4/8/2017 Groundswell - Ecology Action

4/8/2017

Groundswell Community Based Groundwater

Monitoring Network

By: Jenna Jones and Makayla Jamieson SR. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS, NSCC WATERFRONT CAMPUS

1

Jenna Jones, Makayla Jamieson NSCC ENTG Students

401-17 Portland Street, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1H1 (778)-918-2824, (902)-483-4625

September 13, 2016

NSCC, Waterfront Campus

80 Mawiomi Place

Dartmouth, NS

B2Y 0A5

Faculty of the Environmental Engineering Program:

Groundwater is a very sensitive part of the hydrologic cycle, particularly in Nova Scotia.

Currently in Nova Scotia, information and analysis on ground water is remarkably limited. This

information is vital when considering the population that is dependent on groundwater.

Currently one program dedicated to the monitoring of groundwater is the Groundswell

program, run by the Ecology Action Center. By partnering with the EAC to work on

Groundswell, we will uncover more information on HRM’s groundwater.

Groundswell is a community based groundwater monitoring network that enables the

community to monitor groundwater levels from 8 different wells in the HRM. Data from these

wells gets collected by community groups and volunteers, and is then processed. This data can

be used to find trends, and used for industrial and domestic development plans. Currently the

program has de-escalated; data is not being loaded or processed, wells are not being assessed,

and the EAC lacks the man power for these tasks.

Larissa Holman, freshwater project coordinator of the EAC has agreed to offer assistance in our

study and contribution to the Groundswell program. We met to discuss the program, which

involves bringing it back to life, enriching current information, performing well inspections, and

adding more QAQC controls to the program.

For the completion of our work in Groundswell, the wells have been visited and assessed, and

data from the wells was downloaded for processing, and interpretation.

We are excited to be a part of the Groundswell program, and uncover information about our

groundwater resources. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jenna Jones or

Makayla Jamieson at [email protected] and [email protected] .

Sincerely,

Jenna Jones, Makayla Jamieson; NSCC Environmental Engineering Students

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

2

Executive Summary

The NSCC Senior Environmental Engineering Technology (ENTG) students, Jenna Jones, and

Makayla Jamieson, partnered with the Ecology Action Center (EAC) to complete work in the

groundwater level monitoring program, Groundswell. Groundswell monitors 8 Groundwater

Observation wells located in middle-eastern Nova Scotia for the purpose of increasing

knowledge on groundwater, as currently in Nova Scotia, there is limited data available on

groundwater. Information on groundwater levels in Nova Scotia is extremely minute and this

program has enabled communities access to this information

To conduct research in Groundswell, the 8 well sites were visited, data was downloaded directly

from the data loggers that remain in the wells themselves, a brief well assessment was

conducted, and the data was later processed and interpreted.

The research found that there is a long-term trend of groundwater levels being lowered over

the past 5 years. Significantly, the summer of 2016 has seen the lowest groundwater levels on

record with the Groundswell program. This is caused by the drought conditions experienced by

the province during that summer. Climate change presents to us longer bouts of wet and dry

spells and is something that will continue to happen in the province. By monitoring these trends

Nova Scotia can make better decisions when it comes to land use and the use of groundwater.

Recommendations for further work in Groundswell are as follows:

- Improve QAQC

- Add more monitoring wells to the Groundswell database

- Have available and reliable transportation for well site visits

- Learn and understand how to update applicable software, and maintain equipment

The NSCC ENTG Program is now an integral part of the Ecology Action Centres Groundswell

program. With this partnership students have the opportunity to obtain firsthand experience

with groundwater monitoring in Nova Scotia. As the first students to take on the program we

hope that future students will take the baton and continue this important research.

