diff --git a/.dockerignore b/.dockerignore
deleted file mode 100644
index b694934fb..000000000
--- a/.dockerignore
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1 +0,0 @@
-.venv
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Procfile b/Procfile
deleted file mode 100644
index 2486669cb..000000000
--- a/Procfile
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1 +0,0 @@
-web: python3 -m transfers.transfer
diff --git a/RENDER_DEPLOYMENT.md b/RENDER_DEPLOYMENT.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..0110499ce
--- /dev/null
+++ b/RENDER_DEPLOYMENT.md
@@ -0,0 +1,248 @@
+# Render Deployment Guide
+
+This guide explains how to deploy OcotilloAPI to Render using the `render.yaml` blueprint.
+
+## Overview
+
+The `render.yaml` file defines two complete environments:
+- **Staging**: Auto-deploys from `staging` branch
+- **Production**: Manual deploys from `main` branch (requires approval)
+
+## Architecture
+
+### Services Created
+
+1. **Web Services** (2)
+   - `ocotillo-api-staging` - Staging environment
+   - `ocotillo-api-production` - Production environment
+
+2. **Databases** (2)
+   - `ocotillo-db-staging` - PostgreSQL 17 with PostGIS
+   - `ocotillo-db-production` - PostgreSQL 17 with PostGIS
+
+3. **Environment Variable Groups** (3)
+   - `ocotillo-shared` - Common configuration for all environments
+   - `ocotillo-staging` - Staging-specific settings
+   - `ocotillo-production` - Production-specific settings
+
+## Initial Deployment
+
+### Step 1: Connect Repository
+
+1. Log in to [Render Dashboard](https://dashboard.render.com)
+2. Click **"New Blueprint Instance"**
+3. Connect your GitHub repository
+4. Select the branch containing `render.yaml` (e.g., `render-deploy`)
+
+### Step 2: Configure Environment Variables
+
+Render will automatically create the environment variable groups, but you need to set values for `sync: false` variables:
+
+#### Staging Environment (`ocotillo-staging` group)
+
+Set these in the Render dashboard:
+
+```bash
+# Authentik OAuth Configuration
+AUTHENTIK_URL=https://your-staging-authentik-instance.com
+AUTHENTIK_CLIENT_ID=your_staging_client_id
+AUTHENTIK_AUTHORIZE_URL=https://your-staging-authentik-instance.com/application/o/authorize/
+AUTHENTIK_TOKEN_URL=https://your-staging-authentik-instance.com/application/o/token/
+
+# Google Cloud Storage (if using assets)
+GCS_BUCKET_NAME=your-staging-bucket
+GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS=/path/to/staging/credentials.json
+```
+
+#### Production Environment (`ocotillo-production` group)
+
+```bash
+# Authentik OAuth Configuration
+AUTHENTIK_URL=https://your-production-authentik-instance.com
+AUTHENTIK_CLIENT_ID=your_production_client_id
+AUTHENTIK_AUTHORIZE_URL=https://your-production-authentik-instance.com/application/o/authorize/
+AUTHENTIK_TOKEN_URL=https://your-production-authentik-instance.com/application/o/token/
+
+# Google Cloud Storage (if using assets)
+GCS_BUCKET_NAME=your-production-bucket
+GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS=/path/to/production/credentials.json
+```
+
+**Note**: `SESSION_SECRET_KEY` is auto-generated by Render (`generateValue: true`)
+
+### Step 3: Review and Deploy
+
+1. Review the services that will be created
+2. Click **"Apply"** to create all resources
+3. Render will:
+   - Create PostgreSQL databases with PostGIS extension
+   - Build Docker images
+   - Run database migrations
+   - Deploy the applications
+
+## Database Configuration
+
+### PostGIS Extension
+
+The `preDeployCommand` automatically installs PostGIS:
+```bash
+psql $DATABASE_URL -c "CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS postgis;"
+```
+
+### Connection Details
+
+- **DATABASE_URL** is automatically provided by Render
+- Connections are internal-only by default (`ipAllowList: []`)
+- To allow external connections, add IP addresses to `ipAllowList` in `render.yaml`
+
+## Health Checks
+
+Both environments use `/health/ready` endpoint:
+- Checks application responsiveness
+- Verifies database connectivity
+- Returns 200 if healthy, 503 if not ready
+
+## Deployment Workflow
+
+### Staging Deployments
+
+```bash
+git checkout staging
+git merge render-deploy  # or your feature branch
+git push origin staging
+```
+
+**Result**: Automatic deployment to staging environment
+
+### Production Deployments
+
+```bash
+git checkout main
+git merge staging
+git push origin main
+```
+
+**Result**: Build triggered, but requires manual approval in Render dashboard
+
+## Environment-Specific Configuration
+
+### Staging
+- `MODE=development`
+- Auto-deploy enabled
+- Authentication enabled (Authentik)
+- Smaller instance size (starter plan)
+
+### Production
+- `MODE=production`
+- Manual deploy (requires approval)
+- Authentication enabled (Authentik)
+- Larger instance size (standard plan)
+
+## Service Plans
+
+Current configuration in `render.yaml`:
+
+| Service | Plan | Notes |
+|---------|------|-------|
+| Staging Web | Starter | Suitable for testing |
+| Production Web | Standard | Recommended for production traffic |
+| Staging DB | Standard | Can downgrade to Starter if needed |
+| Production DB | Standard | Recommended for production data |
+
+To change plans, edit the `plan` field in `render.yaml`.
+
+## Scaling Configuration
+
+The application uses **Gunicorn with 4 workers** by default (configured in `entrypoint.sh`).
+
+To adjust workers:
+1. Edit `entrypoint.sh`
+2. Change `--workers 4` to desired number
+3. Commit and push changes
+
+**Recommended**: 2-4 workers per container, scale horizontally by adding more instances.
+
+## Monitoring
+
+### Health Check Endpoints
+
+- `/health/live` - Basic liveness check
+- `/health/ready` - Readiness check with DB connectivity
+- `/health/status` - Detailed status with pool metrics
+
+### Logs
+
+Access logs in Render dashboard:
+1. Navigate to your service
+2. Click **"Logs"** tab
+3. Filter by severity or search terms
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### Database Connection Issues
+
+Check if PostGIS extension is installed:
+```bash
+# Via Render Shell
+psql $DATABASE_URL -c "SELECT PostGIS_Version();"
+```
+
+### Migration Failures
+
+Run migrations manually via Render Shell:
+```bash
+alembic upgrade head
+```
+
+### Port Binding Issues
+
+Ensure `$PORT` environment variable is being used (already configured in `entrypoint.sh`).
+
+## Updating the Blueprint
+
+After modifying `render.yaml`:
+
+1. Commit and push changes
+2. Go to Render dashboard
+3. Navigate to Blueprint instance
+4. Click **"Sync"** to apply changes
+
+**Warning**: Some changes may cause service restarts.
+
+## Cost Optimization
+
+### Staging Environment
+
+Consider downgrading if budget-constrained:
+- Web service: `starter` → `free` (with limitations)
+- Database: `standard` → `starter` (1GB storage, no point-in-time recovery)
+
+### Production Environment
+
+Recommended minimum:
+- Web service: `standard` (for multiple workers)
+- Database: `standard` (for backups and PITR)
+
+## Security Considerations
+
+1. **Authentication**: Authentik OAuth is enabled by default
+2. **Database**: Internal-only access (no public IP by default)
+3. **Secrets**: All sensitive values use `sync: false` (not in git)
+4. **HTTPS**: Automatically provided by Render
+
+## Next Steps
+
+After deployment:
+
+1. ✅ Verify health checks are passing
+2. ✅ Test API endpoints
+3. ✅ Configure custom domains (optional)
+4. ✅ Set up monitoring/alerting
+5. ✅ Configure backups schedule
+6. ✅ Review and optimize database performance
+
+## Support
+
+- [Render Documentation](https://render.com/docs)
+- [Render Status Page](https://status.render.com)
+- [Community Forum](https://community.render.com)
diff --git a/alembic/env.py b/alembic/env.py
index f0bd9e778..fb33a6c57 100644
--- a/alembic/env.py
+++ b/alembic/env.py
@@ -56,7 +56,17 @@ def build_database_url():
             return f"postgresql+pg8000://{user}@/{database}"
         return f"postgresql+pg8000://{user}:{password}@/{database}"
 
-    # Default/Postgres
+    # Check for DATABASE_URL first (Render/Heroku standard)
+    database_url = os.environ.get("DATABASE_URL", "")
+    if database_url:
+        # Convert to psycopg2 driver for alembic
+        if database_url.startswith("postgres://"):
+            return database_url.replace("postgres://", "postgresql+psycopg2://", 1)
+        elif database_url.startswith("postgresql://"):
+            return database_url.replace("postgresql://", "postgresql+psycopg2://", 1)
+        return database_url
+
+    # Fall back to individual env vars (backward compatible)
     user = os.environ.get("POSTGRES_USER", "")
     password = os.environ.get("POSTGRES_PASSWORD", "")
     db = os.environ.get("POSTGRES_DB", "")
diff --git a/api/health.py b/api/health.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..4a2c77629
--- /dev/null
+++ b/api/health.py
@@ -0,0 +1,121 @@
+"""Health check endpoints for deployment monitoring and container orchestration."""
