transducer

F G H L M N O R S

electric

tape

T V Z 0 1 2

1 ft 0.1 ft 0.0 ft

9

= 1/

tidal

stage

month day year

A D

ice
Appendix 1 59

4 - Ground-water site schedule

OTHER ID RECORDS

VISITS RECORDS

O T I D

V I S T

DATE OF VISIT (C187)

RECORD SEQUENCE 

NUMBER (C736)

RECORD SEQUENCE

NUMBER (C737)

OTHER ID (C190) ASSIGNER (C191)

RECORD

TYPE 

(C770)

O T D T

RECORD 

TYPE 

(C774)

L O G S RECORD 

TYPE 

(C778)

NAME OF PERSON (C188)

EE DG OR

A GD L M O R S Z

RECORD 

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C739)

electrical geologist other

DR

driller's

TYPE OF 

LOG (C199)

ENDING

DEPTH

(C201)

BEGINNING

DEPTH (C200)

M P Z

machine

readable

published other

F

files

FORMAT OF

DATA (C225)

other

gov't

driller geologistlogs memory owner reportedreporting

agency

other

LOG RECORDS

OTHER DATA AVAILABLE RECORDS

SOURCE OF

DATA (C202)

See Guidelines 4.3.03

for additional codes 

OTHER DATA 

TYPE (C181)

LOG

LOCATION

(C226)

EE DG OR

A GD L M O R S Z

electrical geologist other

DR

driller's

TYPE OF 

LOG (C199)

ENDING

DEPTH

(C201)

BEGINNING

DEPTH (C200)

M P Z

machine

readable

published other

F

files

FORMAT OF

DATA (C225)

other

gov't

driller geologistlogs memory owner reportedreporting

agency

other

SOURCE OF

DATA (C202)

LOG

LOCATION

(C226)

EE DG OR

A GD L M O R S Z

electrical geologist other

DR

driller's

TYPE OF 

LOG (C199)

ENDING

DEPTH

(C201)

BEGINNING

DEPTH (C200)

machine

readable

files published other

FORMAT OF

DATA (C225)

other

gov't

driller geologistlogs memory owner reportedreporting

agency

other

SOURCE OF

DATA (C202)

LOG

LOCATION

(C226)

D R Z

usgs

office

reporting

agency

other

C OTHER DATA

LOCATION (C182) M P Z

machine

readable

published

(reports/

released)

other

F FORMAT

(C225)

month day year

month day year

month day year

month day year

RECORD 

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C739)

RECORD 

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C739)

files

(raw data)

cooperator’s

office

See Guidelines 4.3.03

for additional codes 

See Guidelines 4.3.03

for additional codes 

F M P Z

RECORD 

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C312)

RECORD 

TYPE

(C772)

Miscellaneous Data Records
60 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center

OWNER RECORDS O W N R

NAME

(C161)

RECORD

TYPE 

(C768)

DATE OF

OWNERSHIP 

(C159)

JONES, RALPH A.

JONES CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

EXAMPLES:

ADDRESS (1)

(C353)

PHONE

(C351) ( ) te x

CITY

(C355)

COUNTRY

(C358)

ALIAS (360)

ALIAS (C360)

STATE

(C356)

ZIP CODE

(C357)

ACCESS TO

NAME (C352)

public cooperator 

USGS

only

district

only

proprietary

ACCESS TO

PHONE/ADDRESS 

(C359)

-

RECORD 

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C718)

individualother unspecified

water

supplier

TYPE OF

OWNER

(C350)

IN OT WSUN

O W N R

NAME

(C161)

RECORD

TYPE (C768)

DATE OF

OWNERSHIP 

(C159)

JONES, RALPH A.

JONES CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

EXAMPLES:

PHONE

(351) ( ) te x

CITY

(C355)

COUNTRY

(C358)

STATE

(C356)

ZIP CODE

(C357)

ACCESS TO

NAME (C352)

ACCESS TO

PHONE/ADDRESS 

(C359)

-

REMARKS RECORDS

Subsequent entries may be used to continue the remark

R M K S

R M K S

R M K S

RECORD 

SEQUENCE 

NUMBER

(C311)

DATE OF 

REMARK (C184)

RECORD

TYPE

(C788)

REMARKS (C185)

month day year

Subsequent entries may be used to continue the remark

DATE OF 

REMARK (C184)

RECORD 

TYPE

(C788)

REMARKS (C185)

month day year

Subsequent entries may be used to continue the remark

DATE OF 

REMARK (C184)

RECORD 

TYPE

(C788)

REMARKS (C185)

month day year

Ground-water site schedule - 5

month day year

ADDRESS (2)

(C354)

month day year

RECORD 

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C718)

ADDRESS (1)

(C353)

ADDRESS (2)

(C354)

RECORD 

SEQUENCE 

NUMBER

(C311)

RECORD 

SEQUENCE 

NUMBER

(C311)

GVCP

government

corporation

TYPE OF

OWNER

(C350)

0 1 2 3 4

public cooperator 

USGS

only

district

only

proprietary

0 1 2 3 4

individualother unspecified

water

supplier

GVCP IN OT WSUN

government

corporation

public cooperator 

USGS

only

district

only

proprietary

0 1 2 3 4

public cooperator 

USGS

only

district

only

proprietary

0 1 2 3 4
Appendix 1 61

AQUIFER RECORDS

GEOHYDROLOGIC DATA RECORDS

DISCHARGE DATA RECORDS

G E O H

A Q F R

P N Q U

6 - Ground-water site schedule

principal

aquifer

contributes

no water

S

secondary

aquifer

aggregate

of units

unknown

RECORD

TYPE (C748)

RECORD

TYPE (C750)

RECORD

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C721)

DEPTH TO

TOP OF UNIT

(C091)

DEPTH TO

BOTTOM OF

UNIT (C092)

LITHOLOGY

(CO96)

CONTRIBUTING

UNIT (C304)

CONTRIBUTION

(C132)

UNIT

IDENTIFIER 

(C093)

LITHOLOGIC MODIFIER (C097)

PARENT

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C256)

RECORD

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C742)

WATER

LEVEL

(C126)

DATE

(C095)

month day year

D I S C

P F

A D G L M O R S Z

A B C E G H L M N R TS V Z

airline analog calibrated

airline

estimated pressure

gage

calibrated

press gage

geophysical logsmanometernon-rec

gage

reported steel

tap

electric

tape

calibrated

e-tape

other

other

gov't

driller geologist logs memory owner other

reported

reporting

agency

pumped flow

other

excellent

(LT 2%)

good

(2%-5%)

fair

(5%-8%)

poor

(GT 8%)

SPECIFIC

CAPACITY (C272)

DISCHARGE

(gpm) (C150)

RECORD 

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C147)

SOURCE OF 

LEVEL DATA

(C155)

PRODUCTION LEVEL (C153) STATIC LEVEL (C154)

METHOD OF LEVEL

MEASUREMENT (C156)

DRAWDOWN PUMPING PERIOD (C157) (C309)

DATE DISCHARGE

MEASURED (C148)

ACCURACY OF

DISCHARGE (C310) E G PF

A B C D E F M O P R T U V W Z

accoustic

meter

bailer current

meter

doppler

meter

estimated flume totaling

meter

orifice pitot-tube reported trajectory venturi

meter

volumetric

measure

weir other

X

unknown

METHOD OF

MEASUREMENT

(C152)

A D G L M O R S Z

other

gov't

driller geologist logs memory owner other

reported

reporting

agency

other

SOURCE OF

DISCHARGE

DATA (C151)

month day year

TYPE OF

DISCHARGE

(C703)

P F

A D G L M O R S Z

other

gov't

driller geologist logs memory owner other

reported

reporting

agency

pumped flow

other

excellent

(LT 2%)

good

(2%-5%)

fair

(5%-8%)

poor

(GT 8%)

SPECIFIC

CAPACITY (C272)

DISCHARGE

(gpm) (C150)

RECORD 

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C147)

PRODUCTION LEVEL (C153) STATIC LEVEL (C154)

DRAWDOWN PUMPING PERIOD (C157) (C309)

DATE DISCHARGE

MEASURED (C148)

ACCURACY OF

DISCHARGE (C310) E G PF

A B C D E F M O P R T U V W Z

accoustic

meter

bailer current

meter

doppler

meter

estimated flume totaling

meter

orifice pitot-tube reported trajectory venturi

meter

volumetric

measure

weir other

X

unknown

METHOD OF

MEASUREMENT

(C152)

A D G L M O R S Z

other

gov't

driller geologist logs memory owner other

reported

reporting

agency

other

SOURCE OF

DISCHARGE

DATA (C151)

month day year

TYPE OF

DISCHARGE

(C703)

SOURCE OF 

LEVEL DATA

(C155)

F

transducers

O

observed

A B C E G H L M N R TS V Z

airline analog calibrated

airline

estimated pressure

gage

calibrated

press gage

geophysical logsmanometernon-rec

gage

reported steel

tap

electric

tape

calibrated

e-tape

other

METHOD OF LEVEL

MEASUREMENT (C156) F

transducers

O

observed
62 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center

DISCHARGE DATA RECORDS

P F

A D G L M O R S Z

A B C E G H L M N R TS V Z

airline analog calibrated

airline

estimated pressure

gage

calibrated

press gage

geophysical logsmanometer non-rec

gage

reported steel

tape

electric

tape

calibrated

e-tape

other

other

gov't

driller geologist logs memory owner reported reporting

agency

pumped flow

other

excellent

(LT 2%)

good

(2%-5%)

fair

(5%-8%)

poor

(GT 8%)

SPECIFIC

CAPACITY (C272)

DISCHARGE

(gpm) (C150)

RECORD 

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C147)

PRODUCTION LEVEL (C153) STATIC LEVEL (C154)

METHOD OF LEVEL

MEASUREMENT 

(C156)

DRAWDOWN PUMPING PERIOD (C157) (C309)

DATE DISCHARGE

MEASURED (C148)

ACCURACY OF

DISCHARGE (C310) E G PF

D I S C

6.1

A B C D E F M O P R T U V W Z

accoustic

meter

bailer current

meter

doppler

meter

estimated flume totaling

meter

orifice pitot-tube reported trajectory venturi

meter

volumetric

measure

weir other

X

unknown

METHOD OF

MEASUREMENT

(C152)

A D G L M O R S Z

other

gov't

driller geologist logs memory owner reported reporting

agency

other

SOURCE OF

DISCHARGE

DATA (C151)

month day year

P F

A D G L M O R S Z

other

gov't

driller geologist logs memory owner other

reported

reporting

agency

pumped flow

other

excellent

(LT 2%)

good

(2%-5%)

fair

(5%-8%)

poor

(GT 8%)

SPECIFIC

CAPACITY (C272)

TYPE OF

DISCHARGE

(C703)

DISCHARGE

(gpm) (C150)

RECORD 

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C147)

PRODUCTION LEVEL (C153) STATIC LEVEL (C154)

DRAWDOWN PUMPING PERIOD (C157) (C309)

DATE DISCHARGE

MEASURED (C148)

ACCURACY OF

DISCHARGE (C310) E G PF

A B C D E F M O P R T U V W Z

accoustic

meter

bailer current

meter

doppler

meter

estimated flume totaling

meter

orifice pitot-tube reported trajectory venturi

meter

volumetric

measure

weir other

X

unknown

METHOD OF

MEASUREMENT

(C152)

A D G L M O R S Z

other

gov't

driller geologist logs memory owner other

reported

reporting

agency

other

SOURCE OF

DISCHARGE

DATA (C151)

month day year

P F

A D G L M O R S Z

other

gov't

driller geologist logs memory owner other

reported

reporting

agency

pumped flow

other

excellent

(LT 2%)

good

(2%-5%)

fair

(5%-8%)

poor

(GT 8%)

SPECIFIC

CAPACITY (C272)

TYPE OF

DISCHARGE

(C703)

DISCHARGE

(gpm) (C150)

RECORD 

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C147)

PRODUCTION LEVEL (C153) STATIC LEVEL (C154)

DRAWDOWN PUMPING PERIOD (C157) (C309)

DATE DISCHARGE

MEASURED (C148)

ACCURACY OF

DISCHARGE (C310) E G PF

A B C D E F M O P R T U V W Z

accoustic

meter

bailer current

meter

doppler

meter

estimated flume totaling

meter

orifice pilot-tube reported trajectory venturi

meter

volumetric

measure

weir other

X

unknown

METHOD OF

MEASUREMENT

(C152)

A D G L M O R S Z

other

gov't

driller geologist logs memory owner other

reported

reporting

agency

other

SOURCE OF

DISCHARGE

DATA (C151)

month day year

TYPE OF

DISCHARGE

(C703)

SOURCE OF 

LEVEL DATA

(C155)

SOURCE OF 

LEVEL DATA

(C155)

SOURCE OF 

LEVEL DATA

(C155)

SPECIAL PAGE FOR CODING/ENTERING DISC RECORDS

F O

transducerobserved

A B C E G H L M N R TS V Z

airline analog calibrated

airline

estimated pressure

gage

calibrated

press gage

geophysical logsmanometer non-rec

gage

reported steel

tape

electric

tape

calibrated

e-tape

other

METHOD OF LEVEL

MEASUREMENT 

(C156) F O

transducerobserved

A B C E G H L M N R TS V Z

airline analog calibrated

airline

estimated pressure

gage

calibrated

press gage

geophysical logsmanometer non-rec

gage

reported steel

tape

electric

tape

calibrated

e-tape

other

METHOD OF LEVEL

MEASUREMENT 

(C156) F O

transducerobserved
Appendix 1 63

GEOHYDROLOGIC DATA

G E O H RECORD

TYPE (C748)

RECORD

SEQUENCE.

