Water Protection and Sustainability Branch

Observation Well Network: Vision, Mission Statement and Monitoring Objectives

Vision:

An effective observation well network that monitors the water table or potentiometric surface and groundwater chemistry of aquifers and basins to support management, protection and sustainability of our groundwater resource and associated ecosystems.

Mission Statement:

Through our network of dedicated observation wells, we monitor the water level and groundwater chemistry of priority aquifers and basins, by collecting, interpreting and reporting high quality, relevant data and information in a timely fashion.

Monitoring Objectives:

1. Understand local and regional hydrogeological processes and characteristics including:
   • Monitoring groundwater/surface water relationships, recharge and discharge mechanisms/rates/timing in lowland and upland areas and impact of drought and flooding on groundwater,
   • Fundamental aquifer or basin characteristics (e.g. water table and potentiometric levels, gradients and trends, transmissivity, hydraulic conductivity and storativity values, water chemistry, etc.),
   • Monitoring impact of short and long term effects of climate and climate change on groundwater levels.
2. Support effective use of the resource and minimize groundwater conflicts between users by:
   • Helping to assess the impact of groundwater withdrawals in specific areas to determine if further ground water development is possible without adversely affecting sustainability of the resource,
   • Helping to resolve water use conflicts, such as interference between wells and ground water withdrawal near fully allocated lakes and streams,
   • Assessing the long-term and short-term effects of human-induced activities such as pumping and construction of drainage works on ground water levels, both locally and regionally.