Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network

Groundwater is a precious resource, as evidenced in our watershed where a significant portion of the community, both urban and rural, rely on groundwater for their source of water. A total of 14 municipal groundwater systems are located in our watershed serving a number of communities, including Port Perry, Blackstock, Canadiana Shores and Janetville.

Recent findings in Ontario indicate that this resource is under stress. A further problem is the lack of available information on the groundwater system in Ontario. Few detailed studies exist and the information portrayed is short-term. The Ministry of the Environment, to address the need for baseline groundwater data initiated the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network in partnership with Conservation Authorities in 2000. The goal of this network is to determine where, how, and why the groundwater resource is changing.

As part of the provincial network, Kawartha Conservation, in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment monitors 10 groundwater wells in its watershed area. These wells record water levels on a daily basis, providing valuable information on our groundwater resources. Water chemistry is also sampled, supplying additional information on the quality of water. The information collected serves the critical need for baseline groundwater data in the region. This data will be used in a variety of ways including:

• Carrying out drought assessment and contingency planning
• Define emerging issues, trends towards water shortages and contamination
• Meet demands of the public and business concerns for data on groundwater supply and quality
• Provide scientific data to guide water taking and land use policy
• Support integrated development planning