Groundwater: David Ferris, Canada
Within the region of interest (Canadian Interior Plains region/Great Plains/Prairies), the groundwater system is highly heterogeneous and complex. Water availability, water use and access, water quality, ecosystem / surrounding environment, climate change, management, human activity are all the challenges that exist regionally in relation to groundwater. Groundwater is commonly available, but at irregular depths, quantities, and qualities. Some areas are at risk of excessive depletion, while some areas are at risk of changing quality due to natural saline water migrating to existing extraction areas, or due to contamination of shallow water resources. The extent of available resources and the limit of potential extraction is largely unknown, and well licensing is assessed on a case-by-case basis by considering only the short-term impact on adjacent users - no mechanisms exist for strategic groundwater planning. Coupled to these issues is the impact of climate variability - early models predict increased recharge in some areas, and decreased recharge in others. The ultimate impact is unknown. Hence, the need to develop a better understanding of the limits and "health" of the regional groundwater system that can be used to develop effective groundwater management policies. This understanding should be flexible enough to allow adaptation appropriate to local conditions.
