Projects

Featured Projects

The Depth and Breadth Of Our Work is Unparalleled in California

With over 40 years of business experience, Luhdorff & Scalmanini Consulting Engineers has established itself as a leader in groundwater consulting and engineering, completing more than three thousand projects. We invite you to browse through some of our recent projects

  • Water Resources Management
Westside Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan Development and Implementation
Project Detail
  • Water Resources Management
Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project
Project Detail
  • Water Resources Management
Madera and Chowchilla Subbasins GSP Development and Groundwater Monitoring Program
Project Detail
  • Water Resources Management
Groundwater Sustainability Planning and SGMA Implementation Support
Project Detail
  • Water Resources Management
Solano Subbasin SGMA Technical Support, Data Management, and Monitoring Infrastructure
Project Detail
  • Water Resources Management
Groundwater Sustainability Plan Development and Implementation Support
Project Detail
  • Water Resources Engineering
Groundwater Supply and System Planning Support
Project Detail
  • Water Resources Engineering
Drinking Water System Evaluation and Demand Analysis
Project Detail
  • Water Resources Engineering
Well 2 Arsenic Treatment Evaluation and Design
Project Detail
  • Water Resources Engineering
Sutter Shores Municipal Wells and Pump Station Project
Project Detail
  • Water Resources Engineering
Arsenic Treatment and Groundwater Supply Improvements
Project Detail
  • Water Resources Engineering
Well and Pump Station Design for Winters Highlands Development
Project Detail
  • Water Resources Engineering
Multi-District Engineering Support and River Island Surface Water Treatment Plant
Project Detail
  • Ground Water Exploration
Watsonville Municipal Well Siting and Development
Project Detail
  • Ground Water Exploration
Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Well Program
Project Detail
  • Ground Water Exploration
Municipal Well Replacement and Rehabilitation Program Support
Project Detail
  • Water Resources Engineering
Groundwater Supply and System Planning Support
Project Detail
  • Hydrogeologic and Environmental Investigations
Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program Groundwater Technical Support
Project Detail
  • Hydrogeologic and Environmental Investigations
Central Valley Dairy Representative Groundwater Monitoring Program
Project Detail
  • Modeling and Technical Analysis
Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Well Program
Project Detail
  • Modeling and Technical Analysis
Groundwater Flow and Solute Transport Modeling for SGMA Compliance
Project Detail
  • Litigation, Regulatory, and Expert Support
Hydrogeologic Evaluation and Groundwater Resource Optimization
Project Detail
  • Litigation, Regulatory, and Expert Support
Annual Reporting and Support Services for Santa Maria Valley Management Area
Project Detail
  • Litigation, Regulatory, and Expert Support
Mojave Groundwater Basin
Project Detail
  • Data Management, Monitoring, and Infrastructure
Solano County and Solano Subbasin Technical Support, Data Management, and Monitoring Infrastructure
Project Detail

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Client: Westlands Water District

Project Title: Westside Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan Development and Implementation

Project Description:

Since 2015, LSCE has provided comprehensive technical support to Westlands Water District to support compliance with California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act for the Westside Subbasin. LSCE led the development of the hydrogeologic conceptual model and a basin wide integrated groundwater flow and solute transport model to support preparation and implementation of the Westside Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan. LSCE authored the GSP, which was approved by the California Department of Water Resources in 2022, and has continued to support GSP implementation through annual reporting, amendments, and periodic evaluations. The work supports groundwater allocation decisions, evaluation of projects and management actions, subsidence management, and long term sustainability planning across more than 600,000 acres.

Key Project Features:

  • Development of basin wide hydrogeologic conceptual model
  • Compilation and synthesis of regional hydrogeologic and water use data
  • Integrated groundwater flow modeling using MODFLOW OWHM
  • Sustainable yield analysis and evaluation of projects and management actions
  • Preparation and approval of the Westside Subbasin GSP
  • Development of GSP amendments and periodic evaluations
  • Inter-agency and inter basin technical coordination
  • Design and installation of multi completion groundwater monitoring wells
  • Technical analysis and modeling to evaluate subsidence and support management strategies protective of the California Aqueduct
  • Ongoing annual reporting and data management system support
  • Support in securing surface water rights for managed aquifer recharge

Client: California American Water

Project Title: Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project

Project Description:

LSCE serves as a member of the Hydrogeologic Working Group (HWG), providing technical oversight for extensive field investigations and groundwater modeling to evaluate potential impacts from proposed coastal production wells that would be designed to provide feedwater to a desalination plant. The work includes the development and implementation of a comprehensive work plan involving borings, clustered multi-depth monitoring wells, and testing of a full-scale 2,000 gpm beach production well. LSCE has performed technical analyses and numerical groundwater modeling in conjunction with HWG members to assess potential effects on inland production wells and seawater intrusion conditions in the Salinas Valley. LSCE is also serving as an expert witness in regulatory and legal proceedings before the State Water Resources Control Board and a judge related to the proposed desalination project. This work is ongoing and supports long-term groundwater sustainability and regulatory decision-making.

