Project AM2

Aquifer assessments and support to mapping - Groundwater inventory

Contact: Hazen Russell (Project Leader)

Summary

To advance groundwater management across Canada the Geological Survey of Canada has identified thirty aquifers as a priority objective for assessment. In the 2009-2014-program cycle seven key aquifers have been identified for completion:

1. Richelieu-Yamaska / Lake Champlain
2. Chaudière
3. Saint-Maurice
4. Waterloo Moraine
5. Buried valleys
6. Milk River
7. Nanaimo

In addition to the seven aquifer assessments, this project also includes a research activity on the remote sensing in support of aquifer mapping and assessments. These are described below.

Activities

Richelieu-Yamaska / Lake Champlain

Contact: Christine Rivard (Leader)

Abstract (context):

This project contributes to the inventory of the main regional aquifers of Canada; it aims at characterizing the aquifer system of the Richelieu, Yamaska and Missisquoi Bay watersheds. The main collaborator of this project is the INRS-ETE, who has received an important funding from the Quebec Department of Environment, within the framework of the programme « Acquisition des connaissances sur l’eau souterraine au Québec ». Because the Richelieu and Bay Missisquoi basins are transboundary, a collaboration has been established with the US Geological Survey. The land area in Canada covers 9 000 km2, while the land area in the US extends over 7 500 km2. Interest in groundwater resources has increased significantly in the last years, not only because of the newly enacted Quebec regulation on groundwater withdrawals, but also due to the poor quality of surface water. About 28% of the population of this rural area, i.e. approximately 165 000 inhabitants, are supplied by groundwater. This project will improve the understanding of these aquifers, both qualitatively and quantitatively, and provide managers with data and products (maps, water budget, models) that will contribute to ensure a sustainable management of the groundwater resources. Many other collaborations have also been established with scientific partners (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, IRDA and Laval University) and local organizations (watershed associations, Conference of RM, Regional Municipalities), allowing to increased expertise and knowledge in several domains and to disseminate information to the population.

Objectives:

The main objectives of this project are to characterize the aquifer systems of the Richelieu, Yamaska, and Bay Missisquoi watersheds, and to model this vast area at the regional scale. The ultimate goal is to provide key information for the sustainable management of groundwater resources. The GSC contribution focuses more specifically on four research themes:

1. nitrate sources identification and transport using NO₃-N concentration measurements and isotopic analyses in two sub-catchments;
2. development of a surficial geology map in collaboration with Géologie Québec and the definition of the different hydrostratigraphic units through the development of conceptual and geological models;
3. estimation of spatially distributed recharge using multiple methods;
4. groundwater flow numerical modeling within bedrock aquifers.

Results:

This project, in collaboration with several partners, will provide the following data and products for the Canadian-part of the aquifer:

• A database, including hydrogeological, geological, hydrological, and geochemical data;
• Innovative methodologies for the regional hydrogeological characterization, including protocols for several products;
• A hydrological budget, with the spatially distributed estimation of the different components, including recharge;
• A conceptual model;
• A 3-D geological model;
• A groundwater flow 3-D numerical model;
• A surface/subsurface coupled model of a representative sub-watershed (660 km2);
• A groundwater quality assessment;
• A better understanding of nitrate transfer from soils to aquifers using two sub-catchments;
• Surficial geology maps (1: 50 000 scale).

For the American portion, data are scarce and no new data will be acquired. Data collected and compiled by the USGS will be integrated in the different project maps and products; for instance, the American portion will be integrated in some of the numerical models, although at lower a resolution.

Chaudière

Contact: Nicolas Benoît (Leader)

Abstract:

This activity corresponds to the NRCan's efforts focused on the assessment of the key Canadian aquifers, understanding their groundwater dynamics and development of numerical groundwater flow models to assess the sustainability of the groundwater resource. Located south of Quebec City, the Chaudière River Watershed encompasses an area of approximately 6,700 km2 and extends from the American border to the St. Lawrence River. In the southern part, the watershed is mainly forested and agriculture dominates the northern part. Approximately 65% of the population (~150,000) relies on groundwater as the main source of potable water. The regional aquifer consists of Appalachian sedimentary rocks at the base with recent coarse sediments occasionally distributed on top. Existing data for groundwater levels are closely correlated to the topography and fractured rock has relatively low hydraulic conductivity, 1x10-7 m/s. These findings suggest that the groundwater flow is controlled mainly by the local topography with negligible regional flow. The conducted chemical analyses of groundwater samples indicate groundwater of good quality relative to the drinking water standards.

