Saskatchewan
Most of Saskatchewan is underlain by up to 300 m of glacial
sediments. These sediments are an important source of water for farms
and municipalities. Sources are found in three distinct aquifers. The
first are from sand and gravel layers found deposited within the
sediments These aquifers are quite variable in size and can be
vulnerable to changes in precipitation. The second are buried valley
complexes or preglacial valleys cut into the bedrock and infilled with
glacial deposits. These aquifers are generally high yielding and have
been extensively mapped. The third are preglacial bedrock aquifers
surface laid down by ancient seas. They are generally quite deep
and more drought proof, but are of poor quality due to high
mineral or salt contents.
Well Data
The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority (SWA)
Observation Well Network webpage provides descriptions and hydrographs for 72 observation wells located across Saskatchewan.
The Ground Water Information Services
webpage assists the public with enquiries regarding groundwater
potential and water well maintenance and groundwater protection
including well problem diagnosing, treatment methods
and decommissioning procedures.
Aquifer Maps and Assessments
The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Ground Water Mapping initiative
is being carried out to further define the bedrock geology, map
the extent of potential water bearing zones in the glacial deposits
and illustrate the location, extent, and depth of potential
aquifers
throughout Saskatchewan.
The Regional Groundwater Resource Assessments
page discusses the regional assessements that are being conducted to provide information on geology and hydrogeology, water
quality, yield, use and potential contamination sources.
A list of available geology and groundwater reports can be obtained by searching the Government of Saskatchewan's
Publications Centre.
Groundwater Quality
The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Water Monitoring and Assessment
page provides information on water well testing, shock chlorination,
and the Rural Water Quality Advisory Program which provides assistance
for sampling and analyzing water from private water
supplies, and advises on the health and aesthetic implications of the
analysis.
The Department of Health provides access to information on water quality testing and analysis on their Water Quality page.
Wells disinfection factsheets for private and health regulated water
supplies are available on the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority and
Health Department websites::
Well Construction and Maintenance Resource Material
The AAFC
Wells for Rural Water Supplies in Saskatchewan
factsheet discusses the factors that must be considered when planning
and designing a well for rural water supply in Saskatchewan.
The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Domestic Water Well Management page provides information on water well management and decommissioning.
The
Protecting Your Ground Water factsheet explains several methods that can be taken to ensure groundwater sources are maintained in the best possible manner.
The Abandonment - Test Holes and Wells (PDF) factsheet provides information on the procedures to properly seal abandoned test holes and decommission wells.