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Water Science Research: Challenges and Success Stories in
Knowledge Translation
Diana M. Allen
Department of Earth SciencesSimon Fraser University
Department of
Earth Sciences
The Growing Demand on Water
Groundwater is becoming an attractive resource to meet the growing water needs in many regions of BC
As the demand for groundwater increases, it will become increasingly important to consider:– the threats to this resource in terms of sustainability and
vulnerability to contamination– Conflict between water users, including ecosystems– Potential impacts of climate change
As water scientists, we need to communicate these risks to decision makers more effectively than we have done in the past.
Overview Examples of case studies
throughout BC that aimed to further our understanding of groundwater systems– Grand Forks– The Gulf Islands– Okanagan Basin
Demonstrate the importance of groundwater data
Highlight the successes and challenges in knowledge translation
Low flows, groundwater and climate change
Groundwater (Well) Data
Observation wells provide groundwater level time series data that can be used to understand groundwater processes.
Well records provide lithological information taken at the time of drilling.
These two forms of well data are invaluable for characterizing and modelling aquifers.
Grand Forks
Okanagan Basin
Gulf Islands
Grand Forks
Scibek and Allen, 2006; WRRScibek et al., 2007; JH
Kettle River
Granby RiverGrand Forks city
WashingtonState
BC
N E
SW
Grand Forks Aquifer
504.0
504.5
505.0
505.5
506.0
506.5
507.0
1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991
Date
Riv
er W
ater
Ele
vatio
n (m
a.s
.l.)
509.0
509.5
510.0
510.5
511.0
511.5
512.0
512.5
Gro
undw
ater
Ele
vatio
n (m
asl
)
Kettle River (channel elev 509.6 m) near Obs Well 217
Obs Well 217 (elev 513.5 m)
Groundwater Wells(BC database)
Boreholes with lithology information
Standardized lithology
Aquifer Vulnerability Map
Wei et al. 2010 BC MoE
Potential well yield
Assumptions: Homogeneous K, Ss Fully penetrating, 100% efficient
wells 70% safe available drawdown Recharge within 100 days of
pumping Jacob’s equation applicable
Wei et al. 2010 BC MoE
well database
Cross-section layout (selection of boreholes)
Cross-section interpretation
Bedrock surfacemodel (bottom ofvalley sediment fill)
Deep sand
Clay / Till
Silt / silty sand
Sand (“aquifer”)
Gravel (“aquifer”)
Aquifer Geologic Model
Wei et al. 2010 BC MoE
Overall Modeling Approachaquifer geological model Climate
modeldownscaling
river discharge precipitation
and temperature
recharge model (spatially distributed)509.25
509.50
509.75
510.00
510.25
510.50
510.75
511.00
0 20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
220
240
260
280
300
320
340
360
Model Time (Julian Day)
Wate
r E
levation in O
bs W
ell 2
17 (
m a
.s.l.)
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
Dis
charg
e in K
ett
le R
iver
(m3/s
)
Observed groundwater elevation (long term monthly means)
Simulated groundwater elevation, 1961-1999
Observed Kettle R. discharge 1971-2000
Simulated Kettle R. discharge 1971-2000
river flow models
numerical model
scenario simulations
Scibek and Allen 2006Scibek et al. 2007
Groundwater level (sand unit) –non-pumping scenario
Wei et al. 2010 BC MoE
Groundwater level (sand unit) –pumping scenario
Zone 1Zone 2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Wei et al. 2010 BC MoE
Water Budget Information
-10000
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
1 2 3 4
Zone
Ch
an
ge
in
in
flo
w c
au
se
d b
y w
ell
pu
mp
ing
(m
3/d
)
constant head
ET
recharge
external
Inflow
-10000
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
1 2 3 4
Zone
Ch
ang
e in
ou
tflo
w c
ause
d b
y w
ell
pu
mp
ing
(m
3/d
)
constant head
wells
ET
recharge
external
Outflow
Wei et al. 2010 BC MoE
Modeled Capture Zones for Major Community Wells
Wei et al. 2010 BC MoE
Scibek and Allen, 2006; WRR
Spatially-varying recharge highlights areas where climate change impacts may be more significant
Climate Change Impacts
Kettle River near Laurier, WALong term averages of smoothed discharge: mean inflated 24 nearest neighbour
model compared to 1971-2000 observed streamflows
10
100
1000
0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300 330 360
End of 5-day period (days)
Dis
char
ge (
m3 /s
)
Observed meandischarge 1971-2000
Simulated meandischarge 1971-2000
Simulated meandischarge 2001-2030
Simulated meandischarge 2031-2060
Simulated meandischarge 2061-2090
earlier peak flow
longer low flow
lower baseflow
higher flow in winter(more snowmelt / rain)
June 29
May 11
Nov 1
Aug 29
2040-2069
Difference in water levels between historicaland future climate scenarios
2010-2039
Scibek et al. 2007Scibek and Allen 2006
Knowledge Translation
The various maps that characterize the Grand Forks aquifer are situated on the BC Water Resources Atlas.