Objectives:

The objective of this activity is to complement the study of the Chaudière River Watershed which was carried out in 2006/09 in collaboration with the watershed authority - COBARIC and the Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs du Québec.  The main objective is the development of a numerical model of groundwater flow which will be used to assess the sustainability of the resource. The current hydrogeological knowledge on the watershed scale (lower and middle parts)  includes updated bedrock and surficial sediments maps, digital elevation model, landuse and landcover maps, map of the potentiometric surface, hydrogeochemistry, and preliminary estimates of the recharge rates and groundwater budget. The numerical model will be calibrated using measured water levels and hydraulic conductivities. Different scenarios of groundwater use and groundwater flow under extreme (min, max) climate conditions will be simulated. The numerical model will also be used to propose optimal use of the groundwater resources.  Major outputs of this activity are : groundwater chemistry, groundwater budget, robust numerical groundwater flow model, links between groundwater flow and geochemical evolution, regional sustainability of the groundwater resources.

Results:

A hydrogeochemical study has been conducted over the central and downstream part of the Chaudière River watershed. 155 water samples were taken from bedrocks wells, surface wells and springs. The principal objective was to study the natural groundwater quality. The samples were analyzed for major and minor ions, and trace elements. Despite some analytical results exceeding potable water standards and recommendations, groundwater is generally of good quality with respect to the parameters analyzed. The regional distribution of groundwater types and natural quality seem to be linked to the relative location of the sampled well as a function of the groundwater flow direction and to the hydrogeological setting.

Saint Maurice

Contact: Michel Parent (Leader)

Abstract:

The Basse-Mauricie project region has a land area of 3 350 km2 and a population of about 225 000. It consists of a mosaic of industrial cities, small towns and rural areas where groundwater is the source of potable water for 46 % of the population, including almost half of the water supply to the city of Trois-Rivières. The region straddles two physiographic regions: the Canadian Shield, which consists of hilly and mostly forested terrain sparsely populated, and the St. Lawrence Lowland, which consists of relatively flat farmland and where most of the urban population resides. This activity contributes to the hydrogeological characterization of the Basse-Mauricie region conducted in collaboration with the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. Our main contribution is the building of a regional hydrostratigrahic model through the construction of surficial geology cross-sections, based on new and existing subsurface data. This will include: well and borehole data; geophysical surveys such as multicomponent high-resolution seismic reflection surveys; and cone-penetrometer testing. The building of regional hydrostratiphic models is required for the delineation and assessment of regional aquifer systems, which consist mostly of surficial sediment aquifers.

Objectives:

In the Basse-Mauricie region, aquifer systems are largely controled by the nature and surface and subsurface distribution of Quaternary sediments. The lowland region is underlain by a thick cover of predominantly Quaternary marine sediments, locally up to 100 m in thickness, while the shield’s southern margin is covered by coarse grained glaciofluvial sediments of the St-Narcisse Moraine, one of Canada’s premier morainic belts. Because of the large thickness (up to 100 m) of Quaternary sediments in the region and their complex stratigraphic architecture, high resolution seismic profiling and other geophysical surveys together with existing and new borehole data will be utilized to construct 3D geomodels and to assess regional hydrogeologic conditions.

Results:

• Improved inter-governmental and University collaboration on groundwater knowledge in Basse-Mauricie region,
• 3D hydrostratigraphic models of the Saint-Narcisse Moraine and the large Saint-Maurice River paleodelta , both of which are major regional aquifers.
• Standardized groundwater database
• Semi-quantitative synthesis of the aquifer system
• Conceptual model of the groundwater flow system
• A quantitative estimate of the availability and sustainable use of groundwater

Stakeholders

• Natural Resources Canada, GSC
• Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
• MRC de Maskinongé (17 municipalities supplied by wells of the Régie d’aqueduc de Grand-Pré)
• City of Trois-Rivières (128 941 hab., 44 % of which rely on groundwater) which draws annually about 10 million cubic meters of groundwater

Waterloo Moraine

Contact: Hazen Russell (Leader)

Abstract:

The Waterloo Region has a population of 525,000 and during the past decade had annual growth of approximately 5 %. It is designated under Ontario's Places-to-Grow policy. Groundwater is the principal source of potable water for the Waterloo Region.

