|
Indicator Type: Environmental Condition
This indicator provides an overview of the status of groundwater aquifers throughout Alberta. It shows the trends over time in groundwater well levels throughout the Observation Well Network. Wells are categorized by whether their water levels are tending to rise, are relatively stable, or are declining.
Return to Top
|
Trend: No clear trend
|
What does the indicator show?
The number of wells has changed over time. However, the percentage of wells with a decrease in water levels hasn't changed much. (It has increased slightly in recent years, to about 29%.) More than half of the wells show no real change in water levels over time. One out of five show a rising trend in the most recent 5-year assessment period.
Return to Top
|
Why is this indicator important?
Groundwater is an important source of water for many small communities and most rural households. It also supports industrial and commercial activities in areas where surface water supplies may be hard to obtain. Alberta has a vast supply of potential groundwater. However, only a tiny fraction can be obtained economically. If this important resource is to remain renewable, it must be managed carefully.
During the development of the Alberta Water for Life strategy, many Albertans said groundwater is of high importance to them. They want groundwater to be managed carefully to ensure adequate amounts for the future. The consultations also revealed that the state of information on groundwater in Alberta is relatively incomplete. Much more data collection and assessment is required.
Return to Top
|
What actions are being taken?
Some groundwater wells are rising or falling because of natural climate cycles. Many other wells are being affected by human activities to some extent. Potential impacts to individual groundwater wells are carefully reviewed during the licensing process. The goal is to help ensure the long-term health of the aquifer. Another goal is to ensure that other users of the aquifer are not harmed by any new wells. In cases where human use has contributed to a decline over time, alternative management strategies are needed. They can include locating other sources of water or reducing current use. The way to achieve sustainable groundwater use is through consulting with local residents, careful management through the licensing process and monitoring groundwater use.
Return to Top
|
Links to additional information
Alberta Environment Water Pages - Groundwater Observation Well Levels: http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/water/gwsw/quantity/waterdata/gwdatafront.asp
Alberta Environment's GROUNDWATER INFORMATION SYSTEM Website: http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/water/groundwater
Return to Top
|
Feedback
E-mail the SOE Coordinator: SOE.Coordinator@gov.ab.ca or complete this short on-line questionnaire to provide your feedback: http://www.zoomerang.com/
survey.zgi?p=WEB224DW6P3E2K.
Return to Top
|