+
+from datetime import datetime
+from typing import Any
+
+from fastapi import APIRouter, HTTPException, status
+from sqlalchemy import text
+
+from core.dependencies import session_dependency
+
+router = APIRouter(prefix="/health", tags=["Health"])
+
+
+@router.get("/live", summary="Liveness probe")
+async def liveness_check() -> dict[str, str]:
+    """
+    Basic liveness probe - checks if the application is running.
+
+    This endpoint should always return 200 if the app is alive.
+    No dependencies checked - just confirms the web server is responding.
+
+    Use this for Kubernetes/Docker liveness probes.
+    """
+    return {"status": "ok"}
+
+
+@router.get("/ready", summary="Readiness probe")
+async def readiness_check(session: session_dependency) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """
+    Readiness probe - checks if the application is ready to serve traffic.
+
+    Verifies:
+    - Application is running
+    - Database connection is available
+
+    Returns 200 if ready, 503 if not ready.
+    Use this for Kubernetes/Docker readiness probes and load balancer health checks.
+    """
+    try:
+        # Test database connectivity with a simple query
+        result = await session.execute(text("SELECT 1"))
+        result.scalar()
+
+        return {
+            "status": "ready",
+            "database": "connected",
+            "checks": {"db_connection": True},
+        }
+    except Exception as e:
+        raise HTTPException(
+            status_code=status.HTTP_503_SERVICE_UNAVAILABLE,
+            detail={
+                "status": "not_ready",
+                "database": "disconnected",
+                "error": str(e),
+                "checks": {"db_connection": False},
+            },
+        )
+
+
+@router.get("/status", summary="Detailed status information")
+async def status_check(session: session_dependency) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """
+    Detailed status endpoint - provides comprehensive health information.
+
+    Returns:
+    - Application status
+    - Database connectivity and pool information
+    - Timestamp
+    - Additional service status
+
+    Use this for monitoring dashboards and detailed health reports.
+    """
+    timestamp = datetime.utcnow().isoformat()
+
+    # Check database connectivity
+    db_status = "disconnected"
+    db_connected = False
+    pool_info = {}
+
+    try:
+        result = await session.execute(text("SELECT 1"))
+        result.scalar()
+        db_status = "connected"
+        db_connected = True
+
+        # Get connection pool information
+        pool = session.get_bind().pool
+        pool_info = {
+            "size": pool.size(),
+            "overflow": pool.overflow() if hasattr(pool, "overflow") else None,
+            "checked_in": pool.checkedin() if hasattr(pool, "checkedin") else None,
+            "checked_out": pool.checkedout() if hasattr(pool, "checkedout") else None,
+        }
+        # Remove None values
+        pool_info = {k: v for k, v in pool_info.items() if v is not None}
+
+    except Exception as e:
+        db_status = f"error: {str(e)}"
+
+    response = {
+        "status": "healthy" if db_connected else "degraded",
+        "timestamp": timestamp,
+        "database": {
+            "status": db_status,
+            "connected": db_connected,
+        },
+        "services": {"admin": "available", "cors": "enabled"},
+    }
+
+    # Add pool info if available
+    if pool_info:
+        response["database"]["pool_info"] = pool_info
+
+    # Return 503 if database is not connected
+    if not db_connected:
+        raise HTTPException(
+            status_code=status.HTTP_503_SERVICE_UNAVAILABLE, detail=response
+        )
+
+    return response
diff --git a/core/initializers.py b/core/initializers.py
index 02ecc968f..5728b774d 100644
--- a/core/initializers.py
+++ b/core/initializers.py
@@ -108,6 +108,7 @@ def init_lexicon(path: str = None) -> None:
 
 def register_routes(app):
     from admin.auth_routes import router as admin_auth_router
+    from api.health import router as health_router
     from api.group import router as group_router
     from api.contact import router as contact_router
     from api.location import router as location_router
@@ -126,6 +127,7 @@ def register_routes(app):
     from api.geospatial import router as geospatial_router
     from api.ngwmn import router as ngwmn_router
 
+    app.include_router(health_router)
     app.include_router(asset_router)
     app.include_router(admin_auth_router)
     app.include_router(author_router)
diff --git a/db/README_DATABASE_SETUP.md b/db/README_DATABASE_SETUP.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..71049593f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/db/README_DATABASE_SETUP.md
@@ -0,0 +1,255 @@
+# Database Setup Guide
+
+This directory contains SQL files to help you set up and populate a new OcotilloAPI database instance.
+
+## Files
+
+- **`schema_dump.sql`** - Complete PostgreSQL database schema with PostGIS support
+- **`sample_data.sql`** - Sample data for testing and demonstration
+- **`README_DATABASE_SETUP.md`** - This file
+
+## Quick Start
+
+### Option 1: Using Alembic Migrations (Recommended)
+
+The preferred method is to use Alembic, which will create the schema and keep it in sync:
+
+```bash
+# 1. Set up environment variables
+export DATABASE_URL="postgresql://user:password@host:5432/dbname"
+
+# 2. Run migrations
+alembic upgrade head
+
+# 3. Initialize lexicon and parameters
+python -c "from core.initializers import init_lexicon, init_parameter; init_lexicon(); init_parameter()"
+
+# 4. (Optional) Load sample data
+psql $DATABASE_URL -f db/sample_data.sql
+```
+
+### Option 2: Using SQL Dump Files
+
+If you prefer to use the SQL dump files directly:
+
+```bash
+# 1. Create database
+createdb ocotillo_dev
+
+# 2. Load schema
+psql ocotillo_dev -f db/schema_dump.sql
+
+# 3. Initialize lexicon and parameters (via Python)
+export DATABASE_URL="postgresql://user:password@localhost:5432/ocotillo_dev"
+python -c "from core.initializers import init_lexicon, init_parameter; init_lexicon(); init_parameter()"
+
+# 4. (Optional) Load sample data
+psql ocotillo_dev -f db/sample_data.sql
+```
+
+## Schema Details
+
+### Extensions Required
+
+- **PostGIS** - For geographic data types and spatial queries
+- **uuid-ossp** - For UUID generation
+
+### Key Table Groups
+
+1. **Vocabulary Tables** - Lexicon terms, categories, and semantic relationships
+2. **Geographic Tables** - Locations, aquifer systems, geologic formations
+3. **Things** - Wells, springs, and other monitoring points
+4. **Contacts** - People and organizations with emails, phones, addresses
+5. **Sensors** - Equipment inventory and deployment history
+6. **Sampling** - Field events, activities, samples, and observations
+7. **Parameters** - Measurable properties and analysis methods
+8. **Groups** - Project and monitoring network organization
+9. **Publications** - Research papers and authorship
+10. **Polymorphic Tables** - Status history, notes, data provenance
+
+### Spatial Reference System
+
+All geographic coordinates use **SRID 4326** (WGS84):
+- Longitude range: -180 to 180
+- Latitude range: -90 to 90
+
+### Sample Data
+
+The `sample_data.sql` file includes:
+
+- **5 Contacts** - Scientists and technicians from various agencies
+  - Complete with emails, phone numbers, and addresses
+
+- **5 Locations** - Geographic points across New Mexico
+  - Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Los Alamos, Carlsbad
+
+- **5 Wells (Things)** - Monitoring wells with complete metadata
+  - Depth, casing, completion details
+  - Associated with locations, aquifers, and formations
+
+- **5 Sensors** - Pressure transducers, barometers, acoustic probes
+  - Serial numbers, equipment status
+
+- **5 Deployments** - Sensors installed at wells
+
+- **5 Field Events** - Site visits with participants
+
+- **5 Samples** - Water samples collected during field events
+
+- **10 Observations** - Water level and temperature measurements
+
+- **3 Aquifer Systems** - Santa Fe Group, Ogallala, Roswell Basin
+
+- **3 Geologic Formations** - Alluvium, Santa Fe Group, Bandelier Tuff
+
+- **3 Groups/Projects** - Monitoring networks and research projects
+
+## Prerequisites for Sample Data
+
+Before loading `sample_data.sql`, you must initialize:
+
+1. **Lexicon Terms** - Run `init_lexicon()` from `core/initializers.py`
+   - Required terms: "water well", "monitoring", "public", "unconfined", etc.