NUMBER

(C721)

DEPTH TO

TOP OF UNIT

(C091)

DEPTH TO

BOTTOM OF

UNIT (C092)

LITHOLOGIC MODIFIER (C97)

RECORD

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C721)

DEPTH TO

TOP OF UNIT

(C091)

DEPTH TO

BOTTOM OF

UNIT (C092)

LITHOLOGY

(C096) UNIT

IDENTIFIER (C093)

LITHOLOGY

(C096) UNIT

IDENTIFIER (C093)

LITHOLOGY

(C096) UNIT

IDENTIFIER (C093)

RECORD

SEQUENE

NUMBER

(C721)

DEPTH TO

TOP OF UNIT

(C091)

DEPTH TO

BOTTOM OF

UNIT (C092)

LITHOLOGIC MODIFIER (C097)

LITHOLOGIC MODIFIER (C097)

RECORD

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C721)

DEPTH TO

TOP OF UNIT

(C091)

DEPTH TO

BOTTOM OF

UNIT (C092)

LITHOLOGY

(C096) UNIT

IDENTIFIER (C093)

LITHOLOGIC MODIFIER (C97)

RECORD

SEQUENCE

NUMBER

(C721)

DEPTH TO

TOP OF UNIT

(C091)

DEPTH TO

BOTTOM OF

UNIT (C092)

LITHOLOGY

(C096) UNIT

IDENTIFIER (C093)

LITHOLOGIC MODIFIER (C097)

6.2

SPECIAL PAGE FOR CODING/ENTERING GEOH RECORDS

P N Q U

principal

aquifer

contributes

no water

S

secondary

aquifer

aggregate

of units

unknown

CONTRIBUTING

UNIT (C304)

P N Q U

principal

aquifer

contributes

no water

S

secondary

aquifer

aggregate

of units

unknown

CONTRIBUTING

UNIT (C304)

P N Q U

principal

aquifer

contributes

no water

S

secondary

aquifer

aggregate

of units

unknown

CONTRIBUTING

UNIT (C304)

P N Q U

principal

aquifer

contributes

no water

S

secondary

aquifer

aggregate

of units

unknown

CONTRIBUTING

UNIT (C304)

P N Q U

principal

aquifer

contributes

no water

S

secondary

aquifer

aggregate

of units

unknown

CONTRIBUTING

UNIT (C304)
This page is intentionally left blank.

64 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Appendix 2. Minimum Data Set for the Washington Water 

Science Center
The following data elements are required and expected to be entered for ground-water sites in the Washington Water Science 

Center’s Ground-Water Site Inventory Database.

 

Required by 

Ground-Water 

Site Inventory

Expected by 

Washington Water 

Science Center

Section 1—SITE Record

C004 Agency Code X X

C001 Site Identification Number X X

C005 Project Number X

C012 Station Name/Local Number X X

C802 Station Type X X

C006 District X X

C041 Country X X

C007 State X X

C008 County X X

C009 Latitude X

C010 Longitude X X

C011 Latitude/Longitude Accuracy X X

C035 Latitude/Longitude Method X X

C036 Latitude/Longitude Datum X X

C016 Altitude X

C018 Altitude Accuracy X

C017 Altitude Method X

C022 Altitude Datum X

C020 Hydrologic-Unit Code X

C801 Drainage-Basin Code X

C813 Standard Time Zone Code X X

C814 Daylight Savings Time Flag X X

C711 Date Inventoried (if site was visited) X

C002 Site Type X X

C032 Web-ready Flag X X

C803 Agency Use of Site X

C003 Data Reliability X X

C021 Date of Construction X

C023 Use of Site X X

C024 Use of Water (ground water sites only) X

C027 Hole Depth X

C028 Well Depth X

C029 Source of Depth Data X

66 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center

Note: Data Elements required by GWSI are identified on the Washington Water Science 

Center’s coding form by a solid double-line, box. Additional Data Elements required 

by the Washington Water Science Center are identified on coding form by a dashed line 

outlining the box.
 

Required by 

Ground-Water 

Site Inventory

Expected by 

Washington Water 

Science Center

Section 2—Measuring-Point Records (MPNT) (Expected for all wells with water levels)

C728 Record Sequence Numbers X

C321 Beginning Date X

C323 Height of Measuring Point X

C325 Altitude of Measuring Point X

C326 Altitude Method X

C327 Altitude Accuracy X

C328 Altitude Datum X

C324 Remarks X

Section 3—Water-Level Records (LEV) (Expected for all wells)

C235 Measurement Date X

C709 Time Water Level Measured X

C243 Water-Level Entry Code X

C237 Water Level from LSD X

C238 Status X 

C239 Method of Measurement X

C276 Accuracy X

C244 Source X

C246 Party ID X

C247 Source Agency X

C858 Web-ready Flag X

Section 4—Miscellaneous Data Records—Owner’s Records (OWNR)

C718 Record Sequence Number X

C159 Date of Ownership X

C350 Type of Owner X

C161 Name X

C352 Access to Name X

Section 4—Miscellaneous Data Records—Other Identifiers Records (OTID)

Minimum required OTID entry is the current and previous Project Numbers (C005) 

and the Washington Department of Ecology Unique Well ID Number if one has been 

assigned)

Section 4—Miscellaneous Data Records—Site Visit Records (VIST) (if site has been 

inventoried)

Appendix 2  67
This page is intentionally left blank.

68  Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Appendix 3. Geohydrologic Unit Identifiers for Washington 

State
Geologic Time Unit Identifier Geohydrologic Unit

UNKNOWN 000FILL UNCLASSIFIED FILL

000HKNS HAWKINS FORMATION

000LCHR LEECHER METAMORPHICS

000MNSR MOUNT STUART GRANODIORITE

000MTHW METHOW GNEISS

000NWKM NEWAUKUM SERIES

000ORCS ORCAS GROUP

000OVBD UNCLASSIFIED OVERBURDEN

000PSSN PESHASTIN FORMATION

000SPCK SHEEP CREEK CONGLOMERATE

000TLBK TURTLEBACK COMPLEX

BEDROCK BEDROCK (used by WAWSC for basalt, etc.)

BASEMENT BASEMENT (used by WAWSC for granite, etc.)

CENOZOIC 100GVWWO GRAVEL OF WALLA WALLA, OLDER

100PRPH PLIO-PLEISTOCENE, POST-RINGOLD-PRE-HANFORD FORMATIONS

QUATERNARY 110ALVM QUATERNARY ALLUVIUM

110BSLT BASALT

110CLVM COLLUVIUM

110DGHD DOGS HEAD ANDESITES

110DRML DRUMHELLER SILTS

110DUNE DUNE SAND

110GCPK GLACIER PEAK VOLCANICS

110GRCK GOAT ROCK PYROCLASTIC DEPOSITS

110LOSS UNCLASSIFIED LOESS

110MBKR MOUNT BAKER LAVA

110MNRR MOUNT RAINIER LAVAS

110MSHS MOUNT ST HELENS LAVAS

HOLOCENE 111ALVM HOLOCENE ALLUVIUM

111CLWD COLWOOD FORMATION

111DUNE DUNE SAND

111ELCR ELECTRON MUDFLOW

111OSCL OSCEOLA MUDFLOW

PLEISTOCENE 112ADML ADMIRALTY DRIFT OR CLAY

112ALVM ALLUVIUM

112ARLG ARLINGTON GRAVEL MEMBER OF VASHON DRIFT

112BRNG BORING LAVA

112CLVM COLLUVIUM

112CLVS COLVOS SAND

112CRSN CARSON LAVA

112CWCH COWICHE GRAVEL

112EPRC ESPERANCE SAND MEMBER OF VASHON DRIFT

112EVCK EVANS CREEK DRIFT OF FRASER GLACIATION

112EVRS EVERSON INTERSTADE OF FRASER GLACIATION

112FLVC FLUVIOLACUSTRINE DEPOSITS

112GALE GALE SAND

112GLCV GLACIO-FLUVIATILE

112KTSP KITSAP FORMATION

112LCSR LACUSTRINE DESITS

112LGHL LOGAN HILL FORMATION

112LLCK LILY CREEK FORMATION

112LWTN LAWTON CLAY MEMBER OF VASHON DRIFT

112MDLD MIDLAND SAND

112MNRR MOUNT RAINIER VOLCANICS

112MRIN MARINE DEPOSITS

70 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Geologic Time Unit Identifier Geohydrologic Unit

PLEISTOCENE—Cont. 112MRVL MARYSVILLE SAND MEMBER OF VASHON DRIFT

112NPLM NESPELEM SILT

112OKNG OKANOGAN TILL

112ORNG ORTING DRIFT OR GLACIATION

112PSCO PASCO GRAVELS

112PCCK PILCHUCK CLAY MEMBER OF VASHON DRIFT

112PLLP PUYALLUP FORMATION OR INTERGLACIATION

112PLUS PALOUSE FORMATION

112QUTS QUEETS BEDS

112RGLD RINGOLD FORMATION

112SCBD SCABLAND FLOOD DEPOSITS

112SKKM SKOKOMISH GRAVEL

112SLCM STEILACOOM GRAVEL

112SLGM STILLAGUAMISH SAND MEMBER OF VASHON DRIFT

112SSPG SALMON SPRINGS DRIFT

112STCK STUCK DRIFT

112STSP SATSOP FORMATION

112SUMS SUMAS DRIFT OF FRASER GLACIATION

112TCHT TOUCHET BEDS

112TFLS TIFLIS MEMBER OF WAHLUKE FORMATION

112THLH TAHOLAH FORMATION

112TILL TILL

112TRHL TROUT HILL LAVA FLOWS

112TRRC TERRACE DEPOSITS

112TTON TIETON ANDESITE

112VSHN VASHON DRIFT OF FRASER GLACIATION

112WGHL WINGATE HILL DRIFT

112WHLK WAHLUKE FORMATION

112WLLP WILLAPA CLAYS

TERTIARY 120CAMS CAMAS BASALT

120CDRL CATHEDRAL GRANITE

120CLDP CLOUDY PASS DIORITE

120KRGR KRUGER ALKALINE SYENITES

120PLMR PALMER VOLCANICS

120PLLK PHALEN LAKE VOLCANICS

120RSLD ROSSLAND GROUP

120SDCK SOLEDUCK FORMATION

120SPRD SHEPPARD GRANITE

120TIGR TIGER FORMATION

120TSSR TWIN SISTERS DUNITE

120UDRD UNDERWOOD LAVA

PLIOCENE 121BVRL BEVERLY MEMBER OF ELLENSBURG FORMATION

121ELPM ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN FLOW

121HARO HARO FORMATION

121HOKO HOKO FORMATION

121HWSN HOWSON ANDESITE

121MNSN MONTESANO FORMATION

121QLLT QUILLAYUTE FORMATION

121QNLT QUINAULT FORMATION

121RFRV RAFT RIVER FORMATION

121RGLD UNDIFFERENTIATED RINGOLD FORMATION

121RGLDB BASAL PART OF RINGOLD FORMATION

121RGLDL LOWER PART OF RINGOLD FORMATION

Appendix 3  71
Geologic Time Unit Identifier Geohydrologic Unit

PLIOCENE–Cont. 121RGLDM MIDDLE PART OF RINGOLD FORMATION

121RGLDU UPPER PART OF RINGOLD FORMATION

121SELH SELAH TUFF MEMBER OF ELLENSBURG FORMATION

121SGLF SUGARLOAF ANDESITE

121SLBT SELAH BUTTE FLOW

121SMMT SUMMIT CONGLOMERATE

121SNPS SNIPES CONGLOMERATES

121SQLM SNOQUALMIE GRANODIORITE

121TRDL TROUTDALE FORMATION

121UDDM UNDERWOOD MOUNTAIN LAVA

MIOCENE 122BRNP BROWNS POINT FORMATION

122CBRV COLUMBIA RIVER BASALT GROUP

122CLLM CLALLAM FORMATION

122DGLC DOUGLAS CANYON FORMATION

122EGCK EAGLE CREEK FORMATION

122ELBG ELLENSBURG FORMATION

122EMCL ENUMCLAW VOLCANIC SERIES

122FFPK FIFES PEAK FORMATION

122FSPG FRENCHMAN SPRINGS MEMBER OF YAKIMA BASALT OF COLUMBIA 

RIVER BASALT GROUP

122GDRD GRAND RONDE BSLT OF YAKIMA BSLT SUBGROUP OF COLUMBIA 

RIVER BASALT GROUP

122HMBF HAMMER BLUFF FORMATION

122HOH HOH FORMATION

122HWRD HOWARD ARKOSE

122IMNH IMNAHA BASALT OF COLUMBIA RIVER BASALT GROUP

122LATH LATAH FORMATION

122LCCK LINCOLN CREEK FORMATION

122LKVG LAKE VANTAGE LAVAS

122MBTN MABTON MEMBER (INFORMAL USAGE) OF ELLENSBURG FORMATION

122MSHL MASHEL FORMATION

122OCDP ORCHARD POINT CONGLOMERATE OF BLAKELEY FORMATION

122PCGG PICTURE GORGE BASALT OF COLUMBIA RIVER GROUP

122PDOV PEND OREILLE VALLEY ANDESITE BASALT GROUP

122PRPD PRIEST RAPIDS MEMBER OF YAKIMA BASALT OF COLUMBIA RIVER 

122QNCY QUINCY DIATOMITE BED OF PRIEST RAPIDS MEMBEROF YAKIMA 

BASALT

122ROZA ROZA MEMBER OF YAKIMA BASALT OF COLUMBIA RIVER GROUP

122RSRP RESTORATION POINT MEMBER OF BLAKELEY FORMATION

122SDLM SADDLE MNT BASALT OF YAKIMA, SUBGROUP OF COLUMBIA RIVER 

BASALT GROUP

122SELH SELAH MEMBER (INFORMAL USAGE) OF ELLENSBURG FORMATION

122SKMN SKAMANIA VOLCANIC SERIES

122SLVS SILVER STAR GRANODIORITE

122SQCK SQUAW CREEK DIATOMITE BED OF FRENCHMAN SPRINGS MEMBER 

OF YAKIMA BASALT 

122SVRG STEVES RIDGE FORMATION

122TNUM TANEUM ANDESITE

122VNTG VANTAGE MEMBER OF ELLENSBURG FORMATION

122WIDX WEST INDEX ANDESITIC SERIES

122WNPM WANAPUM BASALT OF YAKIMA BASALT SUBGROUP OF COLUMBIA 

RIVER BASALT GROUP

122YKIM YAKIMA BASALT SUBGROUP OF COLUMBIA RIVER BASALT GROUP

72  Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Geologic Time Unit Identifier Geohydrologic Unit

