The borehole at Alstonefield in the Peak District measures water level in the Carboniferous-aged Hopedale Limestone Formation. Our records date back to 1974.
BGS Enquiries can help you to access groundwater level data for this well.
Hydrograph
Alstonefield hydrograph, 1974 to 2020. BGS © UKRI.
Information about the well
Hydrogeological setting
| Alstonefield | |
|---|---|
| Wellmaster ID | SK15/16 |
| NGR | 4129 1554 |
| Datum | 280.25 m AOD |
| Monitoring details | |
| Type | Groundwater level |
| Aquifer | Carboniferous limestone |
| Confinement | Unconfined |
| Depth | 137.2 m |
| Record | |
| Monitored by | EA Midlands |
| Records commence | 1974 |
| Records end | Active |
The borehole is drilled into the Hopedale Limestone Formation of the Peak Limestone Group. A north–south trending fault mapped immediately to the east of the site upthrows the Woo Dale Limestone Formation.
The relatively deep water level in the borehole reflects a regional water level controlled by drainage in the incised valley of the River Dove to the south of the borehole.
Although not noted in the borehole log, the village of Alstonefield had several low-yielding, shallow wells that may have tapped perched aquifers.
Geological map of the area around Alstonefield. BGS © UKRI.
Well or borehole construction
The well consists of a 178 mm-diameter borehole drilled to 121.92 m. The diameter reduces to 140 mm from 121.92 m to 137.3 m.
Hydrograph response
The well hydrograph shows an open groundwater system that is very responsive to seasonal recharge. As might be expected from a limestone aquifer, responses to rainfall can be rapid and peaky, responding to individual rainfall episodes through the winter.
Data issues
Weekly data until 1983, then monthly data.
Reference
Finch, J, Marsh, T, and McKenzie, A A. 2007. A preliminary risk assessment of the potential for groundwater flooding during the winter of 2007/8 — an update. (Wallingford, UK: NERC/Centre for Ecology and Hydrology-British Geological Survey.)
Topographical map with hillshade of the area around Alstonefield. BGS © UKRI.
Acknowledgements
At a national level, groundwater level monitoring data is collected and managed by the Environment Agency (England), the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, Natural Resources Wales and the Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland).
Access the data they collect and curate, which includes many monitoring sites beyond those highlighted on these pages:
Contact
Please contact BGS Enquiries for further information.