Well capture zones were intended for use in a Wellhead Protection Plan, but as yet, this plan has not been developed by the community.
Climate change impacts results have remained largely in the academic literature.
Grand Forks
Okanagan Basin
Gulf Islands
Gulf Islands
BC
WA
Gabriola
Galiano
Vancouver
Saturna
Mayne
Pender
Victoria
Saltspring
Sandstones
Interbedded Sandstones / Mudstones
Fault / Fracture Zones
Figure courtesy of Geological Survey of Canada
Our Conceptual Understanding of the Geological Framework
Allen et al. 2002Mackie MSc thesis 2002Surrette and Allen 2008 GSA BullSurrette et al. 2008 HJ
Does groundwater come from
Mount Baker?
The aquifers are recharged by precipitation on an annual basis; most recharge occurs in the late fall and winter months.
Significant variability Longer term cycles are evident in the historic
recordTrends in groundwater level must be examined keeping in mind these variations.
Saturna Data
Allen and Suchy 2001 CJESAllen 2004, GW
1000 years of submergence approx. 12,000 years ago
6000 years before today
TodayLiteanu and Allen 2008
Vulnerability Mapping with GSC
Vulnerability Mapping for southern GI was done to identify potential recharge zones or zones that might be prone to saltwater intrusion problems
Denny et al. 2007 HJ
DRASTIC-Fm is an acronym for the most important mappable features within the hydrogeologic setting which control aquifer vulnerability. These features are:
DRASTIC-Fm
D - Depth to watertableR- (Net) RechargeA- Aquifer mediaT - Topography (slope)S- Soil media I - Impact of Vadose Zone MediaC- Conductivity (Hydraulic) of
Aquifer.Fm- Fractured media
Figure courtesy of Geological Survey of Canada
Input Datasets
Digital Elevation Model
Bedrock Geology
Soil characteristics
Water Well Database, Faults and Fractures
Figure courtesy of Geological Survey of Canada
Faults and Fractures
Final fault dataset represents a combination of digital lineament analysis and faults and fractures mapped in the field.
Lineament analysis performed by combining satellite imagery and a
DEM
Figure courtesy of Geological Survey of Canada
Aquifer Vulnerability Map
Low susceptibility
Denny et al. 2007
Figure courtesy of Geological Survey of Canada
Knowledge Translation
Many island residents still believe their groundwater comes from Mount Baker
Vulnerability maps are being used by the Islands Trust for planning
Research has provided much of the science understanding for the development of the GI Waterscape Poster
Grand Forks
Okanagan Basin
Gulf Islands
Okanagan Basin
Kelowna
Oliver
Goals of Okanagan CWN Project
To contribute to science knowledge about groundwater, particularly groundwater recharge
To partner with Smart Growth on the Ground in Oliver to ensure that this knowledge was effectively transferred to local decision makers.
“A Basin Approach to Groundwater Recharge in the Okanagan: Bridging the Gap
Between Science and Policy”
Oliver: A Focal Point
Vulnerability mapping
Groundwater model development
Climate change impacts
Partnering with local government and Smart Growth on the Ground (SGOG)
Depth to water range (m)
Rating
0 - 1.5 10
1.6 - 4.6 9
4.7 - 9.1 7
9.2 - 15.2 5
15.3 - 22.9 3
23 - 30.5 2
30.6 + 1
Example:
Vulnerability = (5)D + (4)R + (3)A + (2)S + (1)T + (5)I + (3)C
DRASTIC
Aquifer Vulnerability in Oliver
Liggett and Allen accepted, EES
Groundwater Model
Toews and Allen 2009, ERL
155 m382 m
60 day 365 day
Lions Park (WTN 83010)
Q = 6705 m³/day1230 USgal/min
Probability ofparticle origin
0.90.80.7
0.60.50.40.3
0.2
500 m500 m
Toews and Allen 2007, BC MoE
96 m237 m
Q = 2317 m³/day425 USgal/min
Fairview (WTN 21867)
60 day 365 dayProbability ofparticle origin
0.90.80.7
0.60.50.40.3
0.2
500 m 500 m
Toews and Allen 2007, BC MoE
Climate Change
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
base
2020
s20
50s
2080
s
01
23
4
Absolute change in mean temperature
State Start End Total days base 117 (27 Apr.) 284 (11 Oct.) 167 2020s 107 (17 Apr.) 290 (17 Oct.) 183 2050s 101 (11 Apr.) 299 (26 Oct.) 198 2080s 91 (1 Apr.) 307 (3 Nov.) 216
Changes in growing days (10°C)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
base
2020
s20
50s
2080
s
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.4
Relative change in monthly precipitation
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual
base
2020
s20
50s
2080
s
0.90
0.95
1.00
1.05
1.10
Relative change in solar radiation
Toews and Allen 2009, JH
80 mm/yr45
Recharge modelling results: seasonal
Annual recharge rates
22.5
km
8.6 km
Minor increase of recharge with future-predicted climate change
More potential evapotranspiration earlier in season
Toews and Allen 2009, JH
Using Groundwater Information in Land Use
Planning Smart Growth on the Ground took place in the
Greater Oliver Area Principles of creating tangible, built examples
of smart growth Facilitators help to establish a vision,
principles, priorities, goals and targets for smart growth through a charrette process (May 2006)– Municipal officials, developers, local residents all took
part– Designs for housing mix, transportation routes,
commercial opportunities, trail networks, etc. Water scarcity and water quality identified as
key priorities to be incorporated into the OCP
20012011
202120312041
Use of Science for Local Decision Making
Land Use Allocation Model (LUAM) was developed to help identify areas of desirable growth, and the aquifer vulnerability maps were included.
