FAQ-Water-Groundwater

Where can I find information on groundwater management in Alberta?

Only a tiny fraction of the large groundwater stores in Alberta is extractable by conventional means - like pumping through wells. This "usable" portion, the small amount of recoverable groundwater storage in the upper zones, can be naturally replenished. If carefully managed and pumped at sustainable rates, groundwater can be an important and reliable renewable resource.

Groundwater regulation is a shared responsibility in Alberta. Depending on what type of issue you are dealing with, (e.g. water quality, quantity, drilling, well location), a different Government body or agency may need to be contacted. For more information on groundwater please visit Alberta Environment's website.

What type of monitoring is conducted on groundwater? What monitoring and reporting is mandatory?

Alberta Environment has a monitoring well network to monitor groundwater levels and quality throughout the province.

Licences and approvals under the Water Act or the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act frequently have conditions requiring groundwater monitoring (quantity/waterlevels/quality). For more information on groundwater please visit Alberta Environment's website.

Where can I get information on water well records?

Alberta Environment has a database of all water well records for wells drilled in the province. It is mandatory for drillers to submit these records to the department. Copies of the well records can be accessed through the Alberta Water Well Information Database (AWWID).

Where can I lodge a complaint regarding groundwater (e.g. contamination, quantity)?

To report complaints or concerns regarding groundwater, call the Alberta Environment Emergency Response Centre at 1-800-222-6514.

Where can I get my well water tested?

How and where to get water tested will depend on two things: i. what you are testing for (e.g., livestock use, industrial use, mortgage purposes, human domestic use, other) and ii. what type of testing are you requesting (e.g., bacteriological, chemical)?

For bacteriological and chemical sampling, the Provincial Laboratory of Public Health tests  well water samples. It is recommended that bacteriological samples of well water be taken in the spring of each year. The results of the testing will indicate if unacceptable levels of harmful bacteria are present. Contact the Public Health Centre in your area to obtain water sample bottles and information on this service.  Visit the Alberta Health Services website for an alphabetical listing of Public Health Centres.

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