Waterloo Moraine aquifers occur within a glacial aquifer system extending over a 400 km2 area and a sediment succession over bedrock that is > 100 m thick. The principal source of potable water in the Region is from aquifers within the surfical sediment. The aquifers are used not only for primary water supply but also as part of an artificial recharge and storage plan. Regional aquifers are some of the most intensively exploited municipal aquifers in Canada. These aquifers have been extensively studied during the past 30 years by the private sector, municipal government, conservation authorities, and provincial agencies. There is no comprehensive synthesises of the current understanding of the Waterloo aquifers.

The primary objective of this activity is a special publication on the hydrogeology of the Waterloo aquifers. A special volume will highlight the importance of the groundwater resource to an urban community faced with the conflicting demands of economic growth and environmental preservation. It will integrate science-based research on the Waterloo Moraine aquifer system into the broader framework of societal issues, including policy, management and economic, and political dimensions. The volume will provide an authoritative voice in the upcoming debate on a Great Lakes pipeline for Waterloo Region.

Objective

Publication of special issue in collaboration with The Water Institute at the University of Waterloo.

Results:

Synthesis volume on the hydrogeology of the Waterloo Moraine (2013)

Improved intergovernmental and University collaboration on groundwater knowledge Waterloo moraine as a case study of stratified moraine aquifers in Canada

Buried Valleys

Contact: David Sharpe (Leader)

Abstract:

Buried valleys (BV) are important sources of groundwater across Canada, particularly the prairies of Canada and northern US, for drinking, agriculture, mining and sustaining surface water fluxes. The resource potential however, is poorly characterized and previous mapping is conceptual and mainly shows regional distributions of BVs. Buried valleys are 100's of km long, 10's km wide and filled with and buried beneath ~10-100 m of low-permeability sediment. Buried valley aquifers (BVA) may have high yields; however is recharge sufficient to sustain the quantity and quality of high withdrawals? Development and application of new mapping techniques and analysis in this project will improve delineation of aquifer boundaries, understanding of processes of formation, and characterization of groundwater flow and chemistry. This work is not only advancing the conceptual framework of BVA but also innovative methodologies used to assess them.

Objectives:

• Better understand, delineate and characterize BV settings in Canada
• Develop a geological and hydrogeological framework for prairie BVA
• Build an integrated understanding for a portion of the Spiritwood- Hatfield buried valley aquifer system using sites with strong existing hydrogeological datasets
• Employ basin analysis methods to develop a predictive framework of the spatial and geological variability, and for ongoing incorporation of hydrogeological information
• Contribute new knowledge to improve understanding of BV extent, origin and behaviour

Results:

