Groundwater is an integral part of the hydrological cycle [1] and contributes to stream flows and lake levels. It is also an important drinking-water supply for over 600,000 Albertans. The following is a list of resources that may be of use in continuing research on the topic of groundwater.
The Alberta Geological Survey (AGS) runs several groundwater research programs to do with saline and non-saline water systems [2]. The AGS also has multiple publications and datasets [3] hosted online.
In 2007, AGS and Alberta Environment staff gathered the available digital datasets, PDF files, and hard-copy maps from the internal and external sources listed above to create an initial view of the extent and nature of groundwater resources in Alberta. The Compilation of Alberta Groundwater Information from Existing Maps and Data Sources report provides details on the data used, the limitations of the data, and any assumptions made during the creation of the products.
The “Water Wells … that last” guide [4] contains information to help owners better understand and manage rural water well systems. Topics include planning your water system, designing and constructing water wells, monitoring water wells, and more.
The Groundwater Observation Well Network (GOWN) [5] is a network of some 306 groundwater wells that monitor groundwater levels in aquifers across Alberta. Some wells in the network also monitor a variety of groundwater quality parameters. Using this page, you can access the historical groundwater level information for the active wells in the network.
The network has expanded for better provincial coverage and still includes clusters of wells around highly industrialized areas, such as Fort McMurray. Regional technologists and Alberta Environment staff in Lethbridge, Calgary, Edmonton, and Grande Prairie maintain the wells, download data, take manual readings, and archive the data into Alberta Environment’s GOWN database. The Alberta Groundwater Information Centre checks the data and maintains the GOWN database.
The Alberta Water Well Information Database [6] displays an interactive map that has been overlaid with water well drilling reports and baseline water well test reports. Additionally, wells may be searched for in the province. Hint: zoom into the specific area you are interested in to have the well sites displayed.
[1] Groundwater Foundation, n.d., The Hydrologic Cycle. https://groundwater.org/hydrologic-cycle/. Accessed 2023-05-09.
[2] Alberta Geological Survey, n.d., Groundwater Geoscience Program. https://ags.aer.ca/research-initiatives/water-resources. Accessed 2023-05-09.
[3] Alberta Geological Survey, n.d., Report Series Descriptions. https://ags.aer.ca/products/report-series-descriptions. Accessed 2023-05-09.
[4] Government of Alberta, 2019, Water Wells … that last. https://open.alberta.ca/publications/9781460143414. Accessed 2023-05-09.
[5] Government of Alberta, n.d., Groundwater Observation Well Network. https://www.alberta.ca/lookup/groundwater-observation-well-network.aspx. Accessed 2023-05-09.
[6] Government of Alberta, n.d., Alberta Water Wells. http://groundwater.alberta.ca/WaterWells/d/. Accessed 2023-05-09.
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Ross has extensive executive experience in Operations, Governance, Information Technology and Strategy at the board and senior management level including Mancal Corporation, Mancal Energy, Highridge Exploration and Atlantis Resources. He has worked in Oil and Gas, Coal, Commercial Real Estate, Portfolio Management, Recreation, Retail and Water and Wastewater Treatment. His experience is also geographically diverse having overseen operations in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Additionally, he has been on the board of companies with operations in Argentina, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Kazakhstan, and Russia. He has served on numerous Public, Private and Not for Profit Boards across a number of industries.
Ross has been active on several industry Boards and committees including the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and The Schulich School of Engineering Industry Advisory Council at the Schulich School of Engineering.
Brian is a seasoned Cleantech entrepreneur with a proven history of successfully bringing complex water technologies to the market. With over 25 years of experience, he has led various organizations to achieve significant milestones in the industry.
Having started as the founding CEO of the Pressure Pipe Inspection Company (PPIC) and later taking the helm at the Water Technology Acceleration Project (WaterTAP), Brian’s entrepreneurial spirit has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth within the sector.
He is an active investor in the cleantech sector and has served on many boards including the Ontario Clean Water Agency.
Actively engaged in industry associations like AWWA, WEF, IWA, and ASCE, Brian enjoys collaborating with fellow professionals to promote advancements in the field.
Brian holds an undergraduate degree and a PhD in Physics from Queen’s University, which has provided him with a solid technical foundation. As a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors, he brings valuable insights to corporate governance.