3

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................... 2

1.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 5

1.1 Purpose............................................................................................................................. 5

1.2 Background ....................................................................................................................... 5

2.0 Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 6

Site Visit....................................................................................................................................... 6

Data Processing ........................................................................................................................... 6

3.0 Setting ....................................................................................................................................... 7

3.1 Geology ................................................................................................................................. 7

3.2 Well Site Descriptions ........................................................................................................... 8

3.3 Well Site Measurements ..................................................................................................... 11

4.0 Results ..................................................................................................................................... 12

4.1 Groundwater Elevations ..................................................................................................... 12

GS 101 Valley Gate/South Uniacke ....................................................................................... 12

GS 102 Fall River ................................................................................................................... 13

GS 103 Waverley ................................................................................................................... 14

GS 104 Beaver Bank .............................................................................................................. 15

GS 105 Glen Arbour .............................................................................................................. 16

GS 106 Milford ...................................................................................................................... 17

GS 107 Halifax ....................................................................................................................... 18

GS 108 New Ross................................................................................................................... 19

GS 109 Lahave ....................................................................................................................... 20

NSCC Woodside .................................................................................................................... 20

4.2 Groundwater Elevation Summary ...................................................................................... 20

4.3 Precipitation ........................................................................................................................ 21

Water Level Recovery ........................................................................................................... 22

5.0 Recommendations .................................................................................................................. 23

Software updates and Equipment Maintenance .................................................................. 23

Loggers .................................................................................................................................. 23

Transportation ...................................................................................................................... 23

4

6.0 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 24

References .................................................................................................................................... 25

5

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Purpose

Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Students Jenna Jones and Makayla Jamieson have

conducted this report to increase knowledge on groundwater resources in Nova Scotia. The

study was completed as part of Applied Research Project II course requirements in the

Environmental Engineering Technology Diploma Program at NSCC.

Groundwater is a very sensitive part of the hydrologic cycle, particularly in Nova Scotia.

Currently in Nova Scotia, information and analysis on ground water is limited. This information

is vital when considering the large population that is dependent on groundwater. Currently one

program dedicated to the monitoring of groundwater is the Groundswell program, run by the

Ecology Action Center (EAC). We have partnered with the EAC to work on Groundswell as our

Applied Research project. Through this partnership we have established and analysed

groundwater trends from 2011 to 2017 in 8 different communities. The project will continue

through the EAC and NSCC for years to come, creating a database for historical and current

groundwater information.

1.2 Background

Groundswell is a community based groundwater monitoring network that enables the

community to monitor groundwater levels from 8 different wells in southern central Nova

Scotia. Data from these wells is collected by community groups and volunteers, and is then

processed. This data can be used to find long term and seasonal trends, and used for industrial

and domestic development plans. The Ecology Action Centre (EAC) has not had the resources to

keep up with Groundswell; data is not being loaded or processed, wells are not being assessed,

and the EAC lacks the man power for these tasks.

Larissa Holman, freshwater project coordinator of the EAC has provided vital information and

assistance through our work in Groundswell.

The study of groundwater requires monitoring wells in order to retrieve water level

measurements. The Ecology Action Centre’s Groundswell Program currently consists of 8

monitoring wells with data logger and barologgers inside of them recording data 24/7. The

monitoring wells are located within Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) or very close to HRM.

Locations are as follows: Fall River, Milford, New Ross, Halifax, South Uniacke, Waverley, Glen

Arbour, Lahave, and Beaver Bank.

6

2.0 Methodology

Site Visit

Each well site was visited by Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Students Jenna Jones and

Makayla Jamieson for data collection and well assessment. The level logger and barologger data

is loaded onto the student computer and processed at a later date. A well assessment checklist

was created for the purpose of establishing well site conditions, environment and well as a

source of reference for future assessments.

Table 1: Well Assessment Checklist

Well Assessment Checklist

Required Equipment: Required Field Work

Laptop with Solinst Software Solinst Logger connection cords Water Level Metre Measuring tape Camera Waterproof Paper Wrench (specific sizes)

Level Logger Data Barologger Data Casing Diameter Height of casing, from ground to

top of casing ( 2 measurements if on slope)

Elevation Coordinates

Photos: Outside of well Inside of Well Well in relationship to

surroundings

If this checklist is utilized by future students, changes in well integrity can be identified as well

as environmental conditions. Geology and Soil type are considered in the report as well to

establish the hydrogeological setting.

