Living Lakes Canada, in collaboration with the Oldman Watershed Council and regional partners, has launched a pilot community based groundwater monitoring program in the Oldman Watershed. The program is implementing a new, community- and science-guided monitoring network using volunteer observation wells to generate continuous groundwater level data in an under-monitored region. The monitoring network is being developed through a collaborative site selection process that combines scientific criteria with community-identified priorities and concerns. Observed conditions, spatial data gaps, and vulnerability considerations are used to prioritize monitoring locations, ensuring the network reflects both hydrologic needs and the realities of local water uses. This approach strengthens the collective understanding of groundwater and it also engages communities directly in the process, supporting more informed watershed governance. This pilot project in Alberta is being modelled after Living Lakes Canada Columbia Basin Groundwater Monitoring Program. Partnerships are being developed with existing well owners, including municipalities, stewardship groups, and private well owners, to deploy and maintain monitoring equipment. Living Lakes Canada coordinates well assessments, establishes monitoring agreements, installs and maintains equipment, manages data, and provides training and support to participating communities. Communities will receive access to the data and are receiving training to improve understanding of groundwater systems and support informed engagement with local and regional decision-makers. This presentation will focus on the site selection process and early lessons learned. This site selection process is an example of creating a network rooted in data while remaining responsive to the needs of communities.