 

Key Project Features:

  • Participation on a multi-member Hydrogeologic Working Group
  • Development and implementation of large-scale field investigation programs
  • Evaluation of long-term pumping test results for a 2,000 gpm coastal production well
  • Numerical groundwater modeling and impact analysis
  • Evaluation of potential seawater intrusion and water quality effects
  • Review of hydrogeologic interpretations of aerial electromagnetic geophysical surveys
  • Technical advisory support for groundwater sustainability planning
  • Expert witness services for regulatory and legal proceedings
  • Ongoing technical support for desalination-related groundwater studies

Client: Madera County

Project Title: Madera and Chowchilla Subbasins GSP Development and Groundwater Monitoring Program

Project Description:

Since 2017, LSCE has supported Madera County and the Chowchilla Water District with development, implementation, monitoring, and annual reporting for the Madera and Chowchilla Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plans. Services have included securing grant funding, developing hydrogeologic conceptual models and numerical hydrologic models, preparing water budgets, and evaluating projects and management actions to achieve groundwater sustainability. A major component of this effort was the planning, design, and construction of a large-scale multi-completion groundwater monitoring network, funded through State grants, to address data gaps and support SGMA compliance. LSCE installed 62 dedicated monitoring wells at 24 sites, with depths ranging from 30 to 950 feet below ground surface, designed to monitor groundwater conditions above and below the Corcoran Clay and support monitoring for SGMA compliance. Due to the scale of the project and geographic extent, LSCE recommended and coordinated the use of two drill rigs operating simultaneously to maintain the schedule and budget. LSCE continues to provide technical support through GSP implementation, annual reporting, data management, and stakeholder coordination.

Key Project Features:

  • Groundwater Sustainability Plan preparation and implementation
  • Technical support for grant applications securing over $14 million in funding
  • Hydrogeologic conceptual model development for two subbasins
  • Integrated numerical hydrologic modeling using IWFM (MCSim)
  • Historical and projected water budgets, overdraft, and sustainable yield analysis
  • Planning, design, and oversight of 46 multi-completion monitoring wells
  • Monitoring well siting in priority areas near domestic wells and disadvantaged communities
  • Test hole drilling, hydrostratigraphic evaluation, and well design
  • Annual GSP reporting and SGMA compliance support
  • Ongoing coordination with County staff, drilling contractors, regulators, and stakeholders

Client: Napa County

Project Title: Groundwater Sustainability Planning and SGMA Implementation Support

Project Description:

LSCE has partnered with Napa County since 2008 to support a variety of groundwater management efforts in the County including through local implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Work has focused on establishing a strong technical foundation for sustainable groundwater management through groundwater and surface water monitoring, hydrogeologic characterization, groundwater modeling, water budget analysis, and policymaking. LSCE supported the preparation of the Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Napa Valley Subbasin, including developing a sustainable yield estimate and determining criteria for sustainable groundwater management. LSCE has conducted detailed analyses of groundwater-surface water interactions and stream depletion in the Napa Valley. The team also developed Countywide data management systems, monitoring networks, and public-facing tools to support transparent decision-making. Ongoing stakeholder engagement and annual SGMA reporting continue to support adaptive groundwater management.

Key Project Features:

  • SGMA technical support and GSP preparation
  • Historical and future water budget development
  • Estimates of sustainable yield and sustainable management criteria
  • Integrated hydrologic modeling
  • Updated hydrogeologic conceptual model
  • Groundwater monitoring network design and maintenance
  • Analysis of groundwater-surface water interactions and stream depletion
  • Countywide groundwater and surface water data management system
  • SGMA Annual Report preparation and submittal
  • Stakeholder outreach and technical advisory support
  • Public education and visualization tools
  • Groundwater policy support, including well siting and construction standards and water conservation measures to reduce streamflow depletion

Client: Solano County Water Agency and Solano Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agencies

Project Title: Solano Subbasin SGMA Technical Support, Data Management, and Monitoring Infrastructure

Project Description:

LSCE has provided water resources and groundwater technical support to the Solano County Water Agency for over 20 years and has supported the Solano Subbasin GSAs since 2017 with development and implementation of the Solano Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan. LSCE’s role includes development and maintenance of a comprehensive data management system, preparation of annual SGMA reports, and development and updating of the Solano Integrated Hydrologic Model to evaluate groundwater and surface water conditions. In parallel, LSCE conducted field investigations in northern Solano County to improve understanding of deep regional aquifer systems through construction of new groundwater and subsidence monitoring facilities. These efforts provided critical data, analytical tools, and decision support to improve basin characterization, regulatory compliance, and long-term groundwater sustainability. A unique aspect of the project is the integration of advanced data systems, deep aquifer monitoring, and public-facing tools to support both technical analysis and stakeholder transparency.

