This is blog #5 in our "Understanding Drought" series, where we dive deep into Alberta's current drought situation. Keep an eye on ABWater.ca for more blogs, videos, and the latest information.
Blog by Maria Albuquerque. Edited by Jon Martin and Shannon Frank. Banner photo by Shannon Hart.
The challenges of the ongoing drought raise important questions about groundwater levels. Groundwater, invisible until it surfaces or is accessed via a well, presents a significant challenge in quantification compared to surface water. This concealed water plays a crucial role in the water cycle, contributing to stream flows and lake levels, and serves as a vital water supply in Alberta. Despite its importance, the characteristics of groundwater in southern Alberta are complex and not fully understood.
In response to persistent drought conditions, the Government of Alberta has intensified its monitoring efforts. Presently, approximately 300 wells are under surveillance for groundwater levels and a range of quality parameters across the province. The contributions from water well owners are indispensable for expanding the monitoring network and enhancing our understanding of groundwater in the southern region and throughout Alberta. With a comprehensive grasp of the system, we can be equipped to make informed decisions and prevent unintended consequences.
Groundwater 101: What is it?
Groundwater is one of our main sources of freshwater, and it is one component of the water cycle.
Like surface water from rivers and lakes, groundwater is replenished by precipitation, one of the three key processes in the water cycle. Freshwater permeates the soil and accumulates in underground cracks and spaces. This infiltration process may span from a few minutes to several years, varying with the soil composition. Groundwater can be confined, isolated within specific layers, or unconfined, mingling freely with surface water. It is recharged through the water cycle and contributes to lakes, wetlands, rivers, and springs, sustaining diverse ecosystems. Image by Maria Albuquerque.
What influences water quantity?
The volume of groundwater is influenced by usage and climatic variations. If groundwater is extracted more rapidly than it can be replenished by natural processes—a scenario known as groundwater mining—the water level declines until it is depleted. During drought conditions, groundwater can often sustain surface water levels, but extended periods without significant rainfall can diminish groundwater flow. This reduction may lead to the drying up of wetlands, cessation of spring flows, or a decrease in river flows and lake water levels.
What influences water quality?
Groundwater quality is shaped by natural conditions and human activities. As water percolates through soil and sediment, it dissolves various minerals. The longer the water travels, the more mineralized it becomes. Depending on the types of minerals, water can be categorized as soft or hard. Soft water, which contains more sodium, facilitates soap lathering. In contrast, hard water is rich in calcium and magnesium, which can lead to solid deposits in water pipes and hinder soap from lathering. Human activities, including the release of oil, fertilizers, sewage, and other pollutants, can contaminate the soil. These contaminants may seep into the soil and mix with groundwater, affecting its quality.
Accessing Groundwater in Alberta
Since the 1800s, Albertans have been drilling wells throughout the province to secure their water supply. Presently, it's estimated that over 90% of rural Albertans rely on water wells for their water needs. Groundwater serves not just rural communities but also numerous industries. The quality and quantity of groundwater can differ throughout the province, influenced by regional geology, climate, and human activities.
In Southern Alberta, most groundwater is considered hard due to its journey through rock formations that contribute calcium and magnesium to the water. The semi-arid climate of this region also affects water quality. In such climates, groundwater often evaporates as it nears the surface. You may have noticed white patches near lakes, ponds, or dugouts. These are formed when minerals from the water deposit in the soil, leading to salt buildup—visible as white patches. Rainfall can redissolve these salts, reintroducing them into the groundwater and increasing the total dissolved solids, which comprise all inorganic and organic substances present in the water.
The infographic consolidates these and other insights we have about groundwater in Alberta.
In 2012, OWC and Waterline embarked on two significant studies within the Oldman watershed to enhance our knowledge and understanding of groundwater. The initial study took place in the Willow Creek subwatershed in 2012, followed by a study in the Crowsnest River subwatershed in 2013. The primary goal of both studies was to offer recommendations to bridge the groundwater knowledge gap in the region. We have summarized both studies in the image below, and we encourage you to read the reports for further information.
Well Monitoring
The Alberta Water Well Information Database records over 500,000 wells throughout the province. This data, collected by the Groundwater Information Centre (GIC), includes water well drilling reports, chemical analyses, springs, and yield tests conducted on water wells. Alongside this platform, the Groundwater Observation Well Network (GOWN) boasts data from 1,159 wells, with 306 wells currently under monitoring.
You can view their water levels by clicking on the icons as illustrated below:
An example of how to check well water level using the Groundwater Observation Well Network (GOWN) website.
In response to the potential risks posed by multi-year droughts, the Government of Alberta is expanding groundwater level monitoring efforts to enhance our understanding of groundwater quantity and quality across the province. While many water well levels remain stable, some are observed to be low. For instance, a groundwater well in Marmot Creek, Kananaskis, monitored for many decades, has recorded the lowest water level in the past seven years. Enhancing the monitoring network will provide a clearer insight into groundwater quality and quantity in Alberta. Nevertheless, the reduced water in our reservoirs, creeks, rivers, and lakes signals that another year of drought could significantly affect groundwater levels.
Water Well at Pine Coulee: The first image displays water levels since May 2023, while the second image traces water levels from the end of 2001 through to the beginning of 2024. The current water level is below the historical daily minimum, as recorded in GOWN monitoring data on February 16, 2024.
Our neighbours from the Milk River Watershed Council Canada conduct a groundwater survey in the watershed every five years and publish the findings here: Milk River Watershed Groundwater Information.
Test your well water and be a groundwater steward!
Expanding the water well monitoring network is essential, but increased participation from water well owners is equally crucial. If you own a groundwater well on your property, Alberta Health Services (AHS) offers free testing annually. AHS advises testing your water for bacteria twice a year and for chemicals and trace metals every three years. By testing your well water, you ensure your water's safety for drinking and contribute valuable data for research.
For more information on water testing, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca, or call 1-833-476-4743 (Monday-Friday).
As demonstrated, groundwater and surface water are interconnected, so ensuring your well does not contaminate any aquifers is crucial. 10 Ways to Protect Your Well and Groundwater Supply offers guidance on maintaining your water well safely. The Working Well guide provides details on construction and includes a list of resources.
Well, to conclude…
Groundwater is a vital element of the water cycle and an essential resource for many in Alberta. The region's geology, climate, and human activities influence water quality and quantity. As the Government of Alberta enhances the monitoring well network, gaps in knowledge and questions about this resource remain. Taking an active role in staying informed and testing our water is particularly crucial during times of drought.