OLIGOCENE 123BLKL BLAKELEY FORMATION

123GROM GEROME VOLCANICS

123GRRC GRIES RANCH FORMATION

123KDKM KLONDIKE MOUNTAIN FORMATION

123LNCL LINCOLN FORMATION

123MRSN MARROWSTONE SHALE

123OPCS OHANAPECOSH FORMATION

123PRTR PORTER SHALE

123PUGT PUGET GROUP

123QMPR QUIMPER SANDSTONE

123RNTN RENTON FORMATION OF PUGET GROUP

123RSRP RESTORATION POINT HORIZON

123SKCK SKATE CREEK LAHARIC BRECCIA

123STTL SEATTLE FORMATION

123TKWL TUKWILA FORMATION OF PUGET GROUP

123TMTB TOM THUMB TUFF MEMBER OF KLONDIKE MOUNTAIN FORMATION

123TNSD TOWNSEND SHALE

123TRVR TWIN RIVER FORMATION

123TUTL TOUTLE FORMATION

123WKKM WAHKIAKUM FORMATION

EOCENE 124BLGM BELLINGHAM BEDS

124BNDR BOUNDARY SHALE

124BYNE BAYNE SERIES

124CBRV CARBON RIVER COAL SERIES

124CCKN CHUCKANUT FORMATION

124CHLS CHEHALIS SANDSTONE

124CLTZ COWLITZ FORMATION

124CRBD CARBONADO FORMATION OF PUGET GROUP

124CRSC CRESCENT FORMATION

124EVCK EVANS CREEK COAL SERIES

124FRFX FAIRFAX COAL BEARING ROCKS

124FRKL FRANKLIN SANDSTONE

124FRKLS FRANKLIN SERIES

124GUYE GUYE FORMATION

124KBHL KNOB HILL ANDESTIE

124KCSS KACHESS RHYOLITE

124KMMR KUMMER SERIES

124KMMRF KUMMER FORMATION

124LYRE LYRE FORMATION

124MCIS MCINTOSH FORMATION

124MCSN METCHOSIN VOLCANIC SERIES

124MLMN MELMONT COAL BEARING ROCKS

124MNSS MANASTASH FORMATION

124NCHS NACHES FORMATION

124NRCF NORTHCRAFT FORMATION OF PUGET GROUP

124NTPC NATAPOC FORMATION

124OBCK OBRIEN CREEK FORMATION

124OLQU OLEQUA FORMATION

124OQCK OLEQUA CREEK MEMBER OF COWLITZ FORMATION

124PELL PE ELL VOLCANICS MEMBER OF COWLITZ FORMATION

124PPNC PIPESTONE CANYON FORMATION

124PUYR PUYER FORMATION

124RGRV RAGING RIVER FORMATION

Appendix 3  73
Geologic Time Unit Identifier Geohydrologic Unit

EOCENE—Cont. 124RSLN ROSLYN FORMATION

124SCCK SCATTER CREEK RHYODACITE OR FORMATION

124SKKK SKOOKUMCHUCK FORMATION

124SLCK STILLWATER CREEK MEMBER OF COWLITZ FORMATION

124SNPL SANPOIL VOLCANICS

124SPKN SPIKETON FORMATION OF PUGET GROUP

124SPRR SOUTH PRAIRIE FORMATION

124SUMS SUMAS SHALE IN CHUCKANUT FORMATION

124SWUK SWAUK FORMATION

124TGRM TIGER MOUNTAIN FORMATION OF PUGET GROUP

124TNWY TENAWAY BASALT

124WLKS WILKESON COAL SERIES

PALEOCENE 125EGLE EAGLE GREENSCHIST

125ESTN EASTON SCHIST

MESOZOIC 200JUMB JUMBO VOLCANICS

200KRGM KRUGER MOUNTAIN MALIGNITE

200OSYS OSOYOOS GRANODIORITE

200WSKM WHISKEY MOUNTIAN GRANDODIORITE

CRETACEOUS 210BGCL BOGACHIEL FORMATION

210CLEM CLE ELUM FORMATION

210LCRV LEECH RIVER GROUP

210LNLK LOON LAKE GRANITE

210VGRG VIRGINIAN RIDGE FORMATION

UPPER CRETACEOUS 211MGPK MIDNIGHT PEAK FORMATION

211WNRP WINTHROP SANDSTONE

LOWER CRETACEOUS 217PSTN PASAYTEN FORMATION

217SPDN SPIEDEN FORMATION

JURASSIC 220EGCF EAGLE CLIFF PORPHYRITE

220INDX INDEX GRANDODIORITE

220NWBY NEWBY FORMATION

220RMML REMMEL GRANDODIORITE

220TYE TYE GRANITE

UPPER JURASSIC 221CHLN CHELAN GRANODIORITE

221MTOR METEOR GRANDODIORITE

221SKSN SHUKSAN FORMATION

TRIASSIC 230COVD COVADA GROUP

230FDLG FIDALGO FORMATION

230VNTR VENTURA FORMATION

PALEOZOIC 300CLGS CLUGSTON LIMESTONE

300DRLK DEER LAKE ARGILLITE

300EGLM EAGLE MOUNTIAN QUARTZITE

300FCRK FISH CREEK ARGILLITE

300LDPN LEAD POINT ARGILLITE

300SNJN SAN JUAN SERIES

PERMIAN 310GRFL GRANITE FALLS LIMESTONE

PENNSYLVANIAN 320CHPKB CHOPAKA BASIC INTRUSIVES

320CHPKS CHOPAKA SCHIST

320GNPK GUNN PEAK FORMATION

320HZMN HOZOMEEN SERIES

320KRGR KRUGER SCHIST

74 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Geologic Time Unit Identifier Geohydrologic Unit

MISSISSIPPIAN 330CLVL COLVILLE QUARTZITE

UPPER MISSISSIPPIAN 331CHLH CHEWELAH ARGILLITE

SILURIAN 350SVNS STEVENS SERIES

ORDOVICIAN 360LDBR LEDBETTER SLATE

360MLNY MALONEY METAMORPHIC SERIES

CAMBRIAN 370BCKK BUCKSKIN SCHIST

370BNDR BOUNDARY ARGILLITE

370CDCK CEDAR CREEK ARGILLITE

370CHKM CHIWAUKUM SCHIST

370DPLK DEEP LAKE ARGILLITE

370FRNW FERNOW GNEISS

370GYPS GYPSY QUARTZITE

370REVS REEVES LIMESTONE MEMBER OF MAITLEN PHYLLITE

370SWKN SWAKANE BIOTITE GNEISS

370TONG TONGA FORMATION

MIDDLE CAMBRIAN 374MSSN MISSION ARGILLITE

374MTLN METALINE LIMESTONE OR FORMATION

374NRPR NORTHORT LIMESTONE

374RBCK REPUBLICAN CREEK LIMESTONE

374RDTP RED TOP LIMESTONE

LOWER CAMBRIAN 377ADDY ADDY QUARTZITE

377MTLN MAITLEN PHYLLITE

377ODDM OLD DOMINION LIMESTONE

PRECAMBRIAN 400BDLK BEAD LAKE FORMATION

400BFHP BUFFALO HUMP FORMATION OF DEER TRAIL GROUP

400DRTL DEER TRAIL GROUP

400EDNA EDNA DOLOMITE OF DEER TRAIL GROUP

400HCKB HUCKLEBERRY FORMATION

400LEOL LEOLA VOLCANICS

400MCHL MC HALE SLATE OF DEER TRAIL GROUP

400MNHL MOON HILL QUARTZITE MEMBER OF SKOOKUM FORMATION

400MRDG MARTIN RIDGE SCHIST

400MRSL MARSHALL DIORITE

400NONM NO NAME ARGILLITE

400NPRT NEWPORT GROUP

400ORNT ORIENT GNEISS

400RBBN RIBBON GNEISS

400SDRF SHEDROOF CONGLOMERATE

400SKKM SKOOKUM FORMATION

400SSGR STENSGAR DOLOMITE OF DEER TRAIL GROUP

400TOGO TOGO FORMATION OF DEER TRAIL GROUP

Appendix 3  75
76 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center

This page is intentionally left blank.
Appendix 4. Lithology Codes for Washington
Code Rock Term Code Rock Term 

ALVM Alluvium LGNT Lignite

ANDR Anhydrite LMSN Limestone

ANRS Anorthosite LMDM Limestone and dolomite

ARKS Arkose LMSH Limestone and shale

BSLT Basalt LOAM Loam

BNTN Bentonite LOSS Loess

BLDR Boulders MRBL Marble

BLSD Boulders and sandMARL MARL Marl

BLSC Boulders, silt, and clay MRLS Marlstone

BRCC Breccia MMPC Metamorphic (undifferentiated)

CLCT Calcite MUCK Muck

CLCH Caliche (hard pan) MUD Mud

CHLK Chalk MDSN Mudstone

CHRT Chert OTHR Other

CLAY Clay OTSH Outwash

CLSD Clay, some sand OBDN Overburden

CLSN Claystone PEAT Peat

COAL Coal QRTZ Quartzite

COBB Cobbles RSDM Residium

COSD Cobbles and sand RYLT Rhyolite

COSC Cobbles, silt, and clay ROCK Rock

CLVM Colluvium RBBL Rubble

CGLM Conglomerate SAND Sand

CQUN Coquina SDCL Sand and clay

DIBS Diabase SDGL Sand and gravel

DORT Diorite SDST Sand and silt

DLMT Dolomite SGVC Sand, gravel, and clay

DMSH Dolomite and shale SNCL Sand, some clay

DRFT Drift SNDS Sandstone

EVPR Evaporite SDSL Sandstone and shale

GBBR Gabbro SPRL Saprolite

GLCL Glacial (undifferentiated) SCST Schist

GNSS Gneiss SDMN Sedimentary (undifferentiated)

GRNT Granite SRPN Serpentine

GRGN Granite, gneiss SHLE Shale

GRVL Gravel SILT Silt

GRCL Gravel and clay STCL Silt and clay

GRCM Gravel, cemented SLSH Siltstone and shale

GRDS Gravel, sand, and silt SLSN Siltstone

GRSC Gravel, silt and clay SLTE Slate

GRCK Graywacke SOIL Soil

GNST Greenstone SYNT Syenite

GPSM Gypsum TILL Till

HRDP Hard pan TRVR Travertine

IGNS Igneous (undifferentiated) TUFF Tuff

VLCC Volcanic (undifferentiated)

78  Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Appendix 5. Other Records and Components
The following GWSI records and components generally are not coded and entered by the Washington Water Science Center and 

do not appear on the WAWSC coding form (appendix 1). They are included here, should they be needed.

Subsection Component Name Component Number

Section 1 Site Record

1.28 National Water-Use Code C039

1.29 Data Type C804

1.30 Instruments C805

Section 2 Construction Data Records

2.6 Lift Record (LIFT) C752

2.7 Repair Records (REPR) C762

2.8 Spring Record (SPNG) C764 

Section 3 Water-Level Data Records 

3.2 Water-levels from Measuring Point (MP) –

3.3 Water-levels from Mean Sea Level (MSL) –

Section 4 Miscellaneous Data Records

4.7 Owner Contact Records (OCNT) C797

4.8 Network Records (NETW) C780

4.9 Special-Cases Records (SPEC) C782

4.10 Miscellaneous Values Records (MSVL) C784 

4.11 Cooperator’s Data Records (COOP) C786

Section 7 Observation Well Heading Records 

Section 8 Hydraulic Data Records 

8.1 Hydraulic Unit Records (HYDR) C744

8.2 Coefficients Records (COEF) C746

Section 1– Site Record

The Site Record stores locational and general information about a site. The following Site Record Components generally are not 

coded and entered by the WAWSC, but are included here should they be needed.

Subsection Component Name Component Number

1.28 National Water-Use Code C039

1.29 Data Type C804

1.30 Instruments C805

1.28 National Water-Use Code (C039—two-character code): Enter the code that best describes the use of water from the 

site.

Code Water Use

WS Water supply refers to water withdrawn by public and private water suppliers and delivered to various users. 

Water suppliers are public or private water systems that provide water to at least 25 people or a minimum of 15 

connections, or irrigation suppliers such as irrigation companies or irrigation districts. 

WAWSC Standard and Practice is to limit this category to public water supplies, and to include

 irrigation suppliers under the irrigation category.

DO Domestic or Residential refers to water for household purposes, such as drinking, food preparation, bathing, 

washing clothes and dishes, flushing toilets, and watering lawns and gardens. 