Key Project Features:

  • SGMA technical support and GSP implementation assistance
  • Comprehensive groundwater and surface water data management system development
  • Automated data quality control, standardization, and reporting workflows
  • Development and maintenance of an integrated hydrologic model
  • Annual reporting and regulatory database submittals
  • Design and oversight of deep groundwater monitoring well construction
  • Hydrogeologic evaluation using test hole drilling and geophysical logging
  • Installation of telemetered groundwater level and water quality monitoring systems
  • Design and installation of land subsidence monitoring stations
  • Development of interactive web-based mapping tools for public outreach

Client: Tehama County

Project Title: Groundwater Sustainability Plan Development and Implementation Support

Project Description:

LSCE led development and adoption of five Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) for the Corning, Antelope, Los Molinos, Red Bluff, and Bowman Subbasins, serving as the primary technical advisor to the respective GSAs. LSCE prepared historical and projected water budgets, defined Sustainable Management Criteria for all six SGMA sustainability indicators, evaluated Management Actions and Projects, and developed long-term implementation and funding strategies to ensure regulatory compliance. The team also supported development of equitable, legally defensible fee structures, including landowner assessments and well-based pumping fees.

Following adoption, LSCE has continued supporting implementation by expanding groundwater and surface water monitoring networks, improving SGMA data management and QA/QC protocols, and addressing key data gaps. LSCE has advanced recharge feasibility studies and pilot projects, including Flood-MAR and Ag-ASR supported by surface geophysics (AEM, TtEM), isotope analyses, and detailed hydrogeologic investigations to evaluate recharge pathways and mounding response. These efforts provide a defensible technical framework for recharge enhancement, demand management, well mitigation, and long-term basin sustainability through 2030.

Key Project Features:

  • Groundwater Sustainability Plan preparation for four subbasins
  • Water budgets and sustainable management criteria development
  • Evaluation of management actions and implementation projects
  • Development of SGMA-compliant funding and fee structures
  • Five-year revenue needs analysis for GSP implementation
  • Evaluation of funding mechanisms, including Prop 218 and Prop 26
  • Public outreach and stakeholder engagement planning
  • Facilitation and coordination with boards, commissions, and GSAs
  • Concurrent management of multiple GSP schedules and deliverables
  • Ongoing support for SGMA implementation and annual reporting

Client: Town of Discovery Bay

Project Title: Groundwater Supply and System Planning Support

Project Description:

LSCE has provided engineering and hydrogeologic services to the Town of Discovery Bay for more than 25 years, supporting a groundwater-only water supply system drawing from multiple freshwater and brackish aquifers. LSCE’s work has focused on understanding local hydrogeologic conditions and developing solutions that protect water quality, improve system reliability, and support long-term planning. Services have included groundwater investigations, municipal well siting and design, construction oversight, treatment system design, and distribution system analysis. A key component of this work has been site-specific investigations to identify productive freshwater zones and design wells that meet both yield and water quality objectives. LSCE also serves as the Town’s District Engineer, providing ongoing planning, capital improvement project design and construction management, regulatory compliance, and asset management support.

 

Key Project Features:

  • Groundwater investigations and hydrogeologic characterization
  • Municipal well siting, design, and rehabilitation
  • Downhole geophysics and depth-specific water quality sampling
  • Treatment system design for iron and manganese removal
  • Pump station and distribution system analysis and design
  • Construction oversight and bid support
  • Water Master Plan and Urban Water Management Plan preparation
  • Regulatory compliance support, including SB 555 water audit preparation, water audit validations and AWIA requirements
  • Risk and resilience assessment and emergency response planning
  • Long-term district engineering and strategic planning support

Client: City of Dixon

Project Title: Drinking Water System Evaluation and Demand Analysis

Project Description:

LSCE assisted the City of Dixon with a comprehensive evaluation of its drinking water system to assess operational performance, future demands, and system adequacy. The City’s system serves approximately 4,100 service connections through multiple wells, storage facilities, and booster pump stations. LSCE analyzed historical water use and projected near-term and buildout demands using customer class data and General Plan land use assumptions. System capacity evaluations included groundwater supply, storage, pumping, and fire flow analysis using the City’s hydraulic model. The evaluation identified system deficiencies, deferred maintenance needs, and provided recommendations to support capital planning and long-term system reliability.