+
+2. **Parameters** - Run `init_parameter()` from `core/initializers.py`
+   - Parameter ID 1: depth to water
+   - Parameter ID 2: water temperature
+   - Additional parameters for chemistry
+
+These are automatically initialized via:
+```python
+from core.initializers import init_lexicon, init_parameter
+init_lexicon()
+init_parameter()
+```
+
+Or via the seed function:
+```python
+from transfers.seed import seed_all
+seed_all(n=5)  # Creates 5 of each entity type
+```
+
+## Using with Docker
+
+If running in Docker:
+
+```bash
+# Access the app container
+docker compose exec app bash
+
+# Run migrations
+alembic upgrade head
+
+# Initialize lexicon and parameters
+python -c "from core.initializers import init_lexicon, init_parameter; init_lexicon(); init_parameter()"
+
+# Load sample data
+psql $DATABASE_URL -f db/sample_data.sql
+```
+
+## Using with Render
+
+On Render, the `preDeployCommand` in `render.yaml` automatically:
+1. Creates PostGIS extension
+2. Runs Alembic migrations
+
+To load sample data on Render:
+1. Access the database via Render Shell
+2. Run the SQL file: `psql $DATABASE_URL -f db/sample_data.sql`
+
+## Verification
+
+After loading data, verify with these queries:
+
+```sql
+-- Count records
+SELECT
+    (SELECT COUNT(*) FROM contact) as contacts,
+    (SELECT COUNT(*) FROM location) as locations,
+    (SELECT COUNT(*) FROM thing) as things,
+    (SELECT COUNT(*) FROM sensor) as sensors,
+    (SELECT COUNT(*) FROM observation) as observations;
+
+-- List all wells with locations
+SELECT t.name, l.county, l.state, ST_AsText(l.point) as coordinates
+FROM thing t
+JOIN location_thing_association lta ON t.id = lta.thing_id
+JOIN location l ON lta.location_id = l.id
+WHERE lta.effective_end IS NULL;
+
+-- Check parameter initialization
+SELECT COUNT(*) FROM parameter;
+SELECT COUNT(*) FROM lexicon_term;
+```
+
+## Resetting the Database
+
+To start fresh:
+
+```bash
+# Drop and recreate
+dropdb ocotillo_dev
+createdb ocotillo_dev
+
+# Reload schema and data
+psql ocotillo_dev -f db/schema_dump.sql
+python -c "from core.initializers import init_lexicon, init_parameter; init_lexicon(); init_parameter()"
+psql ocotillo_dev -f db/sample_data.sql
+```
+
+Or with Alembic:
+
+```bash
+# Downgrade all migrations
+alembic downgrade base
+
+# Upgrade to latest
+alembic upgrade head
+
+# Reinitialize
+python -c "from core.initializers import init_lexicon, init_parameter; init_lexicon(); init_parameter()"
+psql $DATABASE_URL -f db/sample_data.sql
+```
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### PostGIS Extension Not Found
+
+```sql
+-- Check if PostGIS is available
+SELECT name, default_version FROM pg_available_extensions WHERE name = 'postgis';
+
+-- Enable PostGIS
+CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS postgis;
+```
+
+### Lexicon Terms Not Found
+
+If you get foreign key errors referencing `lexicon_term`, make sure to run:
+```python
+from core.initializers import init_lexicon
+init_lexicon()
+```
+
+### Parameter Not Found
+
+If observations fail to insert due to missing parameters:
+```python
+from core.initializers import init_parameter
+init_parameter()
+```
+
+## Additional Resources
+
+- **Alembic Migrations**: `/alembic/versions/`
+- **Model Definitions**: `/db/*.py`
+- **Seed Script**: `/transfers/seed.py`
+- **Lexicon Data**: `/core/lexicon.json`
+- **Parameter Data**: `/core/parameter.json`
+
+## Support
+
+For questions or issues with database setup, refer to:
+- Main README.md
+- RENDER_DEPLOYMENT.md (for Render-specific setup)
+- Alembic documentation: https://alembic.sqlalchemy.org/
diff --git a/db/engine.py b/db/engine.py
index 4fa1e638d..11c783cfa 100644
--- a/db/engine.py
+++ b/db/engine.py
@@ -150,22 +150,32 @@ def getconn():
     # async_engine = asyncio.run(get_async_engine())
 
 else:
-    # if driver == "sqlite":
-    #     name = os.environ.get("DB_NAME", "development.db")
-    #     url = f"sqlite:///{name}"
-    # elif driver == "postgres":
-    password = os.environ.get("POSTGRES_PASSWORD", "")
-    host = os.environ.get("POSTGRES_HOST", "localhost")
-    port = os.environ.get("POSTGRES_PORT", "5432")
-    # Default to current OS user if POSTGRES_USER not set or empty
-    user = os.environ.get("POSTGRES_USER", "").strip() or getpass.getuser()
-    name = os.environ.get("POSTGRES_DB", "postgres")
-
-    auth = f"{user}:{password}@" if user and password else ""
-    port_part = f":{port}" if port else ""
-    url = f"postgresql+pg8000://{auth}{host}{port_part}/{name}"
-    # else:
-    #     url = "sqlite:///./development.db"
+    # Check for DATABASE_URL first (Render/Heroku standard)
+    # Falls back to individual env vars for backward compatibility
+    database_url = os.environ.get("DATABASE_URL", "")
+
+    if database_url:
+        # Use DATABASE_URL if provided (e.g., from Render)
+        # Convert postgresql:// to postgresql+pg8000:// for SQLAlchemy
+        if database_url.startswith("postgres://"):
+            # Handle legacy postgres:// scheme (some platforms use this)
+            url = database_url.replace("postgres://", "postgresql+pg8000://", 1)
+        elif database_url.startswith("postgresql://"):
+            url = database_url.replace("postgresql://", "postgresql+pg8000://", 1)
+        else:
+            url = database_url
+    else:
+        # Fall back to individual environment variables (backward compatible)
+        password = os.environ.get("POSTGRES_PASSWORD", "")
+        host = os.environ.get("POSTGRES_HOST", "localhost")
+        port = os.environ.get("POSTGRES_PORT", "5432")
+        # Default to current OS user if POSTGRES_USER not set or empty
+        user = os.environ.get("POSTGRES_USER", "").strip() or getpass.getuser()
+        name = os.environ.get("POSTGRES_DB", "postgres")
+
+        auth = f"{user}:{password}@" if user and password else ""
+        port_part = f":{port}" if port else ""
+        url = f"postgresql+pg8000://{auth}{host}{port_part}/{name}"
 
     # Configure connection pool for parallel transfers
     # pool_size: number of persistent connections
diff --git a/db/sample_data.sql b/db/sample_data.sql
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c02fb94b5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/db/sample_data.sql
@@ -0,0 +1,379 @@
+-- ============================================================================
+-- OcotilloAPI Sample Data
+-- ============================================================================
+-- This file contains sample data to populate a new OcotilloAPI instance
+-- Run this AFTER running schema_dump.sql and initializing lexicon/parameters
+-- ============================================================================
+
+-- Prerequisites:
+-- 1. PostGIS extension must be enabled
+-- 2. Lexicon terms must be initialized (via core/lexicon.json)
+-- 3. Parameters must be initialized (via core/parameter.json)
+
+BEGIN;
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- SAMPLE CONTACTS
+-- ============================================================================
+
+INSERT INTO contact (id, name, organization, role, contact_type, release_status, created_at)
+VALUES
+    (1, 'John Smith', 'USGS', 'Hydrologist', 'person', 'public', NOW()),
+    (2, 'Jane Doe', 'New Mexico Bureau of Geology', 'Field Technician', 'person', 'public', NOW()),
+    (3, 'Robert Johnson', 'NM Environment Department', 'Water Quality Specialist', 'person', 'public', NOW()),
+    (4, 'Maria Garcia', 'Los Alamos National Laboratory', 'Environmental Scientist', 'person', 'public', NOW()),
+    (5, 'David Chen', 'Sandia National Laboratories', 'Geologist', 'person', 'public', NOW());
+
+-- Set sequence to continue from last ID
+SELECT setval('contact_id_seq', 5);
+
+-- Contact Emails
+INSERT INTO email (contact_id, email, release_status)
+VALUES
+    (1, 'john.smith@usgs.gov', 'public'),
+    (2, 'jane.doe@nmbg.nmt.edu', 'public'),
+    (3, 'robert.johnson@env.nm.gov', 'public'),
+    (4, 'maria.garcia@lanl.gov', 'public'),
+    (5, 'david.chen@sandia.gov', 'public');
+
+-- Contact Phones
+INSERT INTO phone (contact_id, phone_number, release_status)
+VALUES
+    (1, '505-123-4567', 'public'),
+    (2, '575-234-5678', 'public'),
+    (3, '505-345-6789', 'public'),
+    (4, '505-456-7890', 'public'),
+    (5, '505-567-8901', 'public');
+
+-- Contact Addresses
+INSERT INTO address (contact_id, street, city, state, zip_code, country, release_status)
+VALUES
+    (1, '5338 Montgomery Blvd NE', 'Albuquerque', 'NM', '87109', 'USA', 'public'),
+    (2, '801 Leroy Place', 'Socorro', 'NM', '87801', 'USA', 'public'),
+    (3, '1190 Saint Francis Dr', 'Santa Fe', 'NM', '87505', 'USA', 'public'),
+    (4, 'TA-3, SM-29', 'Los Alamos', 'NM', '87545', 'USA', 'public'),
+    (5, '1515 Eubank Blvd SE', 'Albuquerque', 'NM', '87123', 'USA', 'public');
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- SAMPLE LOCATIONS (New Mexico coordinates)
+-- ============================================================================
+
+INSERT INTO location (id, description, point, elevation, county, state, release_status, created_at)
+VALUES
+    (1, 'Albuquerque East Mesa', ST_SetSRID(ST_MakePoint(-106.5419, 35.1107), 4326), 1620.5, 'Bernalillo', 'NM', 'public', NOW()),
+    (2, 'Santa Fe Buckman Well Field', ST_SetSRID(ST_MakePoint(-106.0031, 35.7381), 4326), 1850.2, 'Santa Fe', 'NM', 'public', NOW()),
+    (3, 'Las Cruces East Mesa', ST_SetSRID(ST_MakePoint(-106.7369, 32.3199), 4326), 1220.8, 'Dona Ana', 'NM', 'public', NOW()),
+    (4, 'Los Alamos Canyon', ST_SetSRID(ST_MakePoint(-106.3198, 35.8869), 4326), 2134.6, 'Los Alamos', 'NM', 'public', NOW()),
+    (5, 'Carlsbad Caverns Area', ST_SetSRID(ST_MakePoint(-104.4457, 32.1476), 4326), 1095.3, 'Eddy', 'NM', 'public', NOW());
+
+SELECT setval('location_id_seq', 5);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- SAMPLE AQUIFER SYSTEMS
+-- ============================================================================
+
+INSERT INTO aquifer_system (id, name, description, primary_aquifer_type, geographic_scale, release_status, created_at)
+VALUES
+    (1, 'Santa Fe Group Aquifer System', 'Basin-fill aquifer underlying the Rio Grande rift', 'unconfined', 'major', 'public', NOW()),
+    (2, 'Ogallala Aquifer', 'High Plains aquifer in eastern New Mexico', 'unconfined', 'major', 'public', NOW()),
+    (3, 'Roswell Artesian Basin', 'Confined aquifer in Pecos River valley', 'confined', 'regional', 'public', NOW());
+
+SELECT setval('aquifer_system_id_seq', 3);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- SAMPLE GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
+-- ============================================================================
+
+INSERT INTO geologic_formation (id, formation_code, description, lithology, release_status, created_at)
+VALUES
+    (1, 'alluvium', 'Quaternary alluvial deposits', 'alluvium', 'public', NOW()),
+    (2, 'santa fe group', 'Tertiary basin-fill sediments', 'sandstone', 'public', NOW()),
+    (3, 'bandelier tuff', 'Volcanic tuff from Valles Caldera', 'tuff', 'public', NOW());
+
+SELECT setval('geologic_formation_id_seq', 3);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- SAMPLE SENSORS
+-- ============================================================================
+
+INSERT INTO sensor (id, name, sensor_type, model, serial_no, pcn_number, owner_agency, sensor_status, release_status, created_at)