Data Processing

The data collected from the loggers needs to go through a process to create meaningful results.

The readings from the level loggers need to be compensated by the atmospheric pressure

readings from the barologgers, because it reads the total pressure acting on it, this is done by

simply subtracting the barologger data from the level logger data.

Level logger data – barologger data = compensated data

7

This can be done quickly and easily through the Solinst Level Logger software wizard. The data

at this point is the reading of the amount of water above where the level logger is placed in the

well. This is why it is important to have accurate line length data so that the actual water table

elevation can be found. From here we can apply a simple equation:

Elevation, top of casing – Line length + Compensated data =

Groundwater Elevation above sea level

Appendix B contains a reference document by Solinst if further interpretation is desired. After

data has been through this process, graphs can be created to analyze the data further.

3.0 Setting

3.1 Geology

Table 2: Site Geology

Well Site Bedrock Geology Surficial Geology

Fall River Halifax Formation

Ground moraine and streamlined drift

Glen Arbour

LaHave

Halifax Goldenville Formation

Waverley

Milford Murphy Road, Pesaquid and Green Oaks Formations

New Ross Middle-Late Devonian Leucomonzogranite

Beaver Bank Goldenville Formation Alluvial Deposits

Valley Gate/South Uniacke Unknown Unknown

Bedrock

Halifax Formation – Part of the Meguma group, the Halifax Formation is denoted by slate,

siltstone, minor sandstone, and Fe-Mn nodules.

Goldenville Formation- Part of the Meguma Group, the Goldenville Formation is denoted by

sandstone turbidites and slate.

Murphy Road, Pesaquid and Green Oaks Formations – Part of the Windsor Group, these

formations are denoted by siltstone, minor gypsum and shallow marine limestone.

Middle-Late Devonian Leucomonzogranite- Part of the Liscomb complex

8

Surficial Geology

Ground moraine and streamlined drift – Denoted by silty, compact material. Has moderate

drainage and stoniness, and a moderate to good buffering capacity for acid rain. Has flat to

rolling topography.

Alluvial Deposits- Denoted by gravel, sand, and mud. Known as a major source of groundwater,

with a high water table. Has flat or gently sloping topography.

3.2 Well Site Descriptions

Images of each of the sites can be found in Appendix A.

South Uniacke

GS 101 is located is the community of South Uniacke, near a mobile home park. The well is at

the base of a low-sloping, south-facing grass lawn. The nearest watercourse is approximately

900 metres to the west. The well was drilled as part of a hydrogeological assessment for

drinking water at the park, is protected by a large concrete culvert, and is accessed by a locked

metal access panel. (Ecology Action Center, 2014)

This site was not personally visited by NSCC students.

Fall River

GS 102 is located at the Gordon R. Snow community centre in Fall River. The site is on a narrow

landscaped lawn between a paved driveway and a wooded trail. The well was drilled to provide

drinking water to the Centre however because it did not meet national quality and quantity

standards, it has not been used. Potable water is provided to the building by Lake Thomas, 200

metres to the east. The well is protected by a secure steel well cap. (Ecology Action Center,

2014)

At the time of the site visit by NSCC students, it was -1°C, and there was snow on the ground.

Waverley

GS 103 is located on private property in the community of Waverley. The site is on a narrow

lawn between a gravel parking area and a warehouse building. The well was drilled as a

monitoring well as part of a field school course with the Nova Scotia Community College Water

Resources program. Students from the college assisted in drilling the well, performed draw

down tests and collected water quality samples. The nearest water body is a small lake 200

metres to the southwest. The well is protected by a secure steel cap. (Ecology Action Center,

2014)

The barologger at this site was not allowing the downloading of data at the time of the site visit.

Weather conditions at the time of the site visit consisted of cloud cover, and snow.