CO Commercial refers to water used by facilities that provide goods and services such as hotels, restaurants, 

office buildings, educational institutions, prisons, government and military facilities, and retail sales stores. For 

military bases and prisons, if domestic use cannot be determined, all withdrawals should go in the commercial 

category. 

IN Industrial refers to water used for such purposes as processing, washing, and cooling in facilities that 

manufacture or fabricate products. Electric power generation, mining, and the extraction of crude petroleum 

and gases are included in other water use categories. 

80 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Code Water Use

IR Irrigation refers to artificial application of water on lands to assist in the growing of crops and pastures or to 

maintain vegetative growth in recreational lands such as parks and golf courses. 

WAWSC Standard and Practice is to include irrigation suppliers under this category while reserving the 

water supply category for public water suppliers.

MI Mining refers to water used for extracting minerals occurring naturally, including solids such as coal and ores, 

liquids such as crude oil, and gases such as natural gas. Mining also includes uses associated with quarrying, 

well operations, milling, and other preparations customarily done at the mine site or as part of a mining 

activity. Mining does not include uses in processing, such as smelting, refining petroleum, or slurry pipeline 

operations.

LV Livestock refers to water used for livestock watering, feed lots, dairy operations, and other on-farm stock water 

needs. Livestock includes all animals other than fish. 

PH Hydroelectric power generation refers to the use of water to generate electricity at plants where the turbine 

generators are driven by falling water. 

ST Wastewater treatment refers to the amount of water treated and released by facilities engaged primarily in the 

collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater conveyed through a sewer system. 

RM Remediation refers to water that is either (a) pumped from a contaminated area to control the flow direction 

of contaminants in groundwater or (b) pumped, treated, and either used or returned to ground-water or surfacewater. 

TE Thermoelectric power generation refers to water used in the process of generating electrical power using 

fossil fuel, nuclear, or geothermal fuel sources. TE replaces the codes PF for fossil fuel, PN for nuclear, and 

PG for geothermal power generation. 

AQ Aquaculture refers to water used in growing or rearing of plants or animals in water; in a confined space; and 

under controlled feeding, sanitation, and harvesting procedures. Includes water used by fish hatcheries and by 

fish farms. 

1.29 Data Type (C804—30-position array): The codes in this array act as flags to identify the types of data collected at a 

site. Code in the proper location or locations in the array, one of the following codes: 

Code Data collection activity

A Active data collection site 

I Inactive or discontinued data collection site 

O Inventory data site only 

Column 

In Array

Column 

on Screen Type of data collected

1 1 Stage or water levels (continuous) 

2 2 Stage or water levels (intermittent) 

3 3 Water quality (continuous) 

4 4 Water quality (intermittent) 

5 5 Precipitation (continuous)

6 6 Precipitation (intermittent) 

7 7 Evaporation (continuous)

8 8 Evaporation (intermittent) 

9 9 Wind velocity 

10 10 Tide (continuous)

11 A Tide (intermittent) 

12 B Sediment concentration

13 C Sediment particle size 

14 D Peak flows 

15 E Low flows 

16 F Water Use 

17-30 – Unassigned 

Appendix 5  81
1.30 Instruments (C805—30-position array): The codes in this array act as flags to identify the types of instruments at a 

site. Enter a “Y” for “YES” or leave blank for “NO” instrument at site; multiple instruments can be identified for a site. 

Code a “Y” in the proper location (locations) for each instrument at the site.

Column 

In Array 

Column 

on Screen Type of instrumentation at site 

1 1 Digital recorder 

2 2 Graphic recorder 

3 3 Telemetry—land line 

4 4 Telemetry—radio 

5 5 Telemetry—satellite relay 

6 6 AHDAS data logger 

7 7 Crest-stage gage 

8 8 Tide gage 

9 9 Deflection meter 

10 10 Bubble gage 

11 A Stilling well 

12 B Continuous Record (CR) data recorder 

13 C Weighing rain gage 

14 D Tipping-bucket rain gage 

15 E Acoustic velocity meter 

16 F Electromagnetic flow meter 

17 G Pressure transducer 

18–30 – Unassigned 

Section 2–Construction Data Records

Construction Data Records consist of eight record types that store data related to the physical characteristics of a ground-water 

site. Each record type may contain one or more individual data records. The Primary Key for all Construction Data Records 

combines Agency Code (C004), Site ID (C001), Record Type Code, and Record Sequence Number. 

Subsection Component Name Component Number

2.0.01 Agency Code C004 

2.0.02 Site ID C001

2.0.03 Record Type –

2.01 Agency Code (C004—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—five-character code): This field is populated by the GWSI 

software with the Agency Code (C004) from the Site Record. 

2.02 Site ID (C001—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—15-digit integer): This field is populated by the GWSI software 

with the Site Identification Number (C001) from the Site Record.

2.03 Record Type (Mandatory— four-character code): Record Type codes identify the type of data included in each of the 

Construction Data Records. 

Code Type of Record Component Number

LIFT Lift and Pump data C752

REPR Minor Repair data C762

SPNG Spring data C764

WAWSC Standard and Practice is to code and enter data only for Record Types CONS, HOLE, 

CSNG, OPEN, and MPNT which appear on the WAWSC coding form. LIFT, REPR and SPNG 

records do not appear on the WAWSC coding form but are included here should they be needed.

2.6 Lift Records (LIFT) (C752—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—four-character code): LIFT Records store 

information about the lift, major pump, and standby pump at a site. Entry of a LIFT record does not require prior entry of a 

CONS Record. 

82  Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Subsection Component Name Component Number

2.6.01 Record Sequence Number C254

2.6.02 Type of Lift C043 

2.6.03 Date Installed/Recorded C038 

2.6.04 Intake Depth C044 

2.6.05 Type of Power C045 

2.6.06 Horsepower Rating C046 

2.6.07 Manufacturer C048 

2.6.08 Serial Number C049

2.6.09 Power Company C050

2.6.10 Power Company Account Number C051

2.6.11 Power Meter Number C052

2.6.12 Pump Rating C053

2.6.13 Additional Lift C255

2.6.14 Company Maintaining Lift C054

2.6.15 Rated Capacity C268

2.6.16 Standby Power C056

2.6.17 Horsepower of Standby Power Source C057

2.6.18 Web-ready Flag C854

2.6.01 Record Sequence Number (C254—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each LIFT Record being coded and entered. 

2.6.02 Type of Lift (C043—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the type of pump or lift. 

Code Type of Lift

A Air lift is a type of lift in which a jet of air pumped below the water table causes a stream of 

mixed air and water to issue from the well. 

B Bucket includes the familiar “rope and bucket,” chain and bucket lifts, and the small bailer lifted 

by a rope or chain and pulley. 

C Centrifugal pumps have rotating impellers in a closed chamber that draw the water into the 

pump. The water is discharged from the pump, commonly under great pressure, by centrifugal 

force.

J Jet pumps have two pipes extending from the pump into the well. One pipe forces water down 

the hole under pressure while the other pipe discharges water that has been forced to the surface 

by the action of the jet. Jet pumps are used principally for small water supplies, such as would be 

used for a suburban home, farm, or small commercial establishment.

P Piston pumps include the familiar lift and pitcher pumps common in many rural areas. The old 

“reciprocating” pumps and the “deep-well with walking-beam jacks” are of the piston type. 

R Rotary pumps operate on the principle that direct pressure is created by squeezing the water 

between specially designed runners. A relatively high vacuum may be created on the intake side 

so the suction lift is comparable to that for centrifugal pumps. 

S Submersible pumps are a special type of turbine pump in which an electric motor is connected 

directly to the impellers and submerged beneath the water. It can be recognized by the presence 

of insulated electric wire leading into the well and the absence of a pump or power unit at the 

surface. 

T Turbines are of several types and may be for a deep or shallow well. A series of impellers, placed 

below the surface of the water, are rotated by a vertical shaft connected to a power source at the 

land surface. These impellers “pick up” the water and force it to the surface through the pump 

column. Such pumps commonly are used to lift large amounts of water at high pressure. Turbines 

are used in high-capacity wells for public, industrial, or irrigation supply.

U Unknown: use only if the site is equipped with a pump about which other data are available, but 

the type of pump cannot be identified. 

Z Other includes any lifting device that does not belong in one of the categories listed above. Some 

examples are: helical rotor, hydraulic ram, and siphon (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks).

Appendix 5  83
2.6.03 Date Installed/Recorded (C038—ten-character date): Enter the date the lift was installed or the date on which lift 

data were collected. Dates are entered using the format MM-DD-YYYY where MM is the month, DD is the day of month, 

and YYYY the year. Use leading zeros for month or day values less than 10. If the month or day is not known, enter “01” in 

the spaces. Enter four digits for the year.

Note: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the 

GWSI software.

2.6.04 Intake Depth (C044— five-digit integer): Enter the depth to the bottom of the pump bowls or intake, in feet below 

land surface. The value desired for this entry is the maximum distance the water level can be drawn down before the pump 

breaks suction. 

Note: This should read ‘top of pump bowels or intake . . .’ where the well first loses suction.

WAWSC Standard and Practice is to enter depth to top of the pump intake.

2.6.05 Type of Power (C045—one-character code): Enter the code indicating the type of power used to power the pump. 

Code Type of Power Code Type of Power 

D Diesel engine N Natural-gas engine 

E Electric motor S Solar

G Gasoline engine W Windmill

H Hand Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

L Liquid propane (LP) or butane engine

2.6.06 Horsepower Rating (C046—seven-digit number): Enter the horsepower rating of the primary power source. Two 

decimal places are provided for small motors. 

2.6.07 Manufacturer (C048—12-character text field): Enter the name of the company that manufactured the pump. Use 

meaningful abbreviations or acronyms, if needed, to fit the space. Company names should be entered in a consistent 

manner.

2.6.08 Serial Number (C049—12-character text field): Enter the serial number of the pump. 

2.6.09 Power Company (C050—12-character text field): Enter the name of the company that supplies electricity, natural 

gas, or other fuel for the pump. Use meaningful abbreviations, if needed, to fit the space. Company names should be 

entered in a consistent manner.

2.6.10 Power Company Account Number (C051— ten-character text field): Enter the account number under which the 

power company stores information on power consumption at the site. 

2.6.11 Power Meter Number (C052—12-character text field): Enter the meter number of the electric or gas meter which 

records the power consumption of the pump. 

2.6.12 Pump Rating (C053—eight-digit number): Enter the rating of the pump as the volume of water lifted per unit of 

power consumed. The value should be expressed as millions of gallons of water per kilowatt-hour of electricity, cubic feet 

of natural gas, gallons of liquid fuel or engine hour, depending on the type of power coded under “lift data” above. (If the 

volume of water pumped is measured in other units, convert to millions of gallons.) 

WAWSC Standard and Practice is to note actual units in Miscellaneous Remarks (C788).

2.6.13 Additional Lift (C255—three-digit integer): Enter the additional head (above land-surface datum) against which 

the pump works, in feet of water. For a sprinkler system for irrigation, this is the height of the sprinklers above land-surface 

datum plus the pressure at the sprinklers (in feet of water). 

2.6.14 Company Maintaining Lift (C054—12-character text field): Enter the name of the person or company who is 

responsible for maintaining the pump, if known. Company names should be entered in a consistent manner.

84 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
2.6.15 Rated Capacity (C268—five-digit number): Enter the manufacturer’s pump capacity rating, in gallons per minute. 

2.6.16 Standby Power (C056—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the type of standby power available. 

The codes are the same as those listed in Type of Power (Subsection 2.6.05).

Code Type of Power Code Type of Power

D Diesel engine L Liquid propane or butane engine 

E Electric motor N Natural-gas engine 

G Gasoline engine W Windmill 

H Hand Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous 

Remarks)

2.6.17 Horsepower of Standby Power Source (C057—seven-digit number): Record the horsepower rating of the standby 

power source. 

2.6.18 Web-ready Flag (C854—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the Code that best describes the status and 

availability of the LIFT Record for display on the Web.

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display 

(default)

C Conditional Record not checked—No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees 

only—No Web display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local 

Water Science Center—No Web display

Note: Web-ready Fags for LIFT Records are set manually by the person entering the data and do not appear on 

the WAWSC coding form. LIFT Records are not displayed on the Web and these flags control the availability of 

the records for retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

2.7 Repair Records (REPR) (C762—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—four-character code): REPR records store 

information about minor repairs at a site. Entry of a REPR record does not require prior entry of a CONS Record. 

Subsection Component Name Component Number 

2.7.01 Record Sequence Number C165

2.7.02 Nature of Repair C166

2.7.03 Date of Repair C167 

2.7.04 Name of Contractor C169

2.7.05 Percent Performance Change C170

2.7.06 Web-ready Flag C855

2.7.01 Record Sequence Number (C165—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each REPR Record being coded and entered. 

2.7.02 Nature of Repair (C166—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the nature of the 

repair work. 

Code Nature of Repair Code Nature of Repair

B Blocked off O Slotted or perforated

C Cleaned P Plugged back 

D Deepened S Screen replaced

Appendix 5  85
Code Nature of Repair Code Nature of Repair

I Pump intake lowered Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous

L Liner installed Remarks)

2.7.03 Date of Repair (C167—ten-character date): Enter the date on which the repair work was completed. Dates are 

entered using the format MM-DD-YYYY where MM is the month, DD is the day of month, and YYYY the year. Use 

leading zeros for month or day values less than 10. If the month or day is not known, enter “01” in the spaces. Enter four 

digits for the year.

Note: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the 

GWSI software.

2.7.04 Name of Contractor (C169—12-character text field): Enter the name of the individual or company that did the 

work. Use meaningful abbreviations or acronyms, if needed, to fit the space provided. Individual and company names 

should be entered in a consistent manner.