+VALUES
+    (1, 'Pressure Transducer PT-001', 'pressure transducer', 'In-Situ Level TROLL 500', 'SN123456', 'PCN-2024-001', 'USGS', 'in service', 'public', NOW()),
+    (2, 'Barometer BAR-001', 'barometer', 'In-Situ Baro TROLL', 'SN789012', 'PCN-2024-002', 'USGS', 'in service', 'public', NOW()),
+    (3, 'Acoustic Probe AC-001', 'acoustic probe', 'Solinst Model 107', 'SN345678', 'PCN-2024-003', 'NMBG', 'in service', 'public', NOW()),
+    (4, 'Electric Tape ET-001', 'electric tape', 'Solinst Model 101', 'SN901234', 'PCN-2024-004', 'NMED', 'in service', 'public', NOW()),
+    (5, 'Water Level Logger WL-001', 'water level logger', 'Onset HOBO U20L', 'SN567890', 'PCN-2024-005', 'LANL', 'in service', 'public', NOW());
+
+SELECT setval('sensor_id_seq', 5);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- SAMPLE THINGS (Wells)
+-- ============================================================================
+
+INSERT INTO thing (id, name, thing_type, well_depth, hole_depth, well_casing_diameter, well_casing_depth,
+                   well_completion_date, well_driller_name, is_suitable_for_datalogger, release_status, created_at)
+VALUES
+    (1, 'ABQ-EAST-001', 'water well', 350.0, 365.0, 6.0, 340.0, '2015-06-15', 'ABC Drilling Company', true, 'public', NOW()),
+    (2, 'SF-BUCKMAN-042', 'water well', 800.0, 825.0, 12.0, 780.0, '2010-03-22', 'New Mexico Well Drilling', true, 'public', NOW()),
+    (3, 'LC-MESA-108', 'water well', 450.0, 465.0, 8.0, 440.0, '2018-11-08', 'Southwest Drilling Inc', true, 'public', NOW()),
+    (4, 'LA-CANYON-019', 'water well', 280.0, 295.0, 6.0, 270.0, '2012-08-30', 'Mountain Drilling LLC', false, 'public', NOW()),
+    (5, 'CARLSBAD-055', 'water well', 520.0, 535.0, 10.0, 500.0, '2020-01-17', 'Pecos Valley Drilling', true, 'public', NOW());
+
+SELECT setval('thing_id_seq', 5);
+
+-- Link Things to Locations (with current effective dates)
+INSERT INTO location_thing_association (location_id, thing_id, effective_start, effective_end)
+VALUES
+    (1, 1, NOW(), NULL),
+    (2, 2, NOW(), NULL),
+    (3, 3, NOW(), NULL),
+    (4, 4, NOW(), NULL),
+    (5, 5, NOW(), NULL);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- WELL DETAILS
+-- ============================================================================
+
+-- Well Purposes
+INSERT INTO well_purpose (thing_id, purpose, release_status)
+VALUES
+    (1, 'monitoring', 'public'),
+    (2, 'public supply', 'public'),
+    (3, 'monitoring', 'public'),
+    (4, 'monitoring', 'public'),
+    (5, 'monitoring', 'public');
+
+-- Well Casing Materials
+INSERT INTO well_casing_material (thing_id, material, release_status)
+VALUES
+    (1, 'steel', 'public'),
+    (2, 'steel', 'public'),
+    (3, 'pvc', 'public'),
+    (4, 'steel', 'public'),
+    (5, 'steel', 'public');
+
+-- Well Screens
+INSERT INTO well_screen (thing_id, aquifer_system_id, geologic_formation_id, screen_depth_top, screen_depth_bottom,
+                         screen_type, screen_description, release_status)
+VALUES
+    (1, 1, 2, 320.0, 350.0, 'slotted', '30 ft slotted screen in Santa Fe Group', 'public'),
+    (2, 1, 2, 750.0, 800.0, 'slotted', '50 ft slotted screen in Santa Fe Group', 'public'),
+    (3, 1, 1, 420.0, 450.0, 'slotted', '30 ft slotted screen in alluvium', 'public'),
+    (4, 1, 3, 250.0, 280.0, 'slotted', '30 ft slotted screen in Bandelier Tuff', 'public'),
+    (5, 3, 1, 490.0, 520.0, 'slotted', '30 ft slotted screen in Roswell Basin', 'public');
+
+-- Thing-Aquifer Associations
+INSERT INTO thing_aquifer_association (thing_id, aquifer_system_id, release_status)
+VALUES
+    (1, 1, 'public'),
+    (2, 1, 'public'),
+    (3, 1, 'public'),
+    (4, 1, 'public'),
+    (5, 3, 'public');
+
+-- Aquifer Types for each association
+INSERT INTO aquifer_type (thing_aquifer_association_id, aquifer_type, release_status)
+VALUES
+    (1, 'unconfined', 'public'),
+    (2, 'unconfined', 'public'),
+    (3, 'unconfined', 'public'),
+    (4, 'fractured', 'public'),
+    (5, 'confined', 'public');
+
+-- Measuring Point History (current)
+INSERT INTO measuring_point_history (thing_id, measuring_point_height, measuring_point_description, start_date, end_date, release_status)
+VALUES
+    (1, 2.5, 'Top of casing, 2.5 ft above ground surface', '2015-06-15', NULL, 'public'),
+    (2, 3.0, 'Top of casing, 3.0 ft above ground surface', '2010-03-22', NULL, 'public'),
+    (3, 2.0, 'Top of casing, 2.0 ft above ground surface', '2018-11-08', NULL, 'public'),
+    (4, 1.5, 'Top of casing, 1.5 ft above ground surface', '2012-08-30', NULL, 'public'),
+    (5, 2.8, 'Top of casing, 2.8 ft above ground surface', '2020-01-17', NULL, 'public');
+
+-- Monitoring Frequency History
+INSERT INTO monitoring_frequency_history (thing_id, monitoring_frequency, start_date, end_date, release_status)
+VALUES
+    (1, 'quarterly', '2015-06-15', NULL, 'public'),
+    (2, 'monthly', '2010-03-22', NULL, 'public'),
+    (3, 'quarterly', '2018-11-08', NULL, 'public'),
+    (4, 'annual', '2012-08-30', NULL, 'public'),
+    (5, 'quarterly', '2020-01-17', NULL, 'public');
+
+-- Thing-Contact Associations (well ownership/access)
+INSERT INTO thing_contact_association (thing_id, contact_id)
+VALUES
+    (1, 1),
+    (2, 2),
+    (3, 3),
+    (4, 4),
+    (5, 5);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- SAMPLE DEPLOYMENTS
+-- ============================================================================
+
+INSERT INTO deployment (thing_id, sensor_id, installation_date, removal_date, recording_interval,
+                        recording_interval_units, hanging_cable_length, release_status, created_at)
+VALUES
+    (1, 1, '2024-01-15', NULL, 15, 'minutes', 325.0, 'public', NOW()),
+    (2, 3, '2024-02-20', NULL, 60, 'minutes', 785.0, 'public', NOW()),
+    (3, 1, '2024-03-10', '2024-06-10', 30, 'minutes', 445.0, 'public', NOW()),
+    (4, 5, '2024-04-05', NULL, 30, 'minutes', 275.0, 'public', NOW()),
+    (5, 1, '2024-05-01', NULL, 15, 'minutes', 515.0, 'public', NOW());
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- SAMPLE FIELD EVENTS & SAMPLING
+-- ============================================================================
+
+-- Field Events (site visits)
+INSERT INTO field_event (id, thing_id, event_date, notes, release_status)
+VALUES
+    (1, 1, '2024-06-15 10:30:00+00', 'Quarterly monitoring event', 'public'),
+    (2, 2, '2024-06-18 09:00:00+00', 'Monthly water level measurement', 'public'),
+    (3, 3, '2024-06-20 14:15:00+00', 'Quarterly sampling and water level', 'public'),
+    (4, 4, '2024-06-22 11:00:00+00', 'Annual inspection and measurement', 'public'),
+    (5, 5, '2024-06-25 08:30:00+00', 'Quarterly monitoring', 'public');
+
+SELECT setval('field_event_id_seq', 5);
+
+-- Field Event Participants
+INSERT INTO field_event_participant (id, field_event_id, contact_id, participant_role, release_status)
+VALUES
+    (1, 1, 1, 'field technician', 'public'),
+    (2, 2, 2, 'field technician', 'public'),
+    (3, 3, 3, 'sampler', 'public'),
+    (4, 4, 4, 'field technician', 'public'),
+    (5, 5, 5, 'field technician', 'public');
+
+SELECT setval('field_event_participant_id_seq', 5);
+
+-- Field Activities
+INSERT INTO field_activity (id, field_event_id, activity_type, notes, release_status)
+VALUES
+    (1, 1, 'water level measurement', 'Measured depth to water', 'public'),
+    (2, 2, 'water level measurement', 'Measured depth to water', 'public'),
+    (3, 3, 'water quality sampling', 'Collected sample for metals analysis', 'public'),
+    (4, 4, 'water level measurement', 'Annual monitoring measurement', 'public'),
+    (5, 5, 'water level measurement', 'Quarterly monitoring', 'public');
+
+SELECT setval('field_activity_id_seq', 5);
+
+-- Samples
+INSERT INTO sample (id, field_activity_id, field_event_participant_id, sample_date, sample_name,
+                    sample_matrix, sample_method, qc_type, release_status, created_at)
+VALUES
+    (1, 1, '1', '2024-06-15 10:45:00+00', 'ABQ-EAST-001-20240615', 'water', 'bailer', 'Normal', 'public', NOW()),
+    (2, 2, '2', '2024-06-18 09:15:00+00', 'SF-BUCKMAN-042-20240618', 'water', 'electric tape', 'Normal', 'public', NOW()),
+    (3, 3, '3', '2024-06-20 14:30:00+00', 'LC-MESA-108-20240620', 'water', 'bailer', 'Normal', 'public', NOW()),
+    (4, 4, '4', '2024-06-22 11:15:00+00', 'LA-CANYON-019-20240622', 'water', 'electric tape', 'Normal', 'public', NOW()),
+    (5, 5, '5', '2024-06-25 08:45:00+00', 'CARLSBAD-055-20240625', 'water', 'bailer', 'Normal', 'public', NOW());
+
+SELECT setval('sample_id_seq', 5);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- SAMPLE OBSERVATIONS (Water Levels)
+-- ============================================================================
+-- Note: This assumes parameter IDs exist from initialization
+-- Common water parameter IDs: 1=depth to water, 2=water temperature, 3=pH, etc.
+
+INSERT INTO observation (sample_id, parameter_id, observation_datetime, value, unit,
+                         measuring_point_height, release_status, created_at)
+VALUES
+    -- Depth to water observations
+    (1, 1, '2024-06-15 10:45:00+00', 145.32, 'feet', 2.5, 'public', NOW()),
+    (2, 1, '2024-06-18 09:15:00+00', 287.56, 'feet', 3.0, 'public', NOW()),
+    (3, 1, '2024-06-20 14:30:00+00', 178.91, 'feet', 2.0, 'public', NOW()),
+    (4, 1, '2024-06-22 11:15:00+00', 98.44, 'feet', 1.5, 'public', NOW()),
+    (5, 1, '2024-06-25 08:45:00+00', 223.67, 'feet', 2.8, 'public', NOW()),
+
+    -- Water temperature observations
+    (1, 2, '2024-06-15 10:45:00+00', 15.8, 'celsius', NULL, 'public', NOW()),
+    (2, 2, '2024-06-18 09:15:00+00', 14.2, 'celsius', NULL, 'public', NOW()),
+    (3, 2, '2024-06-20 14:30:00+00', 16.5, 'celsius', NULL, 'public', NOW()),
+    (4, 2, '2024-06-22 11:15:00+00', 13.9, 'celsius', NULL, 'public', NOW()),
+    (5, 2, '2024-06-25 08:45:00+00', 17.1, 'celsius', NULL, 'public', NOW());
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- SAMPLE GROUPS/PROJECTS
+-- ============================================================================
+
+INSERT INTO "group" (id, name, description, group_type, release_status)
+VALUES
+    (1, 'Albuquerque Basin Monitoring Network', 'Long-term monitoring of groundwater levels in Albuquerque Basin', 'monitoring network', 'public'),
+    (2, 'Santa Fe Basin Study', 'Water resources assessment for Santa Fe Basin', 'research project', 'public'),
+    (3, 'Statewide Baseline Network', 'Wells monitored for baseline water quality', 'monitoring network', 'public');
+
+SELECT setval('group_id_seq', 3);
+
+INSERT INTO group_thing_association (group_id, thing_id)
+VALUES
+    (1, 1),
+    (1, 3),
+    (2, 2),
+    (2, 4),
+    (3, 1),
+    (3, 2),
+    (3, 3),
+    (3, 4),
+    (3, 5);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- SAMPLE NOTES
+-- ============================================================================
+
+INSERT INTO notes (target_id, target_table, note_type, content, release_status)
+VALUES
+    (1, 'thing', 'general', 'Well is located on public land. Easy access via maintained road.', 'public'),
+    (2, 'thing', 'construction', 'Well drilled using air rotary method. Casing is cemented to surface.', 'public'),
+    (3, 'thing', 'sampling procedure', 'Purge 3 well volumes before sampling. Use low-flow sampling method.', 'public'),
