Although many hydrogeologists will argue that much is already known about Alberta’s groundwater resources, the truth is that understanding and an appreciation for this resource is just emerging.

groundwater flow

Groundwater in our province exists either as a comparatively younger, non-saline source – designated as any water possessing a mineralization less than 4,000 mg/L total dissolved solids (TDS) – or as comparatively older, and deeper saline source (TDS greater than 4,000 mg/L). The age of groundwater beneath the province has been assessed at a few thousand years up 1,000,000 plus years (in the water-bearing formation less than 300 m below the surface). The volumes of groundwater associated with each major water-bearing formation are immense compared to current usage and allocation.

To meet the challenge of gaining a better understanding and appreciation of our groundwater resources, the Alberta Water Research Institute (now known as Alberta Innovates Energy and Environment Solutions) commissioned Dr. Jon Fennell of Integrated Sustainability Consultants Ltd. to conduct a high-level estimate of the provincial groundwater inventory including use patterns by major basin. This review included the calculation of estimated volumes of non-saline water in our various aquifers, an assessment of recharge or replenishment of the groundwater system(s), use pattern and an assessment of water level trends over the last two decades.

Dr. Fennell’s report titled Groundwater in Alberta – An Assessment of Source, Use and Change is meant to provide some much needed context to the groundwater picture in our province. Hopefully, it will also stimulate additional thought regarding strategic use and management of this precious resource to ensure sustainable growth and continued opportunities for future generations.

We encourage you to learn more about this research and Alberta’s groundwater resources by clicking the links on the menu. 

Contact us, if you have a question for Jon Fennell on the report Groundwater in Alberta – An Assessment of Source, Use and Change.

We provide Canadian educational resources on water practices to promote conservation and sustainability. Our team crafts current and relevant content, while encouraging feedback and engagement.

The Canada WaterPortal is a registered charity, #807121876RR0001

Facebook Youtube Linkedin X-twitter Instagram
Land Acknowledgement

We recognize and respect the sovereignty of the Indigenous Peoples and communities on whose land our work takes place.

Keep In Touch
1500, 850 2nd St SW
Calgary, Alberta, T2P 0R8
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Donate
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

© 2024 All Rights Reserved.

Photograph of WaterPortal Board Member Ross Douglas

Ross Douglas

Board Member

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.

Photograph of WaterPortal Board Member Brian Mergelas

Brian Mergelas, PhD, ICD.D

Board Member

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.