2.7.05 Percent Performance Change (C170—three-digit integer): Enter the percentage by which the well performance 

was changed, as a result of the work. Use whole numbers only. If the performance was decreased, enter the value preceded 

by a minus sign (-). 

2.7.06 Web-ready Flag (C855—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the Code that best describes the status and 

availability of the REPR Record for display on the Web. 

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display

C Conditional Record not checked - No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No 

Web display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water 

Science Center—No Web display (default)

Note: Web-ready Flags for REPR Records are set manually by the person entering the data and do not appear on 

the WAWSC coding form. REPR Records are not displayed on the Web and these flags control the availability of 

the records for retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

2.8 Spring Records (SPNG) (C764—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—four-character code): SPNG Records are used 

to store information about the basic characteristics of a spring and are found only on General Spring Data Schedule Form No. 

9-1904B. Entry of a SPNG record does not require prior entry of a CONS Record. 

Subsection Component Name Component Number

2.8.01 Record Sequence Number C727 

2.8.02 Spring Name C172

2.8.03 Spring Type C173

2.8.04 Permanence C174 

2.8.05 Sphere of Discharge C175

2.8.06 Improvements C176

2.8.07 Number of Openings C177

2.8.08 Flow Variability C178

2.8.09 Basis for Variability C179

2.8.10 Web-ready Flag C856

2.8.01Record Sequence Number (C727—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each SPNG Record being coded and entered. 

86 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
2.8.02 Spring Name (C172—40-character text field): Enter the name by which the spring is known locally. Use meaningful 

abbreviations if needed. 

2.8.03 Spring Type (C173—one-character code): Enter the code that best indicates the type of spring. 

Code Type of Spring Code Type of Spring

A Artesian K Artesian and seepage or filtration

B Perched and contact L Fracture and depression 

C Contact P Perched 

D Depression O Perched and fracture 

E Perched and depression R Perched and seepage or filtration

F Fracture S Seepage or filtration 

G Geyser T Tubular - cave

H Perched and tubular Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

J Artesian and depression

2.8.04 Permanence (C174—one-character code): Enter the code that best indicates the permanence of the spring.

Code Permanence

E Periodic—ebb and flow: spring normally has periods of relatively greater discharge at regular and 

frequent intervals. A periodic spring may be perennial or intermittent and resemble a geyser somewhat 

in its rhythmic action. 

G Geyser: spring that discharges at more or less regular intervals. Discharge is caused by expansive force 

of highly heated steam.

I Intermittent: spring discharges only during certain periods but is dry at other times. Although all 

springs may be considered to be either perennial or intermittent, more descriptive detail can be included 

if it is available. The following characteristics describe special types of Intermittent springs that may be 

coded:

P Perennial: spring discharges continuously. 

R Response to precipitation: spring that exists only after periods of rainfall. 

S Seasonal: spring that exists only during periods of high water levels. 

Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

2.8.05 Sphere of Discharge (C175—one-character code): Enter the code that best indicates the sphere into which the 

spring discharges. 

Code Sphere of Discharge

A Subaerial 

W Subaqueous 

2.8.06 Improvements (C176—one-character code): Enter the code that best indicates the type of improvements that have 

been constructed at or in association with the spring. 

Code Improvements Code Improvements 

B Boxed or small covered basin N None 

C Concrete basin P Pond 

G Gallery R Pipe (not for conduction) 

H Spring house T Trough 

L Lined Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

2.8.07 Number of Openings (C177— three-digit integer): Enter the number of openings through which water discharges 

from the spring. If the openings are too numerous to count, enter a value of 999. 

Appendix 5  87
2.8.08 Flow Variability (C178—three-digit integer): Where sufficient data are available to calculate or estimate the 

variability adequately, enter discharge variability of the spring, in percent, as expressed by the formula: 

V = 100 x [(a-b)/c] ,

where:

V = variability, in percent ,

a = maximum discharge, 

b = minimum discharge, 

c = average discharge. 

2.8.09 Basis for Variability (C179—one-character code): Enter the code that best indicates the basis on which the 

variability of the spring was determined. 

Code Basis for Variability 

A Calculated from less than 1 year of continuous discharge record.

B Calculated from 1 to 5 years of continuous discharge record.

C Calculated from more than 5 years of continuous discharge record. 

D Calculated from intermittent measurements made over a period of more 

than 1 year. 

E Calculated from less than 1 year of record or estimated.

Z Determined by other method (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks). 

2.8.10 Web-ready Flag (C856—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the Code that best describes the status and 

availability of the SPNG Record for display on the Web.

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display

C Conditional Record not checked—No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No 

Web display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water 

Science Center—No Web display (default)

Note: Web-ready Flags for SPNG Records are set manually by the person entering the data and do not appear on 

the WAWSC coding form. SPNG Records are not displayed on the Web and these flags control the availability of 

the records for retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

Section 3–Water-Level Data Records 

Water-Level Data Records consist of three record types that store data and information about water levels measured in wells and 

similar ground-water sites. Each record type is identified by a Water Level Entry Code and may contain one or more individual 

Water Level Records. The Primary Key for Water Level Records combines Source Agency Code (C004), Site ID (C001), 

Measurement Date (C235), and Measurement Time (C709). Of these, Source Agency Code, Site ID, and Measurement Date are 

mandatory. 

Subsection Component Name Component Number 

3.0.01 Agency Code C004

3.0.02 Site ID C001

3.0.03 Measurement Date C235

3.0.04 Time Water Level Measured C709

3.0.05 Water Level Entry Code C243

3.01 Agency Code (C004—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—five-character code): This field is populated by the GWSI 

software with the Agency Code (C004) from the Site Record. 

88  Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
3.02 Site ID (C001—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—15-digit integer): This field is populated by the GWSI software 

with the Site Identification Number (C001) from the Site Record entry.

3.03 Measurement Date (C235—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—eight-digit date): Enter the date on which the water 

level was measured. Dates are to be entered using the format MM-DD-YYYY where MM is the month, DD is the day of 

month, and YYYY the year. Use leading zeros for month or day values less than 10. If the month or day is not known, enter 

‘01’ in the spaces. Enter four digits for the year.

Note 1: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the GWSI 

software.

Note 2: If the day is not entered only one water level can be entered for the month. Similarly, if the month and 

day are not entered, only one water level can be entered for the year. However, multiple water levels for a partial 

date may be entered if the water levels have different Measurement Times. 

3.04 Time Water Level Measured (C709—Part of Primary Key—four-digit integer): Enter the time of day, when known, 

using the 24-hour clock, at which the water level was measured. Leave blank if not known.

Note: If Time is not entered, only one water level can be entered for a date.

3.05 Water Level Entry Codes (C243—Mandatory—one-character code): The Water Level Entry Code functions in much 

the same way as Record Type and allows the user to enter water levels referenced to different datums. 

Code Reference Datum 

L Land Surface Datum (LSD) 

M Measuring Point (MP) 

S Vertical Datum (MSL)

Note: Only one water-level Entry Code may be entered for each date and time.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: Except for special cases, all water levels are to be entered referenced to Land 

Surface Datum (LSD) as covered in Section 3.0 of this report. Water levels referenced to a Measuring Point 

or to a Vertical Datum are included here should they be needed. Projects wishing to enter water levels from an 

alternative datum must check with the WAWSC Ground-water Specialist for guidance and quality assurance 

purposes before entering data.

3.2 Water-Levels from Measuring Point (MP): (Water-level Entry Code C243 = M): These records store water-level 

data referenced to a measuring point on or near the well. Entry of a water level referenced to a MP requires the previous entry of 

Measuring Point Altitude (C325) or a combination of Altitude (C016) and MP height (C323). 

Subsection Component Name Component Number

3.2.01 Sequence Number of MP C248

3.2.02 Water Level from MP C241

3.2.03 Status C238

3.2.04 Method of Measurement C239

3.2.05 Reference C240 

3.2.06 Accuracy C276

3.2.07 Source C244

3.2.08 Party ID C246

3.2.09 Source Agency C247

3.2.10 Web-ready Flag C858

3.2.01 Sequence Number of MP Record (MPNT) (C248—Conditional— three-digit integer): Enter the record sequence 

number of the MPNT Record for the measuring point from which the water level was recorded. The sequence number 

defaults to “001” and must be changed if it is incorrect. This field is mandatory if a water level referenced to a measuring 

point is to be entered.

Appendix 5  89
3.2.02 Water Level from MP (C241—Conditional—eight-digit number): Enter the measured water level in feet from the 

measuring point identified in Subsection 3.2.01 above. Water levels below the measuring point are unsigned, water levels 

above the measuring point are preceded by a minus sign (-). Precision can be carried to two decimal places.

Notes:

(a) Water-level is mandatory unless associated with Status Codes C = Ice, D = Dry, 

F = Flowing, N = Discontinued, O = Obstruction, or W = Destroyed. 

(b) If the water level is above the MP and water level was determined enter the head or water

level preceded by a minus sign (-) but do not enter a Status Code of “F” for Flowing.

(c) If the water level is above the MP but the water level was not determined leave this field blank

and enter a Status Code of “F” for Flowing.

(d) If the well was being pumped and the water level was determined enter the water level and

record a Status Code of “P” for Pumping.

 Note: The GWSI Entry Routine will not display a warning message, but the Edit and Update

Routines will generate a warning message that the water level and status may not be

compatible.

(e) If the well was being pumped and the water level was not determined leave this field blank

and enter a Status Code of “P” for Pumping.

3.2.03 Status (C238—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the status of the site or water level at the time 

the water level was measured. If no Status Code is entered, Water-Level (C241) is assumed to represent a static water level.

Code Status of Water Level

A Water level affected by atmospheric pressure

B Water level affected by tide stage

C Water level affected by ice (water in well was frozen, no water level 

measured)

D Site dry 

E Site recently flowing

F Site flowing 

G Nearby site tapping same aquifer flowing. 

H Nearby site tapping same aquifer recently flowing 

I Water being injected into the aquifer (Injector site). 

J Water being injected into the aquifer at a nearby site 

Note: The National User’s Manual limits use of this status to injector 

site monitor wells.

 M Well plugged and not in hydraulic contact with aquifer 

N Measurement discontinued 

O Obstruction encountered in the well 

P Site being pumped

R Site recently pumped

S Nearby site tapping same aquifer being pumped

T Nearby site tapping same aquifer recently pumped 

V Foreign substance present on surface of water in well 

W Well destroyed 

X Water level affected nearby surface-water 

Z Other conditions affected the measured water level (explain in 

Miscellaneous Remarks)

90 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Notes:

(a) Water-level cannot be entered with Status Codes C = Ice, D = Dry, F = Flowing, 

N = Discontinued, O = Obstruction, or W = Destroyed. 

(b) Water Level is allowed but may be compatible with Status Code P = Pumping.

 Note: The GWSI Entry Routine will not display a warning message, but the Edit and Update

Routines will generate a warning message that the water level and status may not be

compatible.

(c) Water Level is required for all Status Codes except those listed above in notes a and b.

(d) Statistics generatd during tabling options will not include water levels where a Status Code is

indicated.

3.2.04 Method of Measurement (C239—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes how the 

water level was measured.

Code Method of Measurement Code Method of Measurement

A Airline M Manometer 

B Analog or graphic recorder N Non-recording gage

C Calibrated airline * O Observed**

E Estimated R Reported, method not known 

F Transducer S Steel-tape 

G Pressure-gage T Electric-tape

H Calibrated pressure-gage* V Calibrated electric tape*

L Interpreted from geophysical logs Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

*Calibrated implies the accuracy of the method, equipment, or instrument has been 

checked and verified, usually by comparison to a concurrent water level measured 

with a steel tape. 

**Required for Status Codes F = Flowing, N = Discontinued, and W = Destroyed: 

allowed for all others.

3.2.05 Reference (C240—one-character code): If the water level was obtained from a continuous recorder (analog or 

digital), enter the code that best indicates how the value was selected from the readings available for that day. 

Code Water level entered is the: 

M Daily maximum (deepest water level for the day) 

N Daily minimum (shallowest water level for the day) 

X Daily mean

Z Monthly mean

A 12:00 noon reading

P l2:00 midnight reading

Note: Reference C240 does not appear on the WAWSC 

coding form.

Appendix 5  91
3.2.06 Accuracy (C276—Conditional—one-character code): This field is populated by the GWSI Software on the basis 

of the number of significant figures entered for a new water level. However, this value may be over-ridden by manually 

entering a different accuracy code. This field is mandatory if Water Level (C241) was entered.

Code Accuracy of water level 

0 Nearest foot 

1 Nearest tenth of a foot 

2 Nearest one-hundredth of a foot 

9 Not to nearest foot 

Note: Starting with GWSI Version 4.4, a new rounding 

routine was implemented for water levels being pushed to 

the Web (Web-ready Flag C858= Y) whereby water levels 

are rounded according to their Water-Level Accuracy 

Codes (C276) and displayed as the value calculated during 

the rounding. A code of 9 indicates uncertainty greater 

than 1 foot but it does not imply any accuracy (for example 

to the nearest 5, 10, or 100 feet). Because there is no set 

accuracy associated with this code, water levels with this 

accuracy code are rounded to the nearest foot.

3.2.07 Source (C244—Mandatory—one-character-code): Enter the code that best describes the source of the water-level 

data. These codes are the same as those used for Source of Depth Data (C029) in the Site Record. 