Well capture zones for use in wellhead protection planning are identified in the new Oliver OCP
Climate change impacts on groundwater recharge have been assessed although not explicitly incorporated into the LUAM
Most of the research on groundwater within the Oliver region was not considered during the recent Okanagan Basin Supply and Demand Study.
Groundwater, Low Flows and Climate
Change
Interaction between groundwater and surface water
Trends in late summer streamflow and groundwater levels
From Alley et al., USGS Circular 1186, 1999
A. Gaining – groundwater contributes to stream
- Upwelling water has relatively constant temperature and contains nutrients from underground, but is lower in dissolved oxygen
B. Losing – surface water contributes to groundwater
• Downwelling water is high in dissolved oxygen but temperature varies daily and seasonally
Streams may gain groundwater in some reaches and lose in others, and the patterns can change seasonally.
GW-SW Interactions
Pumping enhances loss.Pumping can reverse direction of water
movement.Becomes a losing stream.
Recharge Area
Str
eam
Recharge Area
Str
eam
Str
eam
Str
eam
Gaining Stream Losing Stream
Conflict Between Water Users
#*#*#*
#* #* #*#*#*
#*#*#*#*
#*
#*#*#*#*
#*#*
#*#*#*
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*
#*#* #*#*
#*#*
#*
Victoria
Golden
Duncan
Merritt
Cassidy
Osoyoos
83 Mile
Saanich
Mt.Kobau
Westwold
Kalawoods
Armstrong
Summerland
Stump Lake
Grand Forks
Salmon River
Mayne IslandDenman Island
Mission Creek
Carrs Landing
Fraser ValleyGaliano Island
Silverstar U
1976-1996
Groundwater Trends
September
#* < -0.5000
#* -0.49 - -0.2
#* -0.19 - -0.05
#* -0.049 - 0.05
#* 0.049 - 0.2
#* 0.21 - 0.5
#* 0.51 - 1.0
§Red tones: decreases
Blue tones: increases
Dominantly Negative Trends in September Groundwater Levels
Moore et al 2008 CCAF
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"Victoria
1976-1996
Streamflow Trend
September
" < - -0.5000
" -0.5 - -0.2
" -0.2 - -0.05
" -0.05 - 0.05
" 0.05 - 0.2
" 0.2 - 0.5
" 0.5 - 1.0
§Red tones: decreases
Blue tones: increases
More Negative Trends in September Streamflows
Moore et al 2008 CCAF
There are some indications that negative trends in late summer groundwater levels may be related to negative trends in summer baseflow
Given that groundwater is the main contributor to baseflow it is important to consider linkages between the groundwater system and the surface water system Aquatic habitat
protection Avoid user conflict
Science Needs on GW-SW Interaction
There have been some significant success stories with respect to knowledge translation and uptake in BC.
But, academic research is largely disseminated in the peer refereed literature and often does not lead to informing policy development.
Conclusions
Acknowledgements
Students:Jacek Scibek (MSc), Mike Toews (MSc), Jessica Liggett (MSc), Dan Mackie (MSc), Megan Surrette (MSc), Laurie Neilson-Welch (PhD), Mary Ann Middleton (PhD)
Collaborators:Geological Survey of Canada (Murray Journeay, Shannon Denny, Sonia Tolwar)Environment Canada (Basil Hii, Gwyn Graham, Paul Whitfield, Alex Cannon)BC MoE (Mike Wei, Vicki Carmichael, Kevin Ronneseth)