+    (4, 'thing', 'general', 'Well is on LANL property. Requires security clearance for access.', 'public'),
+    (5, 'thing', 'water quality', 'Historical elevated nitrate levels detected. Monitor quarterly.', 'public');
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- SAMPLE DATA PROVENANCE
+-- ============================================================================
+
+INSERT INTO data_provenance (target_id, target_table, field_name, origin_type, origin_source, collection_method, accuracy_value, accuracy_unit)
+VALUES
+    (1, 'location', 'point', 'GPS', 'Field survey 2015-06-15', 'gps survey grade', 0.5, 'meters'),
+    (1, 'location', 'elevation', 'GPS', 'Field survey 2015-06-15', 'gps survey grade', 0.3, 'meters'),
+    (2, 'location', 'point', 'GPS', 'Field survey 2010-03-22', 'gps survey grade', 0.5, 'meters'),
+    (3, 'location', 'point', 'GPS', 'Field survey 2018-11-08', 'gps handheld', 3.0, 'meters'),
+    (1, 'thing', 'well_depth', 'drillers log', 'ABC Drilling Company completion report', NULL, NULL, NULL);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- SAMPLE STATUS HISTORY
+-- ============================================================================
+
+INSERT INTO status_history (status_type, status_value, start_date, end_date, target_id, target_table, release_status)
+VALUES
+    ('well status', 'active', '2015-06-15', NULL, 1, 'thing', 'public'),
+    ('monitoring status', 'routine monitoring', '2015-06-15', NULL, 1, 'thing', 'public'),
+    ('well status', 'active', '2010-03-22', NULL, 2, 'thing', 'public'),
+    ('monitoring status', 'routine monitoring', '2010-03-22', NULL, 2, 'thing', 'public'),
+    ('well status', 'active', '2018-11-08', NULL, 3, 'thing', 'public');
+
+COMMIT;
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- VERIFICATION QUERIES
+-- ============================================================================
+-- Run these to verify data was inserted correctly:
+
+-- SELECT COUNT(*) as contact_count FROM contact;
+-- SELECT COUNT(*) as location_count FROM location;
+-- SELECT COUNT(*) as thing_count FROM thing;
+-- SELECT COUNT(*) as sensor_count FROM sensor;
+-- SELECT COUNT(*) as observation_count FROM observation;
+-- SELECT COUNT(*) as sample_count FROM sample;
+-- SELECT COUNT(*) as deployment_count FROM deployment;
+
+-- List all wells with their locations:
+-- SELECT t.name, l.county, l.state, ST_AsText(l.point) as coordinates
+-- FROM thing t
+-- JOIN location_thing_association lta ON t.id = lta.thing_id
+-- JOIN location l ON lta.location_id = l.id
+-- WHERE lta.effective_end IS NULL;
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- END OF SAMPLE DATA
+-- ============================================================================
diff --git a/db/schema_dump.sql b/db/schema_dump.sql
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..f25146c70
--- /dev/null
+++ b/db/schema_dump.sql
@@ -0,0 +1,721 @@
+-- ============================================================================
+-- OcotilloAPI Database Schema Dump
+-- PostgreSQL 17 with PostGIS Extension
+-- ============================================================================
+-- This file contains the complete database schema for OcotilloAPI
+-- Use this to recreate the database structure on a new instance
+-- ============================================================================
+
+-- Enable required extensions
+CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS postgis;
+CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS "uuid-ossp";
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- CORE VOCABULARY TABLES
+-- ============================================================================
+
+-- Lexicon Categories
+CREATE TABLE lexicon_category (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    name VARCHAR(100) NOT NULL UNIQUE,
+    description VARCHAR(255),
+    created_at TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE DEFAULT (now() AT TIME ZONE 'utc'),
+    created_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    created_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_id VARCHAR(255)
+);
+
+-- Lexicon Terms (Controlled Vocabulary)
+CREATE TABLE lexicon_term (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    term VARCHAR NOT NULL UNIQUE,
+    definition VARCHAR,
+    created_at TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE DEFAULT (now() AT TIME ZONE 'utc'),
+    created_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    created_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_id VARCHAR(255)
+);
+
+-- Lexicon Term-Category Association
+CREATE TABLE lexicon_term_category_association (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    term_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES lexicon_term(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    category_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES lexicon_category(id) ON DELETE CASCADE
+);
+
+-- Lexicon Triples (Semantic Relationships)
+CREATE TABLE lexicon_triple (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    subject VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    predicate VARCHAR(100),
+    object_ VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    created_at TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE DEFAULT (now() AT TIME ZONE 'utc'),
+    created_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    created_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_id VARCHAR(255)
+);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- GEOGRAPHIC & REFERENCE DATA
+-- ============================================================================
+
+-- Locations (Geographic Points)
+CREATE TABLE location (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    nma_pk_location VARCHAR(36),
+    description VARCHAR,
+    point GEOMETRY(POINT, 4326),
+    elevation FLOAT,
+    county VARCHAR(100),
+    state VARCHAR(100),
+    quad_name VARCHAR(100),
+    nma_notes_location TEXT,
+    nma_coordinate_notes TEXT,
+    nma_date_created DATE,
+    nma_site_date DATE,
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    created_at TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE DEFAULT (now() AT TIME ZONE 'utc'),
+    created_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    created_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    search_vector TSVECTOR
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_location_point ON location USING GIST (point);
+CREATE INDEX idx_location_search ON location USING GIN (search_vector);
+
+-- Aquifer Systems
+CREATE TABLE aquifer_system (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    name VARCHAR NOT NULL UNIQUE,
+    description TEXT,
+    primary_aquifer_type VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    geographic_scale VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    boundary GEOMETRY(MULTIPOLYGON, 4326),
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    created_at TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE DEFAULT (now() AT TIME ZONE 'utc'),
+    created_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    created_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_id VARCHAR(255)
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_aquifer_system_name ON aquifer_system(name);
+CREATE INDEX idx_aquifer_system_boundary ON aquifer_system USING GIST (boundary);
+
+-- Geologic Formations
+CREATE TABLE geologic_formation (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    formation_code VARCHAR(100) UNIQUE REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    description TEXT,
+    lithology VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    boundary GEOMETRY(MULTIPOLYGON, 4326),
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    created_at TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE DEFAULT (now() AT TIME ZONE 'utc'),
+    created_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    created_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_id VARCHAR(255)
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_geologic_formation_code ON geologic_formation(formation_code);
+CREATE INDEX idx_geologic_formation_boundary ON geologic_formation USING GIST (boundary);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- THING (Well/Spring/Stream Gauge)
+-- ============================================================================
+
+CREATE TABLE thing (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    name VARCHAR,
+    thing_type VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    first_visit_date DATE,
+    nma_pk_welldata VARCHAR,
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+
+    -- Well-specific columns
+    well_depth FLOAT,
+    hole_depth FLOAT,
+    well_casing_diameter FLOAT,
+    well_casing_depth FLOAT,
+    well_completion_date DATE,
+    well_driller_name VARCHAR(200),
+    well_construction_method VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    well_pump_type VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    well_pump_depth FLOAT,
+    formation_completion_code VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    is_suitable_for_datalogger BOOLEAN,
+
+    -- Spring-specific columns
+    spring_type VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+
+    -- Audit columns
+    created_at TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE DEFAULT (now() AT TIME ZONE 'utc'),
+    created_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    created_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    search_vector TSVECTOR
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_thing_search ON thing USING GIN (search_vector);
+
+-- Location-Thing Association (Time-Series)
+CREATE TABLE location_thing_association (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    location_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES location(id),
+    thing_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES thing(id),
+    effective_start TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE DEFAULT (now() AT TIME ZONE 'utc'),
+    effective_end TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE
+);
+
+-- Well Screens
+CREATE TABLE well_screen (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    thing_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES thing(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    aquifer_system_id INTEGER REFERENCES aquifer_system(id) ON DELETE SET NULL,
+    geologic_formation_id INTEGER REFERENCES geologic_formation(id) ON DELETE SET NULL,
+    screen_depth_top FLOAT,
+    screen_depth_bottom FLOAT,
+    screen_type VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    screen_description VARCHAR(1000),
+    nma_pk_wellscreens VARCHAR(100),
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+-- Well Purpose
+CREATE TABLE well_purpose (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    thing_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES thing(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    purpose VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    search_vector TSVECTOR
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_well_purpose_search ON well_purpose USING GIN (search_vector);
