Mapping the future for groundwater monitoring in drought-stricken Southern Alberta
As surface water supplies dwindle during Alberta’s drought conditions, the importance of groundwater is growing. More than 600,000 rural Albertans already depend on groundwater for drinking water. Groundwater in Alberta also supplies diverse domestic, municipal, agricultural and industrial water needs. Meanwhile, groundwater levels in parts of the province have reached record lows and a recent report by Alberta’s auditor general has identified that water conservation objectives are lacking in most river basins.
In Southern Alberta, an innovative project is seeking to enhance groundwater monitoring and deepen knowledge of critical aquifers to promote greater water security. Led by water science and stewardship non-profits Living Lakes Canada and Oldman Watershed Council, the Southwest Alberta Groundwater Project is using advanced geo scanning technology, community consultation, and partnerships with private well owners to build out a groundwater monitoring network. The project is being piloted in the Oldman River Watershed in partnership with the Piikani Nation Lands Department. The broader aim is to expand throughout Alberta.
“Expanded groundwater monitoring will provide the information needed to sustainably manage this incredibly important freshwater source as climate impacts like drought worsen,” said Maggie Finkle-Aucoin, the Project Lead with Living Lakes Canada. “A critical step in this project is engaging with communities, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to better understand local priorities and concerns.”
On July 25th, the Southwest Alberta Groundwater Project will host its first public engagement event online. Attendees will learn about the current state of groundwater knowledge in Alberta, and discover details about the project. The event will feature experts from the University of Calgary and the Government of Alberta, and there will be time for Q&A following the presentations.
Register for this FREE event taking place on Thursday, July 25th from 1:30 – 3:30 PM MT to engage with leading experts and contribute to the future of water security in Alberta.
