A recent study of groundwater across the Columbia Basin shows a wide variety in levels this spring, prompting calls for enhanced monitoring.
According to Living Lakes Canada (LLC), some wells recorded their lowest-ever levels, including those near Windermere, Skookumchuk, Brisco and Columbia Wetlands Benchlands.
LLC officials said long-term trends suggest a decline in water levels since monitoring began approximately five years ago, but statistical analysis has not been completed yet.
Elsewhere, LLC found an early rise in water levels in February and March, while other aquifers had relatively stable levels.
Paige Thurston, Columbia Basin Water Monitoring Framework Program Manager, said this may be connected to this year’s early low-elevation snow melt.
“We had a low snowpack this year and we’ve had drought conditions over the last couple of years. There are definitely some concerns about water supply and it highlights the need for comprehensive watershed monitoring and planning,” said Thurston.
LLC officials said having access to thorough and up-to-date information on groundwater systems is essential for decision-makers to respond to issues and concerns.
“It’s interesting to see how differently these aquifers are responding to conditions across the region, so it’s really important that we have that localized information to help manage any particular water source,” said Thurston.
LLC currently has 32 volunteer observation wells across the Columbia Basin, with hopes of adding more in the future.
“The monitoring we’re doing here compliments the Provincial Groundwater Observation Well Network, which currently monitors eight wells across the region, so we have a significant addition to that monitoring configuration,” said Thurston.
“We intend to continue expanding this network as time goes by if capacity and funding allow. There’s definitely a need and interest in that from the communities and the public.”
According to a recent survey from LLC, 72 per cent of respondents are highly concerned about Columbia Valley groundwater, with drinking water, ecosystem health, agriculture and food security highlighted as their primary focus.
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