+
+-- Well Casing Material
+CREATE TABLE well_casing_material (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    thing_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES thing(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    material VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    search_vector TSVECTOR
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_well_casing_material_search ON well_casing_material USING GIN (search_vector);
+
+-- Thing Aquifer Association
+CREATE TABLE thing_aquifer_association (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    thing_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES thing(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    aquifer_system_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES aquifer_system(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+-- Aquifer Type
+CREATE TABLE aquifer_type (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    thing_aquifer_association_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES thing_aquifer_association(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    aquifer_type VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+-- Thing Geologic Formation Association
+CREATE TABLE thing_geologic_formation_association (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    thing_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES thing(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    geologic_formation_id INTEGER REFERENCES geologic_formation(id) ON DELETE SET NULL,
+    top_depth FLOAT NOT NULL,
+    bottom_depth FLOAT NOT NULL,
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+-- Thing ID Links (External System IDs)
+CREATE TABLE thing_id_link (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    thing_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES thing(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    relation VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    alternate_id VARCHAR(100),
+    alternate_organization VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+-- Measuring Point History
+CREATE TABLE measuring_point_history (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    thing_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES thing(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    measuring_point_height NUMERIC NOT NULL,
+    measuring_point_description TEXT,
+    start_date DATE NOT NULL,
+    end_date DATE,
+    reason TEXT,
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+-- Monitoring Frequency History
+CREATE TABLE monitoring_frequency_history (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    thing_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES thing(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    monitoring_frequency VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    start_date DATE NOT NULL,
+    end_date DATE,
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- CONTACTS & ORGANIZATIONS
+-- ============================================================================
+
+CREATE TABLE contact (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    name VARCHAR(100),
+    organization VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    role VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    contact_type VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    nma_pk_owners VARCHAR(100),
+    nma_pk_waterlevels VARCHAR(100),
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    created_at TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE DEFAULT (now() AT TIME ZONE 'utc'),
+    created_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    created_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    search_vector TSVECTOR,
+    CONSTRAINT uq_contact_name_organization UNIQUE (name, organization)
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_contact_search ON contact USING GIN (search_vector);
+
+-- Phone Numbers
+CREATE TABLE phone (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    contact_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES contact(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    phone_number VARCHAR,
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    search_vector TSVECTOR
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_phone_search ON phone USING GIN (search_vector);
+
+-- Email Addresses
+CREATE TABLE email (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    contact_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES contact(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    email VARCHAR,
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    search_vector TSVECTOR
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_email_search ON email USING GIN (search_vector);
+
+-- Physical Addresses
+CREATE TABLE address (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    contact_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES contact(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    street VARCHAR,
+    city VARCHAR,
+    state VARCHAR,
+    zip_code VARCHAR,
+    country VARCHAR,
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    search_vector TSVECTOR
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_address_search ON address USING GIN (search_vector);
+
+-- Incomplete NMA Phone (legacy migration support)
+CREATE TABLE incomplete_nma_phone (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    contact_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES contact(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    phone_number VARCHAR
+);
+
+-- Thing-Contact Association
+CREATE TABLE thing_contact_association (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    thing_id INTEGER REFERENCES thing(id),
+    contact_id INTEGER REFERENCES contact(id)
+);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- SENSORS & EQUIPMENT
+-- ============================================================================
+
+CREATE TABLE sensor (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    nma_pk_equipment VARCHAR(36),
+    name VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL,
+    sensor_type VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    model VARCHAR(50),
+    serial_no VARCHAR(50) UNIQUE,
+    pcn_number VARCHAR(50) UNIQUE,
+    owner_agency VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    sensor_status VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    notes TEXT,
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    created_at TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE DEFAULT (now() AT TIME ZONE 'utc'),
+    created_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    created_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_id VARCHAR(255)
+);
+
+-- Sensor Deployments
+CREATE TABLE deployment (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    thing_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES thing(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    sensor_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES sensor(id),
+    installation_date DATE NOT NULL,
+    removal_date DATE,
+    recording_interval INTEGER,
+    recording_interval_units VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    hanging_cable_length NUMERIC,
+    hanging_point_height NUMERIC,
+    hanging_point_description TEXT,
+    notes TEXT,
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    created_at TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE DEFAULT (now() AT TIME ZONE 'utc'),
+    created_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    created_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_id VARCHAR(255)
+);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- PARAMETERS & ANALYSIS
+-- ============================================================================
+
+CREATE TABLE parameter (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    parameter_name VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    matrix VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    parameter_type VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    cas_number VARCHAR,
+    default_unit VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    created_at TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE DEFAULT (now() AT TIME ZONE 'utc'),
+    created_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    created_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    CONSTRAINT uq_parameter_name_matrix UNIQUE (parameter_name, matrix)
+);
+
+CREATE TABLE analysis_method (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    analysis_method_code VARCHAR UNIQUE,
+    analysis_method_name VARCHAR,
+    analysis_method_type VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    source_organization VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+CREATE TABLE regulatory_limit (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    parameter_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES parameter(id),
+    limit_source VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    limit_value NUMERIC NOT NULL,
+    limit_unit VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    limit_type VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- FIELD ACTIVITIES & SAMPLING
+-- ============================================================================
+
+CREATE TABLE field_event (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    thing_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES thing(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    event_date TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE NOT NULL,
+    notes TEXT,
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+CREATE TABLE field_event_participant (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    field_event_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES field_event(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    contact_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES contact(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    participant_role VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+CREATE TABLE field_activity (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    field_event_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES field_event(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    activity_type VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    notes TEXT,
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+CREATE TABLE sample (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    field_activity_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES field_activity(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    field_event_participant_id VARCHAR REFERENCES field_event_participant(id),
+    sample_date TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE NOT NULL,
+    sample_name VARCHAR NOT NULL UNIQUE,
+    sample_matrix VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    sample_method VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    qc_type VARCHAR DEFAULT 'Normal',
+    depth_top FLOAT,
+    depth_bottom FLOAT,
+    notes TEXT,
+    nma_pk_waterlevels VARCHAR,