1. Partnership development
   A number of federal and provincial government agencies, industry and universities are working in partnership to advance understanding of buried valley aquifers in prairie regions and other locations with high-quality data on these BVAs. A workshop in Saskatoon, November 2010 is a key start to improving conceptual understanding using collective dialogue on buried valleys across the region (Meeting notes to come: look for these later on: “reports on line”).
2. Methods development – airborne mapping
   An airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey flown over the Spiritwood Valley, southern Manitoba reveals complex channel forms with multiple generations of erosion and variable valley fill. The data show a broader Spiritwood Valley with a continuous incised channel along the valley bottom and several lateral channel-like features. Conductivity data indicate that fill within the incised channel is more resistive than the broader valley fill. This is likely sand and gravel aquifer sediment. The AEM data are in excellent agreement with seismic profiles collected inside the survey block; integration of these data types, along with borehole information promise to revolutionize mapping BVAs.
3. Methods development – high-resolution seismic profiling
   New multi-component seismic reflection methods are proving to be a very effective new tool for exploration and reservoir monitoring regarding the hydrogeological of buried valley aquifers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. It is a relatively inexpensive recording system for collecting high-resolution seismic reflection data in near-surface groundwater applications. It has great potential as a new means of observing and characterizing the physical parameters of buried valley reservoirs as a base for numerical modelling.
4. Collaborative efforts (GRASP)
   An international research group requested a buried valley reservoir fieldtrip to the Oak-Ridges Moraine (ORM) BV area by the GSC buried valley team. The GRASP (Glaciogenic Reservoir Analogue Studies Project) research group is interested in buried valleys in Pleistocene glaciated terrain, as a analogue for similar settings in Ordovician glacial sequences that host economic oil and gas reservoirs in North Africa and nearby areas. The group is based at Delft University in association with Universities of Aberdeen, Cambridge and Manchester, and, thirteen oil company explorations representing 9 companies.
   GRASP considers the ORM BV dataset as a world class buried valley analogue for ancient valleys with oil and gas reservoir potential. The wealth of data collected within the ORM basin analysis framework was most attractive to this research group as were skill-sets and knowledge of the GSC's buried valley team. The exchange of knowledge with other buried valley experts will be invaluable in better assessing the complex BVs of the prairies.

Milk River

Contact: Alfonso Rivera & Hazen Russell (Leaders)

Abstract:

The Milk River watershed is unique in Alberta, spanning the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan and the State of Montana, U.S.A. Sharing water resources across provincial and international boundaries can be challenging. MiRTAP, the Milk River Transboundary Aquifer Project, collaborates with resource managers; stakeholders and community members across all boundaries to better understand the common groundwater resource.

Knowledge of groundwater and groundwater-surface water interactions is increasingly important for watershed management. In the Milk River watershed, the Milk River Aquifer fills a large role in the provision of water for urban and rural residents and in sustaining the Milk River during low flow periods.

Objectives:

The Milk River Transboundary Aquifer Project will be conducted over at least three years. MiRTAP will generate a database and synthesize available information regarding the Milk River Aquifer. A conceptual model will be defined for the aquifer, and a 3-dimensional numerical model of the entire aquifer will be built. Through multiple collaborations, an evaluation of the availability and sustainability of groundwater resources, and the vulnerability of the aquifer across boundaries, will lead to effective transboundary aquifer management.

Results:

• Outreach activities that increase public awareness of the groundwater resource
• A standardized groundwater database
• A quantitative synthesis of the aquifer system
• A conceptual model of the groundwater flow system
• A unified map in 2D of the transboundary aquifer
• A unified 3D model of the aquifer across all borders
• A quantitative estimate of the availability and sustainable use of groundwater

Stakeholders

• Natural Resources Canada, GSC
• Milk River Watershed Council Canada
• Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures
• Alberta Environment
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
• Counties of Cypress Forty Mile and Warner
• Environment Canada
• Landowners and Residents
• South East Alberta Water Co-op
• Town of Foremost
• Milk River Watershed Alliance
• Department of Natural Resource Conservation
• United States Geological Survey

Nanaimo

Contact: Steve Grasby (Leader)

Abstract:

Water resources on the east coast of Vancouver Island are vital to support agricultural needs, population growth and urban development. There is a need to have a better understanding of current groundwater use and if current use is sustainable. These needs are highest in the Nanaimo Lowlands area where rapid population growth is occurring in areas where surface water rights are fully allocated. This may result in more groundwater systems being used for drinking water sources now and in the future. There is a need to have a better understanding of the groundwater resources to apply a coordinated and effective approach to water management, including a better understanding of the interactions between surface and groundwater as there are increasing conflicts between competing demands on tributaries.

Objectives:

1. Better understand the geology and hydrogeology in the study area by collecting and analyzing new and existing data;
2. Gain a better understanding of current groundwater use, groundwater availability and future use under different scenarios (e.g., climate change) to support sustainable allocation of groundwater;
3. Better understand surface water and groundwater interactions; and
4. Better understand the risks and factors governing salt-water intrusion.

