Overview

Program Manager: Alfonso Rivera

Summary

The Groundwater Mapping Program is an ESS response to an emerging issue, in particular increasing government needs for science advice in the management of Canada's water resources. Through the provision of Earth Science knowledge, the National Groundwater Inventory will be established and advanced, building on the 2003-2006, ESS Groundwater Program. By 2010, the Groundwater Mapping Program will have advanced the National Groundwater Inventory (NGWI), to the point where decision-makers will have access to sound science advice in the form of a robust information base comprising:

1. a synthesis of Canada's groundwater resource knowledge (by 2009);
2. a first order assessment of the location, volume and vulnerability of groundwater present in Canada's key national aquifers;
3. detailed groundwater resource assessments of nine key national aquifers (three more than in 2006).

The NGWI will enhance Canada's capacity for informed groundwater resource decision-making to reduce risks and costs by:

1. building capacity to use Groundwater geoscience through development of HQP with partners;
2. conducting partnered projects and joint activity planning;
3. reporting and communicating progress and knowledge; and
4. providing key expertise on-demand.

This Groundwater Mapping Program will succeed and build on the success of the 2002-06 Groundwater Program. The Groundwater Mapping Program activities will be jointly developed with partners, with other federal departments (EC) as well as provincial governments.