Groundwater Well Density

Indicator Type: Environmental Pressure

This indicator shows the increase in the number of groundwater wells in Alberta over the past century.

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Trend: Increasing number of wells

What does the indicator show?

There have been considerable increases in the number and density of groundwater wells across the province. The increases are mostly around major cities and industrial centres (Click here for a map). The sharp increase in the number of wells around 1940 matches a similar gain in population. The number of wells also increased as technology improved and demand for water increased.

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Why is this indicator important?

Knowing the density and location of groundwater wells is the first step in identifying the potential pressures on Alberta's aquifers. The trends in development can be seen on a provincial basis.

Those areas and aquifers with considerable use and demand can be identified. As aquifers can influence the flow of rivers, this is valuable knowledge in managing healthy aquatic ecosystems.

Inactive wells need to be properly put out of service (decommissioned) to protect the quality of aquifer water. This indicator provides information that allows Alberta Environment to target this effort.

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What actions are being taken?

As Alberta's population grows, more and more wells are being drilled. It is important to keep an accurate count of the wells, their locations and status for proper resource management. A groundwater wells database is being developed that will include:

• Status
• Approximate annual use
• Water quality

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Links to additional information

Alberta Environment's GROUNDWATER INFORMATION SYSTEM website: http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/water/groundwater/index.html

Alberta Environment's Water Quantity website: http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/water/GWSW/quantity/learn/what/GW_GroundWater/
GW1_introduction.html

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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.

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