Code Source of water-level data 

A Reported by other government agency - not owner

D Driller’s log or report 

G Private geologist, consultant, or university associate* 

L Interpreted from geophysical logs by personnel of source agency 

M Memory (owner, operator, driller): less reliable than reported (“O” and “R”)* 

O Reported by the owner of the well 

R Reported by person other than the owner, driller, or other government agency* 

S Measured by personnel of reporting agency 

Z Other *

*Explain in Miscellaneous Remarks 

3.2.08 Party ID (C246—six-character text): For water-levels measured by USGS Personal enter the last name or initials of 

the person measuring the water level. For water-levels measured by personnel from other agencies enter the abbreviation or 

acronym of the party’s agency.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: see entry following Source Agency (C247) below. 

3.2.09 Source Agency (C247—Mandatory—five-character code): Enter the Agency Code of the person measuring the 

water level. These are the same codes used for Agency (C004) in the Site Record. Codes and their meanings can be 

accessed by typing “?” in the field for Source Agency on the GWSI data entry screen.

WAWSC Standards and Practice: For water-levels measured by personnel from another agency:

Source Agency Party ID Agency Code

Washington Department of Ecology WDOE WA001

Washington Department of Health WDOH WA127

Washington Department of Natural Resources WDNR WA019

Driller WDOE WA001

Owner OWNR USGS

92  Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
3.2.10 Web-ready Flag (C858—Mandatory—one-character code (licensing and reporting agency)): Enter the code that 

best describes the status and availability of the Water Level Record for display on the Web. 

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display (default)

C Conditional Record not checked—No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No 

Web display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water 

Science Center—No Web display

Note: Web-ready Flags for Water-level Records are set manually by the 

person entering the data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. 

These flags also control the availability of the records for retrieval by the 

GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

3.3 Water-levels from Mean Sea Level (MSL): (Water Level Entry Code C243 = S) MSL records store water level 

data referenced to the sea level datum specified in Component C245 (Sea Level Datum). An entry of Water Level from MSL 

requires the entry of Sea Level Datum (C245). 

Subsection Component Name Component Number

3.3.01 Water level from Sea Level C242 

3.3.02 Sea Level Datum C245

3.3.03 Status C238

3.3.04 Method of Measurement C239

3.3.05 Reference C240 

3.3.06 Accuracy C276

3.3.07 Source C244

3.3.08 Party ID C246

3.3.09 Source Agency C247

3.3.10 Web-ready Flag C858

Note: Office of Water Information Technical Memo 2002_01 

states that the use of Mean Sea Level as a vertical datum shall be 

discontinued. The term Mean Sea Level is used in this report solely 

because it is the term used by the GWSI Water Level Data Entry 

Routine. 

3.3.01 Water level from MSL (C242—Conditional— eight-digit number): Enter the measured water level, in feet, from 

Sea Level Datum (C245). Water levels below the datum are preceded by a minus sign (-), water levels above the datum are 

entered unsigned. Precision can be carried to two decimal places. An entry of Water Level from MSL requires and entry of 

Sea Level Datum (C245).

Notes:

(a) Water-level is mandatory unless associated with Status Codes C = Ice, D = Dry, 

F = Flowing, N = Discontinued, O = Obstruction, or W = Destroyed. 

(b) If the well is flowing and water level was determined enter the altitude of the head or water

level but do not enter a Status Code of “F” for Flowing.

(c) If the well is flowing and the water level was not determined leave this field blank and enter a 

Status Code of “F” for Flowing.

(d) If the well was being pumped and the water level was determined enter the water level and

record a Status Code of “P” for Pumping.

 Note: The GWSI Entry Routine will not display a warning message, but the Edit and Update

Routines will generate a warning message that the water level and status may not be

compatible.

(e) If the well was being pumped and the water level was not determined leave this field blank

and enter a Status Code of “P” for Pumping.

Appendix 5  93
3.3.02 Sea Level Datum (C245—Mandatory—10-character code): Entry the code for the Sea Level Datum from which the 

water level altitude was determined. 

Code Datum

NGVD29 National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 

NAVD88 North American Vertical Datum of 1988 

OLDAK Old Alaska (Mainland) and Aleutian Island Datum 

OLDPR Old Puerto Rico and Virgin Island Datum

HILOCAL Local Hawaiian Datum 

ASLOCAL Local American Samoa Datum 

GULOCAL Local Guam Datum 

COE1912 COE Datum 1912 

WAWSC Standard and Practice: Projects wishing to enter water levels from an alternative datum must check 

with the WAWSC Ground-water Specialist before entering data

3.3.03 Status (C238—one-character code): Enter the Code that best describes the status of the site or water level at the time 

the water level was measured. If no Status Code is entered Water Level (C242) is assumed to represent a static water level.

Code Status of water level

A Water level affected by atmospheric pressure

B Water level affected by tide stage

C Water level affected by ice (water in well was frozen, no water level measured)

D Site dry 

E Site recently flowing

F Site flowing 

G Nearby site tapping same aquifer flowing. 

H Nearby site tapping same aquifer recently flowing 

I Water being injected into the aquifer (Injector site). 

J Water being injected into the aquifer at a nearby site 

Note: The National User’s Manual limits use of this Status to Injector site monitor wells.

M Well plugged and not in hydraulic contact with aquifer 

N Measurement discontinued 

O Obstruction encountered in the well 

P Site being pumped

R Site recently pumped

S Nearby site tapping same aquifer being pumped

T Nearby site tapping same aquifer recently pumped 

V Foreign substance present on surface of water in well 

W Well destroyed 

X Water level affected nearby surface-water 

Z Other conditions affected the measured water level (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

Notes:

(a) Water Level cannot be entered with Status codes C = Ice, D = Dry, F = Flowing, 

N = Discontinued, O = Obstruction, or W = Destroyed. 

(b) Water Level is allowed but may not be compatible with Status code P = Pumping.

 Note: The GWSI Entry Routine will not display a warning message, but the Edit and Update

Routines will generate a warning message that the water level and status may not be

compatible.

(c) Water Level is required for all status codes except those listed above in notes (a) and (b).

(d) Statistics generated during some tabling options will not include water levels where a status

code is indicated.

94 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
3.3.04 Method of Measurement (C239—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes how the 

water level was measured.

Code Method of Measurement Code Method of Measurement

A Airline M Manometer 

B Analog or graphic recorder N Non-recording gage

C Calibrated airline * O Observed**

E Estimated R Reported, method not known 

F Transducer S Steel-tape 

G Pressure-gage T Electric-tape

H Calibrated pressure-gage* V Calibrated electric tape*

L Interpreted from geophysical logs Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous 

Remarks)

*Calibrated implies the accuracy of the method, equipment, or instrument has been 

checked and verified,

usually by comparison to a concurrent water level measured with a steel tape. 

**Required for Status Codes F = Flowing, N = Discontinued, and W = Destroyed: 

allowed for all others.

3.3.05 Reference (C240—one-character code): If the water level was obtained from a continuous recorder (analog or 

digital), enter the code that best indicates how the value was selected from the readings available for that day. 

Code Water Level entered is the; 

M Daily maximum (deepest water level for the day) 

N Daily minimum (shallowest water level for the day) 

X Daily mean

Z Monthly Mean

A 12:00 noon reading

P 12:00 midnight reading

Note: Reference (C240) does not appear on the WAWSC 

coding form.

3.3.06 Accuracy (C276—Conditional—one-character code): This field is populated by the GWSI Software on the basis of 

the number of significant figures entered for a new water level. However, this initial value may be over-ridden by manually 

entering a different accuracy code. This field is mandatory if Water Level (C242) was entered.

Code Accuracy of water level 

0 Nearest foot 

1 Nearest tenth of a foot 

2 Nearest one-hundredth of a foot 

9 Not to nearest foot 

Note: Starting with GWSI Version 4.4, a new 

rounding routine was implemented for water levels 

being pushed to the Web (Web-ready Flag C858= Y) 

whereby water levels are rounded according to their 

Water-Level Accuracy Codes (C276) and displayed 

as the value calculated during the rounding. A code 

of 9 indicates uncertainty greater than 1 foot but it 

does not imply any accuracy (for example to the 

nearest 5, 10, or 100 feet). Because there is no set 

accuracy associated with this code, water levels with 

this accuracy code are rounded to the nearest foot.

Appendix 5  95
3.3.07 Source (C244—Mandatory—one-character-code): Enter the code that best describes the source of the water-level 

data. The codes are the same as those used for Source of Depth Data (C029) in the Site Record.

Code Source of water level data 

A Reported by other government agency - not owner

D Driller’s log or report 

G Private geologist, consultant, or university associate* 

L Interpreted from geophysical logs by personnel of source agency 

M Memory (owner, operator, driller): less reliable than reported (“O” and “R”)* 

O Reported by the owner of the well 

R Reported by person other than the owner, driller, or another government agency* 

S Measured by personnel of reporting agency 

Z Other *

*Explain in Miscellaneous Remarks

3.3.08 Party ID (C246—six-character text): For water-levels measured by USGS personnel enter the last name or initials 

of the person measuring the water level. For water-levels measured by personnel from other agencies, enter the abbreviation 

or acronym of the party’s agency.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: see entry following Source Agency (C247) below. 

3.3.09 Source Agency (C247—Mandatory—five-character code): Enter the Agency Code of the person measuring the 

water level. These are the same codes used for Source Agency (C004) in the Site Record. Codes and their meanings can be 

accessed by typing “?” in the field for Source Agency on the GWSI data entry screen.

WAWSC Standards and Practice: For water levels measured by personnel from another agency:

Source Agency Party ID Agency Code

Washington Dept of Ecology WDOE WA001

Washington Dept of Health WDOH WA127

Washington Dept of Natural Resources WDNR WA019

Driller WDOE WA001

Owner OWNR USGS

3.3.10 Web-ready Flag (C858—Mandatory—one-character code (licensing and reporting agency)): Enter the Code that 

best indicates the status and availability of the Water-Level Record for display on the Web. 

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display (default)

C Conditional Record not checked—No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No Web 

display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water 

Science Center—No Web display

Note: Web-ready Fags for Water-level Records are set manually by the person 

entering the data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. These flags also 

control the availability of the records for retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling 

Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

96 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Section 4-Miscellaneous Data Records

Miscellaneous Data Records consist of eleven record types that store data and information about a ground-water site that 

do not relate to other data records. Each record type may contain one or more individual data records. The Primary Key for 

Miscellaneous Data Records combines Agency Code (C004), Site ID (C001), Record Type Code, and Record Sequence 

Numbers.

Subsection Component Name Component Number 

4.01 Agency Code C004 

4.02 Site ID C001

4.03 Record Types –

4.01 Agency Code (C004—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—five-character code): This field is populated by the GWSI 

software with the Agency Code (C004) from the Site Record. 

4.02 Site ID (C001—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—15-digit integer): This field is populated by the GWSI software 

with the Site Identification Number (C001) from the Site Record.

4.03 Record Type (Mandatory—four-character code): Record Type Codes identify the category of data included in the 

each of the Miscellaneous Data Records. 

Code Record Type Component Number Code Record Type Component Number

OTID Other-identifiers C770 OCNT Contact C797

VIST Site-visits C774 NETW Networks C780

LOGS Logs C778 SPEC Special Cases C782

OTDT Other Data Available C772 MSVL Miscellaneous Values C784

OWNR Owner C768 COOP Cooperator’s Data C786

RMKS Remarks C788

WAWSC Standard and Practice is to code and enter data only for Record Types OTID, VIST, 

LOGS, OTDT, OWNR, and RMKS which appear on the WAWSC coding form. The other five 

Record Types (OCNT, NETW, SPEC, MSVL, and COOP) records do not appear on the WAWSC 

coding form but are included here, should they be needed.

Appendix 5  97
4.7 Contact Records (OCNT) (C797—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—four-character code): OCNT records store 

data about whom, other than the owner, to contact for information on or access to the site. Due to privacy consideration, OCNT 

data cannot be used in the GWSI Detail Testing Routine. 

Subsection Component Name Component Number

4.7.01 Record Sequence Number C798

4.7.02 Date of Contact C361

4.7.03 End Date of Contact C373

4.7.04 Name C362

4.7.05 Alias C372

4.7.06 Phone C363

4.7.07 Access to Name C364

4.7.08 Address (1) C365 

4.7.09 Address (2) C366

4.7.10 City C367 

4.7.11 State C368 

4.7.12 Zip C369 

4.7.13 Country C370 

4.7.14 Access to Phone/Address C371

Note: USGS Policy is to not release Contact data for public 

water supplies or other sensitive installations and facilities to 

the general public.

WAWSC Standard and Practice is to not release OCNT data to the general public.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: Owner Contact data usually are not collected or entered by the 

WAWSC, and does not appear on the WAWSC coding form. However, due to the similarity of the 

OCNT and OWNR records, an OCNT record can be entered using one of the two OWNR Records 

that do appear on the WAWSC coding form.

4.7.01 Record Sequence Number (C798—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each OCNT Record being coded.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: The earliest known OCNT Record is assigned Record 

Sequence Number “001”. Subsequent OCNT Record Sequence Numbers are assigned based on 

Date of Contact (C361). 

4.7.02 Date of Contact (C361—eight-character date): Enter the date that this contact was established. Dates are entered 

using the format MM-DD-YYYY where MM is the month, DD is the day of month, and YYYY the year. Use leading zeros 

for month or day values less than 10. If the month or day is not known, enter “01” in the spaces. Enter four digits for the 

year.

Note: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the 

GWSI Software.

4.7.03 End Date of Contact (C373—eight-character date): Enter the date that this contact was terminated. Dates are 

entered using the format MM-DD-YYYY where MM is the month, DD is the day of month, and YYYY the year. Use 

leading zeros for month or day values less than 10. If the month or day is not known, enter “01” in the spaces. Enter four 

digits for the year.