9

Beaver Bank

GS 104 is located on property owned by Halifax Regional Municipality in the community of

Beaver Bank. The site is a recreational park which includes two baseball fields and a bike park.

The well is located on flat dirt and gravel between these three fields. The well was drilled by

Nova Scotia Natural Resources as part of a study of localized high yield aquifers. The aquifer

represented by this well is artesian (groundwater under pressure). The nearest watercourse is a

stream 100 metres to the south. The well is protected by a secure steel cap. (Ecology Action

Center, 2014).

The weather conditions at the time of the site visit were -3°C with cloud cover. There is no

barologger for this well.

Glen Arbour

GS 105 is located on an undeveloped lot in a fifteen year old residential subdivision in the

community of Hammonds Plains. The site is wooded with mature trees, and is on a moderate,

west-facing slope. The well was drilled during a hydrogeological assessment of the area prior to

development of the subdivision. The nearest watercourse is a stream 100 metres to the west.

The well is protected by a secure steel cap. (Ecology Action Center, 2014)

The weather conditions at the time of the site visit were overcast, with snow cover of 10cm.

The casing of this well appeared to be rusted and flaking.

Milford

GS 106 is located in the community of Milford Station. The site is owned by Nova Scotia

Transportation Infrastructure and Renewal (NSTIR) and is at the base of two slopes: a steep

north-facing grassy slope from highway 224, and a southwest facing slope of farm land. The

well was drilled by NSTIR to assess groundwater quality in this area. The nearest watercourse is

a stream 500 metres to the south. The well is fitted with a secured steel cap and a tall flagged

post visible from active farming machinery. (Ecology Action Center, 2014)


Halifax

GS 107 is located in the north end community of Halifax at the Technical Institute Campus of

the Nova Scotia Community College. The site is on a small area of lawn between a paved

parking area and driveway to the northeast, and a building to the southwest, and is relatively

flat. The nearest known water body is the Bedford Basin, 600 metres to the north. The well was

drilled as a monitoring well for students attending the college. The well is protected by a

secured steel cap. (Ecology Action Center, 2014)

10

The well showed signs of mold during the site visit. The well cap is cracked on the side, and the

top of casing is jagged/not flush.

New Ross

GS 108 is located in the community of New Ross, at the Ross Farm Museum. The site is on

relatively level ground, with a small gift shop and information centre several metres to the east,

and a gravel parking lot 10 metres to the west. The well was originally drilled to supply the

centre with drinking water, however water quality from this well did not meet national

standards and is no longer used. The nearest water body is approximately 200 metres to the

east. The well is hidden from view, and is protected by a steel cap. (Ecology Action Center,

2014)


LaHave

GS 109 is located on private property in LaHave, near Bridgewater. The site is on ground sloping

to the south. The well was originally drilled to supply a home with drinking water however the

residents use water from a dug well. (Ecology Action Center, 2014)


11

3.3 Well Site Measurements

These measurements were taken for the use of future students who work with Groundswell.

Measurements should be taken in the future, and if any changes are to be found between past

and present measurements, it is to be noted. Changes in the ground to top of casing

measurement could indicate sinking/subsidence which would compromise the integrity of the

well. Changes in the casing diameter could indicate corrosion/buildup, which would

compromise the integrity of the well.

Table 3: Well Site Measurements

Well Site Ground to Top of Casing (cm) Inner Casing Diamter (cm)

Outer Casing Diamter (cm)

Fall River On upper gradient: 20.5 On lower Gradient: 45.4

15.6 17.1

Glen Arbour 23.8 15.5 16.2

LaHave Not Available Not Available Not Available

Halifax 47 15.5 17.1

Waverley 32.8 15.7 16.7

Milford Not Available Not Available Not Available

New Ross* On upper gradient:27.25 inches

On lower gradient: 29 inches 6 inches 6 5/8 inches

Beaver Bank 24.7 19.9 22.7

South Uniacke Not Available Not Available Not Available

The LaHave, Milford, and South Uniacke sites were not personally visited, therefore this data is

unavailable for this site. As well, the New Ross site data was taken by a volunteer, and is kept in

his measurements as inches, to maintain the integrity.