 

Key Project Features:

  • Drinking water system operational evaluation
  • Historical water use analysis and demand forecasting
  • Near-term and buildout demand projections
  • Groundwater supply, storage, and pump capacity analysis
  • Fire flow analysis using hydraulic modeling
  • Evaluation of wells, pumps, storage, and treatment systems
  • Review of SCADA and operational controls
  • Identification of system deficiencies and deferred maintenance
  • Capital improvement and infrastructure longevity recommendations

Client: Rural North Vacaville Water District

Project Title: Well 2 Arsenic Treatment Evaluation and Design

Project Description:

LSCE was engaged by the Rural North Vacaville Water District to evaluate and implement options to address elevated arsenic levels in Well 2, which had been limited to emergency use due to regulatory changes. LSCE worked closely with the District and system operator to evaluate blending, well modification, new well construction, and treatment alternatives. Based on site constraints, water chemistry, system demand, and operational considerations, LSCE identified and advanced an arsenic treatment solution for the existing well. LSCE led a competitive vendor evaluation process and performed a life-cycle cost comparison of treatment technologies. The selected adsorption-based treatment approach was validated through bench-scale pilot testing and ultimately designed by LSCE, with construction completed in 2023.

 

Key Project Features:

  • Evaluation of arsenic compliance alternatives, including blending, new wells, and treatment
  • Selection of treatment technology based on water chemistry, site constraints, and operations
  • Competitive RFP process and vendor proposal evaluation
  • Life-cycle cost analysis of treatment alternatives
  • Bench-scale pilot testing to confirm treatment performance
  • Design of an adsorption-based arsenic treatment systemrated to 500 gpm
  • Development of operational control strategies for normal and emergency conditions
  • Coordination with the Division of Drinking Water for design concurrence and acceptance
  • Support through design and construction completion

Client: Sutter Shores Community Services District

Project Title: Sutter Shores Municipal Wells and Pump Station Project

Project Description:

LSCE provided planning, design, and construction support for two new municipal groundwater supply wells and associated treatment facilities serving the Sutter Shores community in Reigo, California. The project was developed to provide a reliable local groundwater supply capable of meeting community demands while addressing naturally occurring water quality constituents present in the aquifer. LSCE also prepared the construction plans, technical specifications, and engineer’s cost estimates for the aboveground arsenic and iron/manganese groundwater treatment facilities project rated to 2000 gpm (3 MGD) and coordinated closely with State regulatory agencies and environmental permitting subconsultants throughout the planning and design process. The treatment facilities project scope includes supporting chemical feed, electrical, instrumentation, and backup power systems. During construction, LSCE supported the owner through bidding assistance, submittal and RFI review, and oversight of well construction, pump installation, and performance testing to verify that the completed facilities met the design intent and operational requirements of the water system.

Key Project Features:

  • Planning and design of two municipal groundwater supply wells
  • Construction plans, specifications, and bid-phase support
  • Coordination with State regulatory agencies
  • Environmental permitting support through subconsultants
  • Design of a 2,000 gpm well pump station
  • Iron, manganese, and arsenic treatment system design
  • Chemical treatment and reclaim systems
  • Electrical, motor control center, and backup generator design
  • Site, piping, and utility improvements
  • Construction-phase oversight and testing support

Client: Yolo County - Wild Wings County Service Area

Project Title: Arsenic Treatment and Groundwater Supply Improvements

Project Description:

LSCE has supported the Wild Wings County Service Area public water system in Yolo County for more than 20 years, including the original design of the system’s supply, storage, pumping, and distribution facilities. As groundwater quality conditions evolved, LSCE led planning, evaluation, and design efforts to address rising arsenic concentrations in multiple wells. Services included feasibility analyses, treatment technology evaluation, pilot testing coordination, and full design of a centralized arsenic treatment system. LSCE advanced the project through final design and continues to provide construction management support. In parallel, LSCE supported the development of a new municipal supply well and pump station to address declining groundwater levels and improve long-term system reliability.

Key Project Features:

  • Long-term engineering and regulatory support for a community water system
  • Arsenic treatment feasibility analysis and technology evaluation
  • Pilot testing coordination with operators, vendors, and UC Davis
  • Design of a 500 gpm adsorption-based arsenic treatment system
  • Treatment system layout, process, electrical, and controls design
  • Construction management support, including submittals and field review
  • Groundwater well siting, design, and regulatory coordination
  • CEQA documentation for new supply well development
  • Design and construction-phase support for a new municipal well and pump station
  • Planning for future system expansion and resiliency

Client: City of Winters / Meritage Homes

Project Title: Well and Pump Station Design for Winters Highlands Development

Project Description:

LSCE has provided hydrogeologic and engineering services to the City of Winters for more than 30 years, supporting the City’s municipal water supply system. As part of the Winters Highlands Subdivision, LSCE assisted the City and the developer with the design, bidding, and construction management of a new municipal well and 1,800 gpm pump station to supplement the City’s water supply. The project included site improvements, a standby emergency generator, and a CMU pump station building housing pumping, electrical, and disinfection systems. Preliminary water quality data identified elevated hexavalent chromium, and LSCE incorporated provisions for future treatment into the pump station layout and infrastructure. Well construction was completed in 2022, with pump station construction anticipated to be completed in 2027.