Note: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the 

GWSI Software.

98  Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
4.7.04 Name (C362—Mandatory—64-character text field): Enter the name of the contact.

(a) The format for entering an individual’s name is: last name, first name, middle initial. 

(b) Meaningful abbreviations or acronyms may be used for the names of organizations,

companies, and agencies. 

(c) For entities that represent multiple sites, care must be taken to ensure that the identical name,

abbreviation, or acronym is used in all cases.

(d) During screen entry when all or part of a new name is entered in the Name field (C362)

previously entered versions of the name and associated alias will appear at the bottom of the

screen along with a prompt that allows the user to continue searching, to select and enter a

displayed name, or to quit searching. 

4.7.05 Alias (C372—64-character text field): This field is populated by the GWSI software with information from the 

Contact’s Name field (C362). 

(a) During screen entry when a new name is entered in the Name field (C362) previously entered

versions of the name and associated alias will appear at the bottom of the screen along with a

prompt that allows the user to continue searching, select and enter a displayed name, or quit

searching. 

(b) During screen entry Contact’s Alias (C372) can searched for previously entered versions of an

alias by leaving the Contact Name field (C362) blank and entering a carriage return. The

Alias prompt will then appear at the bottom of the screen. If all or part of an alias is entered

followed by a carriage return, previously entered versions of the alias and the associated name

will be displayed at the bottom of the screen along with a prompt that allows the user to

continue searching, select and enter a displayed name, or quit searching. 

4.7.06 Phone (C363—24-character phone number): Enter the phone number of the Contact, including area code and 

extension.

4.7.07 Access to Name C364—Conditional—one-character code): Enter code that describes user access to the name of 

the contact. Entry of an access code is required if a Contact’s Name was entered in Component (C362). Codes and their 

meanings are the same as for Access to Owner’s Name (C352).

Code Access Data Available to

0 Public USGS employees, cooperators, and the general public. 

1 Cooperator USGS employees and specified cooperators. 

2 USGS USGS employees only

3 District USGS employees of the local Water Science Center (default).

4 Proprietary Specific USGS employees only— check with Ground-Water 

Specialist before using. 

Note: OCNT Name Records are not displayed on the Web and these codes control 

availability of the data for retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. 

Geological Survey, 2005a).

4.7.08 Address (1) (C365—64-character text field): Enter first line of the street address of the contact. 

Note: Mailing and street address may not be the same.

4.7.09 Address (2) (C366—64-character text field): Enter second line of the contact’s street address if necessary. 

4.7.10 City (C367—64-character text field): Enter the name of the city in contact’s street address. 

4.7.11 State (C368—two-character code): Enter the two-character FIPS alpha code for the State in the owner’s street 

address.

Appendix 5  99
4.7.12 Zip (C369—10-character code): Enter postal zip code in the contact’s street address. 

4.7.13 Country (C370—48-character code): Enter the name of the country in the contact’s street address.

4.7.14 Access to Phone/Address (C371—one-character code): Enter code that describes access to the Contact’s phone 

number and address. Entry of an access code is required if a Phone Number (C363) or Address (C365/366) was entered. 

Codes and their meanings are the same as for Access to Owner’s Name (C352).

Code Access Data Available to

0 Public USGS employees, cooperators, and the general public. 

1 Cooperator USGS employees and specified cooperators. 

2 USGS USGS employees only

3 District USGS employees of the local Water Science Center 

(default).

4 Proprietary Specific USGS employees only—check with Ground-Water 

Specialist before using. 

Note: OCNT Phone and Address Records are not displayed on the Web and these 

codes control the availability of the data for retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/

Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

4.8 Network Records (NETW) (C780—Mandatory—four-character code): NETW Records are used to indicate if the 

site is an established data-collection station for water-quality, water-level, or withdrawal data. Use multiple entries to report 

more than one agency active at the site, variations or significant interruption data collection, changes in the frequency of data 

collection, or if more than one type of data are collected at the site. 

Subsection Component Name Component Number

4.8.01 Record Sequence Number C730

4.8.02 Type of Network C706

4.8.03 Begin Year C115

4.8.04 End Year C116

4.8.05 Type of Analyses C120

4.8.06 Source Agency C117

4.8.07 Frequency of Collection C118

4.8.08 Method of Collection C133 

4.8.09 Analyzing Agency C307 

4.8.10 Primary Network Site C257

4.8.11 Secondary Network Site C708

4.8.12 Web-ready Flag C866

4.8.01 Record Sequence Number (C730—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each NETW Record being coded.

4.8.02 Type of Network (C706—Mandatory—two-character code): Enter the code that best describes the type data 

collected at the site.

Code Type of Network

QW Water Quality 

WL Water levels 

WD Pumpage or withdrawals 

4.8.03 Begin Year (C115—Mandatory—four-digit integer): Enter the year in which the data collection began at the site. 

Use four digits. 

100 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
4.8.04 End Year (C116—four-digit integer): Enter the year in which the data collection ended at the site. Use four digits. If 

the site is currently monitored, leave this field blank. 

4.8.05 Type of Analysis (C120—two-character code—used only for QW sites): Enter the code that best describes the type 

of water-quality data generally collected at the site. This is a two-character field; if two types of water-quality data are 

collected, code both. 

Code Type of Analysis Code Type of Analysis

A Physical properties I Common ions/trace elements

B Common ions J Sanitary analysis and common ions 

C Trace elements K Pesticides and nutrients

D Pesticides L Trace elements, pesticides, nutrients 

E Nutrients M All or most of the above

F Sanitary analysis (organisms) N Common ions, trace elements and radioactive 

G Pesticides and common ions P Common, trace, physical

H Nutrients and common ions Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

4.8.06 Source Agency (C117—Conditional—five-character code): Enter the code identifying the principal agency 

responsible for data collection at the site. These are the same codes used for Source Agency (C004) in the Site Record. 

Codes and their meanings can be accessed by typing “?” in the field for Source Agency on the GWSI data entry screen. 

This field is mandatory if data are collected at the same site by two different agencies. 

4.8.07 Frequency of Collection (C118—one-character code): Enter the code that best indicates the frequency with which 

data are collected at the site. 

Code Frequency of Collection Code Frequency of Collection 

A Annually S Semiannually 

B Bimonthly (every 2 months) W Weekly 

C Continuously (recorder) Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remarks)

D Daily 2 Every 2 years 

F Semimonthly (twice a month) 3 Every 3 years 

I Intermittently 4 Every 4 years 

M Monthly 5 Every 5 years 

O One time only X Every 10 years 

Q Quarterly 

4.8.08 Method of Collection (C133—one-character code—used only for WD sites): Enter the code that best describes the 

method by which water-withdrawal data are collected at the site. 

Code Method of Collection Code Method of Collection

C Calculated from powerconsumption records U Unknown

E Estimated Z Other (explain in 

Miscellaneous Remarks 

C788)

M Metered

4.8.09 Analyzing Agency (C307—five-character code—used only for QW sites): Enter the code identifying the agency 

that performed the water-quality analyses for data from this site. These are the same codes used for Source Agency (C004) 

in the Site Record. Codes and their meanings can be accessed by typing “?” in the field for Source Agency on the GWSI 

data entry screen. This field is not attached to any data in the water-quality database. Any entries in this field should be 

checked against similar information entered in the QW database. 

Appendix 5  101
4.8.10 Primary Network Site (C257—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the management level of the 

network. This field is mandatory if more than one network for an individual Source Agency (C117, Subsection 4.8.06) is 

entered. 

Code Primary Network Code Primary Network

1 National 3 Project

2 District 4 Cooperator

4.8.11 Secondary Network Site (C708—one-character code): This component provides each District with an additional 

field to better define District-specific networks. No allowable codes are defined at the national level, and each district can 

define codes for their individual systems. 

Note: WAWSC does not have a set of codes for this field.

4.8.12 Web-ready Flag (C866—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the status and 

availability of the NETW Record for display on the Web

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display (default)

C Conditional Record not checked—No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No Web display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water Science 

Center—No Web display

Note: Web-ready Flags for NETW Records are set manually by the person entering the 

data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. NETW Records are not displayed on 

the Web and these flags control the availability of the records for retrieval by the GWSI 

Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

4.9 Special-Cases Record (SPEC) (C782—Mandatory—four-character code): SPEC Records store data about multiple 

wells, ponds, tunnels, drains, and lateral or collector wells. The type of structure to which the data pertains is controlled by value 

entered for Type of Site (C002) in the Site Record.

Subsection Component Name Component Number

4.9.01 Record Sequence Number C729

4.9.02 Number of Wells/Laterals in Group C204/C220 

4.9.03 Depth of Deepest Well C205 

4.9.04 Depth of Shallowest Well C206 

4.9.05 Method Wells Constructed C207 

4.9.06 Diameter of Group C262 

4.9.07 Length of Pond/Tunnel/Drain C209 

4.9.08 Width of Pond/Tunnel/Drain C210 

4.9.09 Depth of Pond/Tunnel/Drain C211 

4.9.10 Azimuth of Pond/Tunnel/Drain C263 

4.9.11 Dip of Tunnel C264

4.9.12 Depth to Lateral C221 

4.9.13 Length of Lateral C222 

4.9.14 Diameter of Lateral C223 

4.9.15 Lateral Screen Mesh C224

4.9.16 Web-ready Flag C867

4.9.01 Record Sequence Number (C729—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each SPEC Record being coded.

102  Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
4.9.02 Number Wells/Laterals In Group (C204, C220—three-digit integer): Enter the number of wells in the group. 

Note: GWSI does not explain why this field has two component numbers. Author believes one

number was intended to apply to wells and the other number to laterals (see Note under Subsection 

4.9 Special-Cases Records above and Gnat Problem Report 16485, submitted 12-29-05).

4.9.03 Depth of Deepest Well (C205—three-digit number): Enter the depth of the deepest well in the group, in feet below 

land surface (Note: field range is .01 to 999).

Note: For Collector or Ranney-type wells, enter the depth of the central shaft.

4.9.04 Depth of Shallowest Well (C206—three-digit number): Enter the depth of the shallowest well in the group, in feet 

below land surface (field range is 0.01 to 999). 

4.9.05 Method Wells Constructed (C207—one-character code): Enter the code that best indicates the how the wells were 

constructed.

Code Method Wells Constructed Code Method Wells Constructed

D Drilled W Drive-wash 

J Jetted Z Other (explain in Miscellaneous Remark)

V Driven

4.9.06 Diameter of Group (C262—seven-digit number): Enter the mean diameter of the well field, in feet; that is, the 

diameter of a circle that will enclose the well group. 

4.9.07 Length of Pond, Tunnel, or Drain (C209—five-digit number): Enter, in feet, whichever of the following is 

applicable: the length of a tunnel or drain, the longer dimension of a noncircular pond, or the diameter of a circular pond.

4.9.08 Width of Pond, Tunnel, or Drain (C210—three-digit number): Enter, in feet, whichever of the following is 

applicable: the width of a drain or noncircular tunnel, the diameter of a circular tunnel, or the shorter dimension of a 

noncircular pond (field range is .01 to 999). 

4.9.09 Depth of Pond, Tunnel, or Drain (C211—three-digit number): Enter, in feet, whichever of the following is 

applicable: the depth of a drain, the height of a noncircular tunnel, or the average depth of a pond (Note: field range is .01 

to 999).

4.9.10 Azimuth of Pond, Tunnel, or Drain (C263— three-digit number): Enter the orientation of a tunnel or drain or of 

the long dimension of a noncircular pond, in degrees clockwise from due north: north = 0, east = 90, south = 180, and west 

= 270.

WAWSC Standard and Practice: Use Miscellaneous Remarks Records (C788) indicate which 

‘North’ was used (true, magnetic, grid, etc.) and the method or instrument used to determine the 

azimuth.

4.9.11 Dip of Tunnel (C264— three-digit number): Enter the dip of a tunnel or drain, in degrees above or below (-) the 

horizontal (field range is .01 to 90). 

4.9.12 Depth to Lateral (C221—three-digit number): Enter the depth to the lateral, in feet below land surface (field range 

is 0.01 to 999). 

4.9.13 Length of Lateral (C222—three-digit number): Enter the length of the lateral, in feet (field range is 0.01 to 999). 

4.9.14 Diameter of Lateral (C223—three-digit number): Enter the diameter of the lateral, in inches (field range is 0.01 to 

999). 

4.9.15 Lateral Screen Mesh (C224— three-digit number): Enter the mesh of the lateral screen, in inches (field range is 

0.01 to 999). 

Appendix 5  103
4.9.16 Web-ready Flag (C867—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the Code that best describes the status and 

availability of the SPEC Record for display on the Web. 

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display 

C Conditional Record not checked—No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No 

Web display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water 

Science Center—No Web display (default)

Note: Web-ready Flags for SPEC Records are set manually by the person 

entering the data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. SPEC Records 

are not displayed on the Web and these flags control the availability of the 

records for retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological 

Survey, 2005a).

4.10 Miscellaneous Values Record (MSVL) (C784—Mandatory—four-character code): MSVL Records store 

data that are not of national significance but are essential to local users. Entered values will not be edited except for format 

consistency. 

Subsection Component Name Component Number 

4.10.01 Record Sequence Number C313

4.10.02 Miscellaneous Value 1 C251 

4.10.03 Miscellaneous Value 2 C252 

4.10.04 Miscellaneous Value 3 C253 

4.10.05 Miscellaneous Value 4 C314

4.10.06 Web-ready Flag C868

4.10.01 Record Sequence Number (C313—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each MSVL Record being coded.

4.10.02 Miscellaneous Value 1 (C251—seven-digit number): This is a seven-place real number with allowance for two 

decimal places. 