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    created_at TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE DEFAULT (now() AT TIME ZONE 'utc'),
+    created_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    created_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_id VARCHAR(255)
+);
+
+CREATE TABLE observation (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    nma_pk_waterlevels VARCHAR,
+    sample_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES sample(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    sensor_id INTEGER REFERENCES sensor(id),
+    analysis_method_id INTEGER REFERENCES analysis_method(id),
+    parameter_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES parameter(id),
+    observation_datetime TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE NOT NULL,
+    value FLOAT,
+    unit VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    notes TEXT,
+    measuring_point_height FLOAT,
+    groundwater_level_reason VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    created_at TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE DEFAULT (now() AT TIME ZONE 'utc'),
+    created_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    created_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_id VARCHAR(255)
+);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- TRANSDUCER (Continuous Monitoring)
+-- ============================================================================
+
+CREATE TABLE transducer_observation_block (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    thing_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES thing(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    parameter_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES parameter(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    review_status VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    start_datetime TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE NOT NULL,
+    end_datetime TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE NOT NULL,
+    comment TEXT,
+    reviewer_id VARCHAR REFERENCES contact(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    CONSTRAINT uq_transducer_block_thing_status_parameter_time UNIQUE (thing_id, review_status, parameter_id, start_datetime, end_datetime),
+    CONSTRAINT ck_transducer_block_end_after_start CHECK (end_datetime > start_datetime)
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_transducer_block_thing ON transducer_observation_block(thing_id);
+CREATE INDEX idx_transducer_block_parameter ON transducer_observation_block(parameter_id);
+CREATE INDEX idx_transducer_block_time ON transducer_observation_block(start_datetime, end_datetime);
+
+CREATE TABLE transducer_observation (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    parameter_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES parameter(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    deployment_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES deployment(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    observation_datetime TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE NOT NULL,
+    value FLOAT NOT NULL,
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_transducer_observation_datetime ON transducer_observation(observation_datetime);
+CREATE INDEX idx_transducer_observation_parameter ON transducer_observation(parameter_id);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- GROUPS & PROJECTS
+-- ============================================================================
+
+CREATE TABLE "group" (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    name VARCHAR(100) NOT NULL UNIQUE,
+    description VARCHAR(255),
+    project_area GEOMETRY(MULTIPOLYGON, 4326),
+    group_type VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    parent_group_id INTEGER REFERENCES "group"(id),
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_group_project_area ON "group" USING GIST (project_area);
+
+CREATE TABLE group_thing_association (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    group_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES "group"(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    thing_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES thing(id) ON DELETE CASCADE
+);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- ASSETS (File Storage)
+-- ============================================================================
+
+CREATE TABLE asset (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    name VARCHAR,
+    label VARCHAR,
+    storage_service VARCHAR,
+    storage_path VARCHAR,
+    mime_type VARCHAR,
+    size INTEGER,
+    uri VARCHAR,
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    search_vector TSVECTOR
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_asset_search ON asset USING GIN (search_vector);
+
+CREATE TABLE asset_thing_association (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    asset_id INTEGER REFERENCES asset(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    thing_id INTEGER REFERENCES thing(id) ON DELETE CASCADE
+);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- PUBLICATIONS & AUTHORS
+-- ============================================================================
+
+CREATE TABLE pub_author (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    name VARCHAR,
+    affiliation VARCHAR,
+    search_vector TSVECTOR
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_pub_author_search ON pub_author USING GIN (search_vector);
+
+CREATE TABLE publication (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    title TEXT,
+    abstract TEXT,
+    doi VARCHAR UNIQUE,
+    year INTEGER,
+    publisher VARCHAR,
+    url VARCHAR,
+    publication_type VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    search_vector TSVECTOR
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_publication_search ON publication USING GIN (search_vector);
+
+CREATE TABLE pub_author_contact_association (
+    author_id INTEGER REFERENCES pub_author(id),
+    contact_id INTEGER REFERENCES contact(id),
+    created_at TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE DEFAULT (now() AT TIME ZONE 'utc'),
+    created_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    created_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    PRIMARY KEY (author_id, contact_id)
+);
+
+CREATE TABLE pub_author_publication_association (
+    publication_id INTEGER REFERENCES publication(id),
+    author_id INTEGER REFERENCES pub_author(id),
+    author_order INTEGER,
+    created_at TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE DEFAULT (now() AT TIME ZONE 'utc'),
+    created_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    created_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_name VARCHAR(255),
+    updated_by_id VARCHAR(255),
+    PRIMARY KEY (publication_id, author_id)
+);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- POLYMORPHIC TABLES
+-- ============================================================================
+
+-- Status History (for Thing, Location, etc.)
+CREATE TABLE status_history (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    status_type VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    status_value VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    start_date DATE NOT NULL,
+    end_date DATE,
+    reason TEXT,
+    target_id INTEGER,
+    target_table VARCHAR(50),
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+-- Notes (for Thing, Location, etc.)
+CREATE TABLE notes (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    target_id INTEGER,
+    target_table VARCHAR,
+    note_type VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    content TEXT,
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_notes_polymorphic_link ON notes(target_id, target_table);
+
+-- Data Provenance (for Thing, Location, etc.)
+CREATE TABLE data_provenance (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    target_id INTEGER,
+    target_table VARCHAR,
+    field_name VARCHAR,
+    origin_type VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    origin_source VARCHAR,
+    collection_method VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    accuracy_value FLOAT,
+    accuracy_unit VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_provenance_targets ON data_provenance(target_id, target_table);
+
+-- Permission History
+CREATE TABLE permission_history (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    contact_id INTEGER NOT NULL REFERENCES contact(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    permission_type VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term),
+    permission_allowed BOOLEAN DEFAULT false,
+    start_date DATE NOT NULL,
+    end_date DATE,
+    notes TEXT,
+    target_id INTEGER,
+    target_table VARCHAR(50),
+    release_status VARCHAR REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- LEGACY SUPPORT TABLES
+-- ============================================================================
+
+CREATE TABLE geochronology_age (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    location_id INTEGER REFERENCES location(id),
+    age FLOAT,
+    age_error FLOAT,
+    method VARCHAR(100) REFERENCES lexicon_term(term)
+);
+
+CREATE TABLE collaborative_network_well (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    thing_id INTEGER REFERENCES thing(id),
+    actively_monitored BOOLEAN
+);
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- COMMENTS
+-- ============================================================================
+
+COMMENT ON TABLE thing IS 'Physical monitoring locations (wells, springs, stream gauges)';
+COMMENT ON TABLE location IS 'Geographic coordinates and metadata for sites';
+COMMENT ON TABLE observation IS 'Individual measurements from samples or sensors';
+COMMENT ON TABLE sample IS 'Samples collected during field activities';
+COMMENT ON TABLE parameter IS 'Controlled vocabulary for measurable properties';
+COMMENT ON TABLE sensor IS 'Equipment inventory for data collection devices';
+COMMENT ON TABLE deployment IS 'Installation history of sensors at things';
+COMMENT ON TABLE lexicon_term IS 'Controlled vocabulary terms';
+COMMENT ON TABLE contact IS 'People and organizations';
+COMMENT ON TABLE field_event IS 'Field visits to monitoring locations';
+
+-- ============================================================================
+-- END OF SCHEMA
+-- ============================================================================
diff --git a/docker-compose.yml b/docker-compose.yml
deleted file mode 100644
index 1c6dec4ef..000000000
--- a/docker-compose.yml
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,43 +0,0 @@
-# keep docker-compose.yml in root directory to configure with root .env
-
-services:
-  db:
-    image: postgis/postgis:17-3.5
-    platform: linux/amd64
-    environment:
-      - POSTGRES_USER=${POSTGRES_USER}
-      - POSTGRES_PASSWORD=${POSTGRES_PASSWORD}
-      - POSTGRES_DB=${POSTGRES_DB}
-    ports:
-      - 54321:5432
-    volumes:
-      - postgres_data:/var/lib/postgresql/data
-    healthcheck:
-      test: ["CMD-SHELL", "pg_isready -U ${POSTGRES_USER} -d ${POSTGRES_DB}"]
-      interval: 2s
-      timeout: 5s
-      retries: 20
-
-  app:
-    build: 
-      context: .