 

Key Project Features:

  • Municipal well and high-capacity pump station design
  • Coordination with developer and City stakeholders
  • Design of site improvements, generator, and CMU pump station building
  • Integration of disinfection systems and station piping
  • Planning and design for future hexavalent chromium treatment
  • Treatment system footprint and utility stub-outs for future expansion
  • Bid-phase and construction management support
  • Long-term municipal water supply support

Client: Del Oro Water Company

Project Title: Multi-District Engineering Support and River Island Surface Water Treatment Plant

Project Description:

LSCE serves as the longstanding engineering consultant for Del Oro Water Company, an investor-owned utility operating over 20 water districts throughout California that rely on both groundwater and surface water supplies. LSCE provides comprehensive engineering support to multiple Del Oro water districts serving predominantly rural and mountainous communities, with services ranging from planning and regulatory assistance to design and construction management. A recent representative project includes the design, construction management, and permitting of a new 700 gpm (1 MGD) surface water treatment plant for Del Oro’s River Island District in Tulare County. LSCE prepared and submitted the State Revolving Fund application to support project financing and provided construction management services through completion in 2024. The project improved treatment capacity, storage, and operational reliability for the district.

 

Key Project Features:

  • Long-term general engineering support for multiple water districts
  • Surface water and groundwater treatment plant design
  • State Revolving Fund and grant application support
  • Regulatory and permitting assistance
  • Design of storage, booster pump, and chemical feed facilities
  • Water main and distribution system design
  • Construction management services
  • Packaged treatment system integration

Treated water and backwash storage design

Client: City of Watsonville

Project Title: Watsonville Municipal Well Siting and Development

Project Description:

LSCE conducted a well siting study for the City of Watsonville to address water supply reliability issues caused by saltwater intrusion and water quality exceedances in existing municipal wells. The project evaluated regional hydrogeology, groundwater levels, and water quality data to identify favorable locations and formation intervals for new groundwater supply wells. Based on the study findings, LSCE completed a site-specific investigation at the Roache Road site, including test hole drilling, monitoring well construction, and water quality testing. LSCE designed a new municipal production well with a target capacity of 1,800 gpm, prepared regulatory documentation, and provided permitting, bidding, and construction oversight services. A key outcome of the project was confirmation that the completed well exceeded capacity goals while meeting all water quality objectives, allowing the City to proceed without originally anticipated treatment infrastructure.

 

Key Project Features:

  • Groundwater well siting study and hydrogeologic evaluation
  • Conceptual hydrogeologic model development
  • Site-specific investigation including test hole drilling and monitoring well installation
  • Municipal production well design and capacity analysis
  • Drinking Water Source Assessment Protection documentation
  • Regulatory coordination and CEQA support
  • Construction and performance testing oversight
  • Pump station facility design and optimization

Client: City of Roseville

Project Title: Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Well Program

Project Description:

Surface water from Folsom Reservoir is the primary supply for the City of Roseville, and to improve drought resilience the City initiated an Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) program to store treated surface water underground during wet periods for recovery in dry years. As part of the LSCE–Carollo–ASR Systems team, LSCE led hydrogeologic evaluation and ASR well design from feasibility through construction, including basin-scale screening and detailed assessment of six candidate sites. LSCE evaluated aquifer transmissivity, storage, groundwater gradients, and water quality compatibility to ensure injection and recovery targets could be achieved while protecting native groundwater resources. Constructability considerations were integrated early, and selected sites advanced through preliminary and final design, including casing and screen configuration, interval targeting, gravel pack specifications, and performance criteria supported by analytical testing protocols. LSCE prepared construction and testing documents, supported permitting and bidding, and provided field oversight to maintain design intent through drilling, development, and step-rate injection and recovery testing. In 2023, two ASR wells were completed and met or exceeded City objectives for capacity and water quality, establishing scalable infrastructure that strengthens Roseville’s long-term conjunctive use and climate-adaptive water supply strategy.

