Dataset

Medicine River Watershed

Dataset by Medicine River Watershed Society

Dataset summary

About this dataset

To track changes in ground water levels and condition at 4 locations along the Medicine River and its tributaries in Central Alberta
To support local and provincial decision making on water use and conservation
To support public education on the need for conservation and protection of water sources.

Certification requirements

Individuals who are tasked with assessment and monitoring of the health of the river will be required to complete specific training on the use, care and maintenance of the equipment, as well as how to access the specific locations designated for testing and the process for reporting of results.

Concerns
An extended drought (>10 years) in conjunction with increased community need and withdrawal of fresh water from the Medicine River, its tributaries and the Paskapoo aquifer for industrial purposes has resulted in water shortage advisories, the drying up of sloughs and dugouts and many reports of individual water wells going dry and needing to be lowered or re-dug. Despite the water advisory, temporary water diversion licenses continue to be issued to industry as the conditions for license issuing is based on data that does not adequately or appropriately reflect the actual water flow or availability within the watershed and its aquifer
Intended audience
Our group or organization, Our community, Government and decision makers, Broad audience/everyone
Intended use
Benchmarking of water body or watershed health, Share and compare results across watersheds., Education and engagement of local communities, Use in resource prioritization and decision making