Province funding three-year study of southern Alberta groundwater

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on January 29, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

As communities in southern Alberta continue to grow, the demand for water is increasing; to help combat this, the provincial government is seeking a deeper understanding of the region’s groundwater.

The province is providing a $3.8-million grant to the Alberta Geological Survey, allowing for a three-year study mapping the quality, quantity and location of groundwater across southern Alberta.

“With growing communities and a thriving economy driving increased demand for water in Alberta, it’s more important than ever that we ensure we have a good understanding of all our sources of water, including groundwater,” said Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. “The results of this study will help ensure we are effectively managing our groundwater and improving the drought resilience of our communities and economy.”

This evaluation will provide important details on southern Alberta aquifers, with information that will help with regulatory decision makers and those who use groundwater, such as agricultural producers and rural communities.

“Knowledge about the extent and availability and quality of groundwater is still rather limited in many regions of Alberta,” said Bernhard Mayer, a professor in the department of earth, energy and environment at the University of Calgary. “This well-funded project in southern Alberta will greatly improve our understanding to what extent groundwater can serve as a potential source for drinking water, sustain agriculture, support industrial activities and maintain ecological balance.”

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