Key Project Features:

  • Comprehensive ASR program planning and phased implementation strategy
  • Basin-scale hydrogeologic evaluation and screening of six candidate ASR sites
  • Detailed constructability assessments (access, setbacks, utilities, operations)
  • Monitoring well coordination and preliminary hydrogeologic reporting
  • Preliminary and final ASR well design, specifications, and construction documents
  • Permitting support and regulatory agency coordination
  • Bid-phase services, including pre-bid meetings and technical addenda
  • Construction oversight, injection testing, and performance verification
  • Evaluation and condition assessment of existing production wells for system integration
  • Long-term conjunctive use planning to enhance water supply reliability and drought resilience

Client: San Jose Water

Project Title: Municipal Well Replacement and Rehabilitation Program Support

Project Description:

LSCE has provided groundwater engineering services to San Jose Water since the 1980s, supporting long-term management of the utility’s municipal well system in the Santa Clara Valley. Beginning in 2005, LSCE assisted San Jose Water with a comprehensive program to retire, rehabilitate, and replace an aging inventory of more than 100 municipal wells. Since 2006, LSCE has supported the installation of over 35 new wells in highly constrained urban environments, where siting, permitting, and construction require careful coordination. Services have included site-specific hydrogeologic investigations, well design, permitting, construction oversight, and testing. A recent highlight includes the McLaughlin Station, San Jose Water’s first new multi-well station in more than a decade, which provided opportunities to evaluate alternative well construction materials and performance.

 

Key Project Features:

  • Long-term municipal well program support
  • Site-specific hydrogeologic investigations and test hole drilling
  • Monitoring well construction and groundwater monitoring
  • Municipal well siting, spacing, and design in urban settings
  • Permitting and coordination with regulatory agencies
  • Preparation of construction and testing specifications
  • Well construction and performance testing oversight
  • Pump selection and sizing recommendations
  • Multi-well station design and development
  • Evaluation of alternative well construction materials and methods

Client: Central Valley and Central Coast Groundwater Coalitions

Project Title: Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program Groundwater Technical Support

Project Description:

Since 2008, LSCE has provided groundwater technical support to multiple agricultural coalitions to support compliance with California’s Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program groundwater requirements. LSCE prepared Groundwater Quality Assessment Reports, Groundwater Quality Management Plans, and Groundwater Quality Trend Monitoring Workplans to characterize hydrogeologic conditions, land use, and vulnerability of areas to groundwater quality impacts from agricultural activities. The work included delineation of High Vulnerability Areas and development of representative, prioritized groundwater monitoring networks using statistical and hydrogeologic analyses. LSCE continues to support numerous agricultural coalitions with groundwater quality monitoring, analysis, and reporting involving evaluation of long-term trends in groundwater quality. A key aspect of LSCE’s role includes translating complex groundwater data into actionable management strategies and regulatory deliverables for diverse agricultural stakeholders.

Key Project Features:

  • Groundwater regulatory compliance support under the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
  • Groundwater Quality Assessment Report preparation
  • High Vulnerability Area delineation using statistical and hydrogeologic methods
  • Groundwater Quality Management Plan development
  • Groundwater Quality Trend Monitoring Workplan design
  • Annual groundwater quality monitoring and laboratory coordination
  • Data management system development and maintenance
  • Regulatory reporting and five-year trend assessments
  • Well owner coordination and notification support
  • Long-term technical advisory services to agricultural coalitions

Client: Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program

Project Title: Central Valley Dairy Representative Groundwater Monitoring Program

Project Description:

Since 2007, LSCE has provided technical expertise to the California dairy community and has served as the technical program manager for the Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program since 2010. LSCE conceptualized, designed, and implemented a pioneering representative groundwater monitoring program as an alternative to site specific monitoring required under the 2007 Dairy General Order. The program was ultimately approved by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board and fundamentally changed how agricultural non point source groundwater impacts are regulated under the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program. The monitoring network includes 443 dedicated monitoring wells installed on 42 dairies from Redding to Bakersfield and was designed to be representative of more than 1,400 dairies statewide. Extensive field investigations and data analysis demonstrated that lagoons and corrals contribute a relatively small portion of total nitrogen loading to groundwater, shifting regulatory focus toward manured cropland management. The program has resulted in substantial cost savings for the dairy industry while providing regulators with defensible, high quality groundwater data.

Key Project Features:

  • Industry wide representative groundwater monitoring program design and implementation
  • Regulatory strategy development and technical program management
  • Design of multi level, nested monitoring wells targeting first encountered groundwater
  • Installation and management of 443 monitoring wells across 42 dairies
  • Pioneering field investigations including lagoon seepage testing and vadose zone evaluation
  • Development of standardized sampling protocols and quality assurance procedures
  • Groundwater quality monitoring focused on nitrogen speciation and trends
  • Database development for secure data management and quality control
  • Statistical and trend analyses to evaluate groundwater impacts from dairy operations
  • Annual reporting documenting hydrogeologic conditions and regulatory compliance

Client: Westlands Water District

Project Title: Groundwater Flow and Solute Transport Modeling for SGMA Compliance

Project Description:

LSCE provided hydrogeologic modeling services to support Westlands Water District’s compliance with California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. LSCE developed a basin-wide numerical groundwater flow and solute transport model to evaluate historical and future impacts of groundwater pumping on groundwater levels, water quality, aquifer storage, surface water interactions, and land subsidence. The modeling effort integrated hydrogeologic data across more than 600,000 acres and quantified groundwater conditions and water budgets extending back to the 1950s. The model was used to evaluate long-term management scenarios, including changes in climate and land use, and to assess the effectiveness of projects and management actions. Results supported preparation of the District’s Groundwater Sustainability Plan and associated technical documentation, with ongoing updates incorporating new monitoring data to reduce uncertainty.