Results:

• A quantitative and qualitative assessment of the groundwater resources in the selected areas of the Nanaimo Lowland;
• A detailed geological and hydrogeological characterization of the glacial and glacial-fluvial sand and gravel deposits which form priority aquifers in selected areas;
• An increased understanding of groundwater / surface water interactions in key locations;
• An increased understanding of groundwater use in the study area; and
• An increased awareness of the importance and fragility of the groundwater resource (through outreach activities).

Remote Sensing in support of Aquifer Mapping and Assessments

Contact: Shusen Wang (Leader)

Groundwater dynamics is controlled by both aquifer geology and surface/subsurface hydrology. This activity focuses on mapping surface/subsurface hydrology-related parameters from Earth Observations (EO) and developing EO-based models and algorithms for mapping groundwater recharge. This activity compliments other aquifer mapping activities within the project by providing aquifer surface/subsurface characterization, establishing aquifer surface water-groundwater connections, and developing tools for applying satellite observations in groundwater studies.

Objectives:

The main objective of this project is to support the ESS Groundwater Geoscience Program (GGP) through developing remote sensing-based modelling tools and data products for key regional aquifers and at national scale. Specifically, this project contributes to the ESS GGP on (1) aquifer characterization. It includes aquifer hydrology-related parameters mapping from Earth Observations (EO). These parameters include surface and subsurface parameters of land cover and land use, leaf area index (LAI), soil texture, soil moisture, and aquifer specific yield; (2) groundwater dynamics assessment. It includes aquifer recharge mapping and assessment, water budgets, and interaction with surface water. The activity ensures consistency of standards for transboundary aquifers or between aquifers. It provides inputs for assessing groundwater availability, sustainability, and vulnerability.

Results:

The project team members and partners have been continuing research and development on methods and prototype products in three areas:

1. Surface parameters retrieval from satellite observations and validation. A wide range of satellite sensors are used to retrieve hydrology-related parameters of vegetation and soil at different scales, which includes Landsat TM, AVHRR, MODIS, VEGETATION, ENVISAT-ASAR and MERIS, RADARSAT-1 and -2. The retrieved parameters related to vegetation include land cover, land use, and leaf area index (LAI). The retrieved parameters related to soil include soil texture, permeability, and soil water content from both optical and Radar satellite sensors. Validations and quality control of the products are conducted through field campaign for each aquifer. These parameters contribute to the water cycle modelling and aquifer assessment.
2. Groundwater variation and quantification. Total water storage change (TWSC), which include groundwater, soil water and surface water, is quantified using in situ and satellite gravity measurements. Local scale TWSC is studied through micro-gravity survey using absolute and relative gravitometers over selected aquifers. National scale TWSC is studied using the GRACE satellite measurement. Disaggregating and downscaling of GRACE measurement for regional aquifer applications are also explored through coupling GRACE data with models. These studies contribute to the groundwater storage analysis through integrating with soil and surface water studies using in situ measurement, satellite observations and model simulations in the project.
3. Model and algorithm development for recharge mapping and groundwater assessment through integrating the above remote sensing products and other ancillary data. The EALCO model (Ecological Assimilation of Land and Climate Observations) developed at CCRS assimilates the EO products mentioned above to simulate the water cycle and assess aquifer recharge. The EALCO model includes dynamic coupling of surface radiation, energy, water, carbon and nitrogen cycles. Its mechanistic representation of the surface physical, physiological, and biogeochemical processes enables users to study the many impacts and feedbacks of climate and ecosystem management on surface water and groundwater interactions. Research is being carried out to enhance the model's capbility in assimilating new remote sensing products and to calibrate/validate the model using local aquifer parameters, thereby increasing the accuracy of the regional groundwater recharge estimates. EALCO simulates the surface water-groundwater interactions to support assessments of water availability, sustainable yield and vulnerability of regional aquifers under projected climate change and land use scenarios. Current effort of the modelling work is focused on the Waterloo Moraine in southern Ontario.

Acknowledgements

The Waterloo Moraine project involves collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Ontario Geological Survey, the Grand River Conservation Authority and the University of Waterloo. The support of the Canadian Space Agency's Government Related Initiatives Program (GRIP) is gratefully acknowledged.