Groundwater Program

Alberta Geological Survey’s groundwater work is divided into two programs:

1. understanding the nonsaline groundwater systems of Alberta; and
2. understanding the saline groundwater systems of Alberta.

Nonsaline Groundwater Program

We are collaborating with Alberta Environment and Water to map and understand the province’s groundwater resources. Our team of geologists and technologists will

• map the extent of the major nonsaline aquifers;
• characterize the physical properties of aquifers;
• quantify the chemical properties of the water within these aquifers;
• assess current groundwater use associated with these aquifers; and
• predict the long-term effects on groundwater and surface-water resources when using groundwater from these aquifers.

One of our first products is the Edmonton-Calgary Corridor Groundwater Atlas.

Saline Aquifer Mapping Program

The goal of program is to provide public-domain, digital maps for all of Alberta of the major saline aquifers from the crystalline basement to the lowermost aquifer of the Colorado Group. The aquifers will be mapped in terms of

• extent, thickness, lithology, geology, porosity and permeability;
• groundwater chemistry, pressure, flow and age;
• deeper temperature and geothermal energy potential;
• potential for future water production or storage; and
• intrinsic capacity to safely store liquid or gaseous wastes, like CO2, over long periods.

Last modified: November 23, 2011