 

Key Project Features:

  • Basin-wide numerical groundwater flow and solute transport modeling
  • Compilation and analysis of regional hydrogeologic and pumping data
  • Conceptual model development and historical water budget analysis
  • Transient modeling using MODFLOW-OWHM and MT3D
  • Simulation of long-term groundwater management and sustainability scenarios
  • Evaluation of climate change and land use impacts
  • Development of a data management and GIS-based reporting system
  • Technical support for Groundwater Sustainability Plan documentation
  • Ongoing model updates and calibration using new monitoring data

Client: Meadowbrook Dairy

Project Title: Hydrogeologic Evaluation and Groundwater Resource Optimization

Project Description:

Since 2016, LSCE has provided comprehensive hydrogeologic and engineering support to Meadowbrook Dairy in the Indian Wells Valley, one of California’s most technically and politically complex groundwater basins. The work has focused on maintaining reliable agricultural operations while navigating SGMA compliance and evolving basin management requirements. LSCE has sited, designed, and overseen installation of high-capacity production wells and dedicated monitoring wells in structurally complex alluvial and volcanic formations, supported by detailed aquifer and step-drawdown testing to evaluate transmissivity and long-term performance.

Groundwater quality evaluations have been central to the effort, including detailed analyses of nitrate and PFAS to assess regulatory thresholds, treatment implications, and operational suitability. LSCE also evaluated the feasibility of using brackish groundwater to supplement steam production at Coso Geothermal, including water chemistry compatibility and infrastructure considerations. Recharge feasibility using episodic flood flows from the Los Angeles Aqueduct was assessed through integration of surface geophysics, downhole logging, and aerial datasets to characterize stratigraphy, permeability, and mounding response.

In parallel, LSCE has served as a technical advisor during development and implementation of the basin’s Groundwater Sustainability Plan, including review of water budgets, sustainable yield assumptions, pumping allocations, and interconnected surface water analyses. LSCE has also provided litigation support related to sustainable yield determinations and groundwater management actions, delivering independent technical evaluation and expert analysis to support defensible basin management decisions.

Key Project Features:

  • Hydrogeologic evaluations in complex alluvial and volcanic formations, including characterization of fault-controlled and fracture-dominated flow systems
  • Design, testing, and installation oversight of high-capacity production wells and dedicated monitoring wells
  • Aquifer performance testing, step-drawdown analysis, and long-term pumping optimization
  • Groundwater quality assessment, including nitrate and PFAS evaluation, regulatory threshold review, and operational suitability analysis
  • Evaluation of brackish groundwater for industrial reuse, including compatibility assessment for geothermal steam production
  • Recharge feasibility analysis using episodic flood flows, including hydraulic capacity and mounding evaluations
  • Integration of surface geophysics, downhole geophysical logging, and aerial electromagnetic (AEM) data collected by the California Department of Water Resources
  • Assessment of fracture flow, vertical gradients, and groundwater recharge dynamics
  • Technical advisory support during Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) development and implementation, including peer review of water budgets and Sustainable Management Criteria
  • Independent safe yield analysis, including evaluation of pumping allocations and long-term basin balance assumptions
  • Litigation support services, including technical review, expert analysis of sustainable yield determinations, and preparation of defensible hydrogeologic evaluations
  • Long-term groundwater resource planning and operational optimization within a critically overdrafted basin

Client: Twitchell Management Authority

Project Title: Annual Reporting and Support Services for Santa Maria Valley Management Area

Project Description:

LSCE is currently serving as the Basin Engineer for Santa Maria Valley Management Area (SMVMA). The Santa Maria Groundwater Basin underwent a groundwater basin adjudication process in the early 2000s and is currently managed as three separate areas. LSCE has served as the Basin Engineer for the largest management area, the Santa Maria Valley Management Area (SMVMA), since 2008. A detailed and comprehensive annual report is prepared every year for submittal to the Court that summarizes SMVMA climatic conditions, surface water conditions (discharge and water quality), reservoir operations (storage and releases), groundwater conditions (water levels and quality), water requirements, water supplies, and water disposition. In accordance with the Court Stipulation, an evaluation is made each year to determine whether or not the SMVMA is experiencing a severe water shortage per the four criteria established by the Court. A public presentation is made each year with findings from the annual report, and the final report is submitted to the Court. LSCE also provides a range of support services for SMVMA, including special studies and assistance with compliance related to various reporting requirements.