-      dockerfile: ./docker/app/Dockerfile
-    environment:
-      - POSTGRES_USER=${POSTGRES_USER}
-      - POSTGRES_PASSWORD=${POSTGRES_PASSWORD}
-      - POSTGRES_DB=${POSTGRES_DB}
-      - POSTGRES_HOST=db
-      - MODE=${MODE}
-      - AUTHENTIK_DISABLE_AUTHENTICATION=${AUTHENTIK_DISABLE_AUTHENTICATION}
-    ports:
-      - 8000:8000
-    depends_on:
-      db:
-        condition: service_healthy # <-- wait for DB to be ready
-    links:
-      - db
-    volumes:
-      - .:/app
-
-volumes:
-  postgres_data:
diff --git a/docker/app/Dockerfile b/docker/app/Dockerfile
deleted file mode 100644
index c39141b2a..000000000
--- a/docker/app/Dockerfile
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,43 +0,0 @@
-FROM python:3.13-slim AS base
-
-# install system dependencies for psycopg2 and uv
-RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y curl gcc libpq-dev
-
-# install curl
-RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y curl
-
-# install uv (fast dependency manager)
-RUN curl -Ls https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh -s -- v0.7.17 && \
-    cp /root/.local/bin/uv /usr/local/bin/uv
-
-# install postgresql client
-RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y postgresql-client
-
-# set workdir
-WORKDIR /app
-
-# copy the full project source
-COPY . .
-
-# Define an optional build argument
-ARG INSTALL_DEV=false
-ENV INSTALL_DEV=${INSTALL_DEV}
-
-# Install dependencies using uv (conditionally include dev dependencies)
-ENV UV_PROJECT_ENVIRONMENT="/usr/local/"
-RUN if [ "$INSTALL_DEV" = "true" ]; then \
-      echo "Installing all groups (including dev)..." && \
-      uv sync --locked --all-groups; \
-    else \
-      echo "Installing only production dependencies..." && \
-      uv sync --locked; \
-    fi
-
-# expose FastAPI's default dev port
-EXPOSE 8000
-
-# set environment variables for database connection
-RUN chmod +x entrypoint.sh
-
-# default command (run database migrations and the FastAPI development server)
-CMD ["sh", "entrypoint.sh"]
diff --git a/entrypoint.sh b/entrypoint.sh
index 662487618..15fab3c42 100644
--- a/entrypoint.sh
+++ b/entrypoint.sh
@@ -1,12 +1,31 @@
 #!/bin/sh
-# Wait for PostgreSQL to be ready
-until PGPASSWORD="$POSTGRES_PASSWORD" pg_isready -h db -p 5432 -U "$POSTGRES_USER"; do
-  echo "Waiting for postgres..."
-  sleep 2
-done
-echo "PostgreSQL is ready!"
+# Wait for PostgreSQL to be ready (only in local docker-compose environment)
+# Skip this check if DATABASE_URL is set (e.g., on Render) or POSTGRES_HOST is not "db"
+if [ -z "$DATABASE_URL" ] && [ "${POSTGRES_HOST:-db}" = "db" ]; then
+  echo "Checking local PostgreSQL readiness..."
+  until PGPASSWORD="$POSTGRES_PASSWORD" pg_isready -h db -p 5432 -U "$POSTGRES_USER"; do
+    echo "Waiting for postgres..."
+    sleep 2
+  done
+  echo "PostgreSQL is ready!"
+else
+  echo "Using DATABASE_URL or external PostgreSQL, skipping local db wait..."
+fi
 
 echo "Applying migrations..."
 alembic upgrade head
+
 echo "Starting the application..."
-uvicorn main:app --host 0.0.0.0 --port 8000 --reload
\ No newline at end of file
+# Use PORT environment variable (Render provides this), default to 8000
+PORT=${PORT:-8000}
+echo "Starting server on port $PORT"
+
+# Production server: gunicorn with uvicorn workers
+# Use --reload only if RELOAD_ENABLED=true (for local development)
+if [ "${RELOAD_ENABLED:-false}" = "true" ]; then
+  echo "Running in development mode with auto-reload"
+  uvicorn main:app --host 0.0.0.0 --port "$PORT" --reload
+else
+  echo "Running in production mode with gunicorn"
+  gunicorn main:app --workers 4 --worker-class uvicorn.workers.UvicornWorker --bind 0.0.0.0:"$PORT"
+fi
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/render.yaml b/render.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..a3ef31bda
--- /dev/null
+++ b/render.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+# Render Blueprint for OcotilloAPI - FREE TIER (Native Python)
+# NOTE: Free tier has 30-day database expiration and service spin-down after 15 min inactivity
+
+envVarGroups:
+  - name: ocotillo-shared
+    envVars:
+      - key: DB_POOL_SIZE
+        value: 5
+      - key: DB_MAX_OVERFLOW
+        value: 5
+      - key: TRANSFER_PARALLEL
+        value: 1
+      - key: TRANSFER_WELL_SCREENS
+        value: "True"
+      - key: TRANSFER_SENSORS
+        value: "True"
+      - key: TRANSFER_CONTACTS
+        value: "True"
+      - key: TRANSFER_WATERLEVELS
+        value: "True"
+      - key: TRANSFER_WATERLEVELS_PRESSURE
+        value: "True"
+      - key: TRANSFER_WATERLEVELS_ACOUSTIC
+        value: "True"
+      - key: TRANSFER_LINK_IDS
+        value: "True"
+      - key: TRANSFER_GROUPS
+        value: "True"
+      - key: TRANSFER_ASSETS
+        value: "False"
+      - key: TRANSFER_SURFACE_WATER_DATA
+        value: "True"
+      - key: TRANSFER_HYDRAULICS_DATA
+        value: "True"
+      - key: TRANSFER_CHEMISTRY_SAMPLEINFO
+        value: "True"
+      - key: TRANSFER_RADIONUCLIDES
+        value: "True"
+      - key: TRANSFER_NGWMN_VIEWS
+        value: "True"
+      - key: TRANSFER_WATERLEVELS_PRESSURE_DAILY
+        value: "True"
+      - key: TRANSFER_WEATHER_DATA
+        value: "True"
+      - key: TRANSFER_MINOR_TRACE_CHEMISTRY
+        value: "True"
+
+  - name: ocotillo-staging
+    envVars:
+      - key: MODE
+        value: development
+      - key: AUTHENTIK_DISABLE_AUTHENTICATION
+        value: 1
+      - key: AUTHENTIK_URL
+        sync: false
+      - key: AUTHENTIK_CLIENT_ID
+        sync: false
+      - key: AUTHENTIK_AUTHORIZE_URL
+        sync: false
+      - key: AUTHENTIK_TOKEN_URL
+        sync: false
+      - key: SESSION_SECRET_KEY
+        generateValue: true
+      - key: GCS_BUCKET_NAME
+        sync: false
+      - key: GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS
+        sync: false
+
+# Database - FREE TIER
+databases:
+  - name: ocotillo-db-staging
+    databaseName: ocotillo_staging
+    user: ocotillo_staging
+    plan: free
+    region: oregon
+    postgresMajorVersion: "17"
+    ipAllowList: []
+
+# Web service - FREE TIER with Native Python
+services:
+  - type: web
+    name: ocotillo-api-staging
+    runtime: python
+    region: oregon
+    plan: free
+    branch: render-deploy
+    buildCommand: pip install uv && uv sync --locked
+    startCommand: alembic upgrade head && gunicorn main:app --workers 2 --worker-class uvicorn.workers.UvicornWorker --bind 0.0.0.0:$PORT
+    envVars:
+      - key: DATABASE_URL
+        fromDatabase:
+          name: ocotillo-db-staging
+          property: connectionString
+      - key: PYTHON_VERSION
+        value: "3.13.1"
+      - fromGroup: ocotillo-shared
+      - fromGroup: ocotillo-staging
+    healthCheckPath: /health/ready
+    autoDeploy: true