Extensometers are among the most valuable devices hydrogeologists use to measure subsidence, but most people – even water professionals – have never seen one. They are sensitive and carefully calibrated, so they are kept under lock and key and are often in remote locations on private property.

During our California Groundwater Tour Oct. 5-6, you will see two types of extensometers used by the California Department of Water Resources to monitor changes in elevation caused by groundwater overdraft.

On the first day of the tour, we’ll visit a pipe extensometer in Yolo County. The next day, we’ll see a cable extensometer in Colusa County. At both stops, the engineers in charge of these monitoring stations will explain how they work, what kind of data they report and what the data means.

The extensometers are just a small part of our two-day California Groundwater Tour. Click here for more details and to buy tickets.

Early bird discount on tickets are available through Sept. 6, which is Tuesday.

Continuing education credits are available for several professions, including MCLE for attorneys, for an additional fee. Questions can be sent to Tour Director Dan Scott at dscott@watereducation.org or (916) 444-6240. 

Don’t forget about our other fall tours: Northern California Tour Oct. 19-21 and the San Joaquin River Restoration Tour Nov 2-3.