Key Project Features:

  • Comprehensive annual compilation of data
  • Preparation of groundwater elevation contour maps for various seasons and aquifer zones and groundwater hydrographs
  • Preparation of time series plots for groundwater quality data
  • Detailed annual land use analyses
  • Evaluation of annual agricultural and municipal water use
  • Evaluation of water disposition (e.g., consumptive use, return flows)
  • Annual assessment of occurrence of severe water shortage conditions
  • Special studies related to supplemental dam releases and potential for seawater intrusion

Client: Peter Kiel (Attorney)

Project Title: Mojave Groundwater Basin

Project Description:

LSCE is currently serving as a technical expert on behalf of Victorville Water District with regard to matters relating to adjudication of Mojave Groundwater Basin. The Mojave Groundwater Basin underwent a groundwater basin adjudication process in the 1990s and a Judgement was entered in 1996. LSCE was retained in 2024 to assist with providing review, comments, and other technical support related to ongoing Court filings by the Watermaster and various other parties to the basin adjudication. The work involves attending Watermaster meetings/workshops and Court hearings, technical analysis of various issues that arise, preparation of Declarations, and general legal support.

Key Project Features:

  • Attend Watermaster meetings and workshops, particularly as they relate to annual reporting, determination of Production Safe Yield (PSY), and Free Production Allowance (FPA)
  • Evaluation of proposed changes to the base period
  • Evaluation of basin geologic conditions and impacts of faults on groundwater flow
  • Evaluation of net stream recharge
  • Review groundwater model development efforts by Mojave Water Agency and others
  • Provide legal support related to motions filed by Watermaster and other parties to the Judgement

Client: Solano County Water Agency and Solano Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agencies

Project Title: Solano County and Solano Subbasin Technical Support, Data Management, and Monitoring Infrastructure

Project Description:

LSCE has provided a wide range of water resources and groundwater technical support to Solano County and the Solano County Water Agency for over 20 years and has worked for the Groundwater Sustainability Agencies in the Solano Subbasin since 2017 in securing grant funding and developing and implementing a Groundwater Sustainability Plan. LSCE’s roles have included development and maintenance of a comprehensive monitoring program and data management system, development and updating of a local integrated hydrologic model, pilot testing and evaluation of the feasibility of recharge project concepts, and preparation of reports and other submittals for compliance with SGMA. Prior to supporting SGMA-related efforts, LSCE conducted investigations to improve understanding of deep regional aquifer systems through construction of new groundwater and subsidence monitoring facilities and development of geologic cross sections and other hydrogeologic conceptualization work. These efforts provided critical data, analytical tools, and decision support to improve basin characterization, regulatory compliance, and long-term groundwater sustainability. Unique aspects of LSCE’s work in Solano County include the long-standing coordination with multiple entities involved in managing water resources in the County and integration of advanced deep aquifer and subsidence monitoring facilities together with data management systems to develop a robust understanding of conditions to support management efforts and stakeholder outreach and education.

Key Project Features:

  • SGMA technical support and GSP implementation assistance
  • Hydrogeologic conceptualization using lithologic and geophysical dataand geologic cross section development 
  • Development and maintenance of an integrated hydrologic model
  • Design of a robust groundwater monitoring program
  • Installationof deep groundwater monitoring wells
  • Installation of automated groundwater level monitoring systems
  • Design and installation of land subsidence monitoring stations
  • Comprehensive groundwater and surface water data management system
  • Automated data quality control, standardization, and reporting workflows
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  • Development of interactive web-based mapping tools for publiccommunication

Alex Steelman

Founder

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Client: Town of Discovery Bay

Project Title: Groundwater Supply and System Planning Support

Project Description:

LSCE has provided engineering and hydrogeologic services to the Town of Discovery Bay for more than 25 years, supporting a groundwater-only water supply system drawing from multiple freshwater and brackish aquifers. LSCE’s work has focused on understanding local hydrogeologic conditions and developing solutions that protect water quality, improve system reliability, and support long-term planning. Services have included groundwater investigations, municipal well siting and design, construction oversight, treatment system design, and distribution system analysis. A key component of this work has been site-specific investigations to identify productive freshwater zones and design wells that meet both yield and water quality objectives. LSCE also serves as the Town’s District Engineer, providing ongoing planning, regulatory compliance, and asset management support.

 

Key Project Features:

  • Groundwater investigations and hydrogeologic characterization
  • Municipal well siting, design, and rehabilitation
  • Downhole geophysics and depth-specific water quality sampling
  • Treatment system design for iron and manganese removal
  • Pump station and distribution system analysis and design
  • Construction oversight and bid support
  • Water Master Plan and Urban Water Management Plan preparation
  • Regulatory compliance support, including SB 555 water audits and AWIA requirements
  • Risk and resilience assessment and emergency response planning
  • Long-term district engineering and strategic planning support