4.10.03 Miscellaneous Value 2 (C252—11-character text): This is an eleven-place character-type component. 

4.10.04 Miscellaneous Value 3 (C253—10-character text): This is a ten-place character-type component.

4.10.05 Miscellaneous Value 4 (C314—seven-digit integer): This is a seven-place integer-type component. 

4.10.06 Web-ready Flag (C868—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the Code that best describes the status and 

availability of the MSVL Record for display on the Web. 

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display 

C Conditional Record not checked—No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No Web display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water Science 

Center—No Web display (default)

Note: Web-ready Flags for MSVL Records are set manually by the person entering the 

data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. MSLV Records are not displayed on 

the Web and these flags control the availability of the records for retrieval by the GWSI 

Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

104 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
4.11 Cooperator’s Data Records (COOP) (C786—Mandatory—four-character code): COOP Records store data 

not included on other schedules. 

Subsection Component Name Component Number

4.11.01 Record Sequence Number C734

4.11.02 Cooperator’s Site ID C213

4.11.03 Registration Number C214

4.11.04 Inspection Status C215

4.11.05 Reason Unapproved C216

4.11.06 Inspection Date C217

4.11.07 Remarks C218

4.11.08 Web-ready Flag C869

4.11.01 Record Sequence Number (C734— Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each COOP Record being coded.

4.11.02 Cooperator’s Site ID (C213—10-character field): Enter the name or identification number used by the cooperating 

agency for the site, if different from the local well number.

4.11.03 Registration Number (C214—seven-character text): Enter the registration or license number of the individual or 

firm that constructed the well or other type of site. Blanks are allowed in this field but the characters colon (:), pound (#), 

asterisk or star (*), backslash (\), double quotes (“), and carrot (^) are not. 

4.11.04 Inspection Status (C215—two-character code): Enter a code indicating whether or not the site has been inspected 

and approved. Cooperators can create their own set of meaningful codes, depending on the requirements of their agency. 

4.11.05 Reason Unapproved (C216—one-character code): Enter a code indicating the reason why an inspected 

and unapproved site was not approved. Cooperators can create their own set of meaningful codes, depending on the 

requirements of their agency. 

4.11.06 Inspection Date (C217—10-character date): Enter the date on which the site was inspected by cooperator 

personnel. Dates are entered using the format MM-DD-YYYY where MM is the month, DD is the day of month, and 

YYYY the year. Use leading zeros for month or day values less than 10. If the month or day is not known, enter “01’ in the 

spaces. Enter four digits for the year. 

Note: Values for month, day, and year are entered by the user; the dashes (-) are supplied by the 

GWSI software.

4.11.07 Remarks (C218—25-character text field): Enter any pertinent cooperator comments or additional data. 

4.11.08 Web-ready Flag (C869—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the Code that best describes the status and 

availability of the COOP Record for display on the Web. 

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display 

C Conditional Record not checked—No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No Web display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water Science 

Center—No Web display (default)

Note: Web-ready Flags for COOP Records are set manually by the person entering the 

data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. COOP Records are not currently 

displayed on the Web these flags control the availability of the records for retrieval by the 

GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a).

Appendix 5  105
Section 7- Observation Well Heading Record (OBS)

The Observation Well Heading Records (OBS) are used to specify headings for tabular water-level reports. The Primary Key for 

OBS records combines the Source Agency Code (C004), Site ID (C001), and Record Sequence Number (C315).

Subsection Component Name Component Number 

7.01 Agency Code C004

7.02 Site ID C001

7.03 Record Sequence Number C315

7.04 Heading Line C270

7.05 Web-ready Flag C873

Note: GWSI data entry routine uses the abbreviation OBS, the 

GWSI National Coding Manual uses OBHD.

7.01 Agency Code (C004—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—five-character code): This field is populated by the GWSI 

software with the Agency Code (C004) from the Site Record. 

7.02 Site ID (C001—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—15-digit integer): This field is populated by the GWSI software 

with the Site Identification Number (C001) from the Site Record.

7.03 Record Sequence Number (C315—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each OBS Record coded. 

7.04 Heading Line (C270—115-character text field): Enter the Observation Header Line as it is to be printed. This is 

a free-formatted text field and will not be edited except to remove leading, redundant, internal, and trailing blanks. The 

Header Line cannot exceed 115 characters per line, but more than one entry can be made per site (no limit on the number of 

entries). 

7.05 Web-ready Flag (C873—one-character code): Enter the Code that best indicates the status and availability of the OBS 

Record for display on the Web.

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display (default)

C Conditional Record not checked - No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only— No Web display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water Science 

Center— No Web display (default)

Note: Web-ready Fags for OBS Records are set manually by the person entering the data. 

OBS Records are not displayed on the Web and these flags control the availability of the 

records for retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 

2005a). 

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106 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Section 8- Hydraulic Data Records 

Hydraulic Data Records consist of two record types that store data related to the hydraulics of the aquifer. Each record type may 

contain one or more individual data records. The Primary Key for Hydraulic Data Records combines Agency Code (C004), Site 

ID (C001), Record Type Code, and Record Sequence Numbers.

Subsection Component Name Component Number 

8.01 Source Agency C004

8.02 Site ID C001

8.03 Record Type –

8.01 Agency Code (C004—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—five-character code): This field is populated by the GWSI 

software with the Agency Code (C004) from the Site Record. 

8.02 Site ID (C001—Mandatory—Part of the Primary Key—fifteen-digit integer): This field is populated by the GWSI 

software with the Site Identification Number (C001) from the Site Record.

8.03 Record Type (Mandatory—four-character code): Record Type Codes identify the type of data included in each of the 

Hydraulics Data Records. 

Code Type of Record Component Number

HYDR Hydraulic Record C744 

COEF Coefficient Record C746 

8.1 Hydraulic Records (HYDR) (C744—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—four-character code): HYDR Records 

store aquifer and test interval data about the Geohydrologic Unit to which the formation hydraulics data apply and the means by 

which the data were obtained. 

Subsection Component Name Component Number 

8.1.01 Record Sequence Number C790

8.1.02 Hydraulic Unit C100

8.1.03 Depth to Top of Interval C101 

8.1.04 Depth to Bottom of Interval C102

8.1.05 Hydraulic Unit Type C103

8.1.06 Remarks C104

8.1.07 Source Agency C305

8.1.08 Web-ready Flag C874 

8.1.01 Record Sequence Number (C790—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each HYDR Record being coded. This number becomes the Parent Sequence Number of any 

Coefficients Records associated the HYDR Record. 

8.1.02 Hydraulic Unit (C100—Mandatory—eight-character code): Enter the eight-character Geohydrologic Unit Identifier 

to which the formation hydraulics data apply (appendix 3). 

8.1.03 Depth to Top of Interval (C101—seven-digit number): Enter the depth, in feet below land surface, to the top of the 

tested interval.

8.1.04 Depth to Bottom of Interval (C102—seven-digit number): Enter the depth, in feet below land surface, to the top of 

the tested interval.

Appendix 5  107
8.1.05 Hydraulic Unit Type (C103—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best indicates the hydraulic 

character of the unit tested. 

Code Hydraulic Unit Type 

A Aquifer 

S Confining layer 

8.1.06 Remarks (C104—40-character text field): Briefly describe the means by which the formation hydraulics data were 

determined. Meaningful abbreviations may be used. 

Examples: 

Distance-drawdown, 3 wells 

Specific-capacity test 

Recovery, straight-line solution

8.1.07 Source Agency (C305—five-character code): Enter the Agency Code of the organization that collected the hydraulic 

data. These are the same codes used for Source Agency (C004) in the Site Record. Codes and their meanings can be 

accessed by typing “?” in the field for Source Agency on the GWSI data entry screen.

8.1.08 Web-ready Flag (C874—Mandatory—one-character code): Enter the code that best describes the status and 

availability of the HYDR Record for display on the Web. 

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display (default)

C Conditional Record not checked—No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No Web display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water Science 

Center—No Web display (default)

Note: Web-ready Flags for HYDR Records are set manually by the person entering the 

data and do not appear on the WAWSC coding form. HYDR Records are not displayed 

on the Web and these flags control the availability of the records for retrieval by the 

GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. Geological Survey, 2005a). 

8.2 Coefficients Records (COEF) (C746—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—four-character code): COEF Records 

store aquifer and hydraulic coefficients determined by the test data for the specified HYDR record. Definitions of the COEF 

components in the following Subsections are from U.S. Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 1988 (U.S. Geological Survey, 

1974).

Subsection Component Name Component Number 

8.2.01 Parent Sequence Number C099

8.2.02 Record Sequence Number C790

8.2.03 Transmissivity C107

8.2.04 Horizontal Conductivity C108

8.2.05 Vertical Conductivity C109

8.2.06 Storage Coefficient C110

8.2.07 Leakance C111

8.2.08 Diffusivity C112

8.2.09 Specific Storage C113

8.2.10 Barometric Efficiency C271

8.2.11 Porosity C306

8.2.12 Web-ready Flag C875

8.2.01 Parent Sequence Number (C099—Mandatory—part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter the Record 

Sequence Number (C790) of the HYDR Record with which the COEF Record is associated.

108  Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Heading 1 109

8.2.02 Record Sequence Number (C790—Mandatory—Part of Primary Key—three-digit integer): Enter a Record 

Sequence Number for each COEF Record being coded. The numbers need not be in sequence, but each can be used only 

once for each site.

8.2.03 Transmissivity (T) (C107—seven-digit number, three decimal places): Enter the computed transmissivity (T), in 

feet squared per day. Transmissivity is the rate at which water of the prevailing kinematic viscosity is transmitted through 

the unit width of the geohydrologic unit under a unit hydraulic gradient. 

8.2.04 Horizontal Conductivity (KH) (C108—12-digit number, five decimal places): Enter the computed horizontal 

hydraulic conductivity (K), in feet per day. Hydraulic conductivity of the medium is the volume of water at the existing 

kinematic viscosity that will move in unit time under a unit hydraulic gradient through a unit area measured at right angles 

to the direction of flow. 

8.2.05 Vertical Conductivity (KV) (C109—12-digit number, five decimal places): Enter the computed vertical hydraulic 

conductivity (K), in feet per day. 

8.2.06 Storage Coefficient (S) (C110—eight-digit number, seven decimal places): Enter the computed storage coefficient 

(S), dimensionless. The storage coefficient is the volume of water a geohydrologic unit releases from or takes into storage 

per unit surface area of the geohydrologic unit per unit change in head. In an unconfined water body, the storage coefficient 

is virtually equal to the specific yield. 

8.2.07 Leakance (C111—nine-digit number, four decimal places): Enter the computed leakance, in units of 1/day. 

Leakance is equal to the Vertical Conductivity (C109) divided by the thickness of the unit and is the inverse of the 

coefficient of leakage.

8.2.08 Diffusivity (T/S) (C112—13-digit integer): Enter the computed hydraulic diffusivity in feet squared per day. 

Diffusivity is equal to the Transmissivity (C107) divided by the Storage Coefficient (C110). 

8.2.09 Specific Storage (SS) (C113—10-digit number, nine decimal places): Enter the computed specific storage, 

dimensionless. The Specific Storage is equal to the Storage Coefficient (C110), divided by the thickness of the 

geohydrologic unit. Specific Storage is the volume of water the Geohydrologic Unit releases per unit volume per unit 

change in head. 

8.2.10 Barometric Efficiency (BE) (C271—three-digit integer): Enter the efficiency of the aquifer’s response to 

barometric changes, in percent. The barometric efficiency of an aquifer is the ratio of water-level change to atmospheric 

pressure change. While it is theoretically possible for the barometric efficiency of an aquifer to range from 0–100 percent, 

barometric efficiency typically ranges from 20–75 percent. A warning will be displayed if the entered value is outside the 

typical range, but will be allowed if it is within the theoretical range. 

8.2.11 Porosity (C306— four-digit number, three decimal places): Enter the porosity as a decimal fraction; include the 

decimal point. At most, three digits are allowed. The porosity of the Geohydrologic Unit is its property of containing 

interstices or voids and may be expressed quantitatively as the ratio of the volume of its interstices to its total volume. 

8.2.12 Web-ready Flag (C875—one-character code): Enter the Code that best indicates the status and availability of the 

COEF Record for display on the Web.

Code Status Description

Y Web-ready Record checked and ready for Web display (default)

C Conditional Record not checked—No Web display

P Proprietary Data restricted to specific USGS employees only—No Web display

L Local Use Data restricted to USGS employees of the local Water Science 

Center—No Web display

Note: Web-ready Flags for COEF Records are set manually by the person entering the 

data. COEF Records currently are not displayed on the Web and these flags control the 

availability of the records for retrieval by the GWSI Retrieval/Tabling Routine (U.S. 

Geological Survey, 2005a).
This page is intentionally left blank.

110 Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the GWSI, v. 4.6, USGS, Washington Water Science Center
Manuscript approved for publication, December 7, 2006

Prepared by the USGS Publishing Network, 

Publishing Service Center, Tacoma, Washington

Bill Gibbs 

Debra Grillo

Sharon Wahlstrom

Bobbie Jo Richey

Publishing Service Center, Sacramento, California

Carol Sanchez

For more information concerning the research in this report, contact the 

Washington Water Science Center Director, 

U.S. Geological Survey, 934 Broadway — Suite 300

Tacoma, Washington 98402

http://wa.water.usgs.gov
OFR 2006-1371 Lane Guidelines for Coding and Entering Ground-Water Data Into the Ground-Water Site Inventory Data Base Version 4.6, U.S. Geological Survey, Washington Water Science Center