12

4.0 Results

4.1 Groundwater Elevations

The following is a summary of the results interpreted from each well location. Photographs of

each site can be found in Appendix A.

GS 101 Valley Gate/South Uniacke

Data reviewed for the South Uniacke well is from December 2012 to June 2016, data was

acquired from the Ecology Action Centre. This is the final record for GS 101. This well was

removed in June because the current land owners will be using the well as a water source, this

is also why there was no site visit or photos for the study. Statistics in metres above sea level

are as follows:

Table 4 Statistics South Uniacke

Date Elevation, ASL

Historical Low 2014-09-21 152.36m

Average 153.24m

Historical High 2015-04-23 154.21m

The long term trend in groundwater levels stays relatively balanced, with lower levels during

summer seasons and higher levels in the wintertime. The loggers were taken out before the

summer of 2016, which may have presented a lowering of the water table.

Figure 1: South Uniacke (ENTG 2017)

152

153

154

18-Dec-12 18-Dec-13 18-Dec-14 18-Dec-15

Elev

atio

n A

SL, M

etre

s

Date

South Uniake 2012-2016

Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres Linear (Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres)

13

GS 102 Fall River

Data reviewed for the Fall River well is from March 2011 to January 2017, data was acquired

from the Ecology Action Centre website from March 2011 to June 2014, and the remaining data

was directly loaded from the site visit. Statistics in metres above sea level for water levels are as

follows:

Table 5 Statistics Fall River

Date Elevation, ASL


Average 25.47m


Long term trends show an overall lowering of the water table, and particularly low water levels

in the summer of 2016. The 2016 low levels are representative to the drought throughout that

summer. There is a large amount of data missing from October 2014 to June 2015, which may

have an effect on the trendline.

Figure 2: Fall River (ENTG 2017)

24.4

24.8

25.2

25.6

26

22-Mar-11 22-Mar-12 22-Mar-13 22-Mar-14 22-Mar-15 22-Mar-16

ASL

(M

)

Date

Fall River 2011-2017Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres Linear (Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres)

14

GS 103 Waverley

Data reviewed for the Waverley well is from April 2011 to January 2017, data was acquired

from the Ecology Action Centre website from April 2011 to December 2013, and the remaining

data was directly loaded from the site visit. Statistics in metres above sea level are as follows:

Table 6 Statistics Waverley


in the summer of 2016. The 2016 low levels are representative to the drought throughout that

summer.

Figure 3: Waverley (ENTG 2017)

34

35

36

37

2011-04-12 2012-04-12 2013-04-12 2014-04-12 2015-04-12 2016-04-12

ASL

(M

)

Date

Waverley 2012-2017Groundwater Level ASL (Metres) Linear (Groundwater Level ASL (Metres))

Date Elevation, ASL


Average 35.71m


15

GS 104 Beaver Bank

The Beaver Bank well is special when considering water levels because it is an artesian well,

which means it is under pressure; when water levels rise above the ground it is then considered

a flowing artesian well. Data covered for the Beaver Bank well is from May 2012 to March 2017,

data was acquired from the Ecology Action Centre website from May 2012 to March 2014, and

the remaining was directly loaded from the site visit. Statistics in metres above sea level for

water levels are as follows:

Table 7 Beaver Bank Statistics

Date Elevation, ASL


Average 41.88m



throughout late 2015 and summer 2016. For late 2015, it is unknown why water levels reached

such low levels, but the 2016 low levels are representative to the drought throughout that

summer. This site does not contain a barometer, so GS 102 Fall River barometric readings were

applied. There is a concern for the quality of the data due to the merging of the EAC’s data with

NSCC’s data showing a difference in maximum water levels, which should not have changed

due to the flowing nature of the well. It is recommended that the line length be measured to

resolve any discrepancies.

Figure 4: Beaver Bank (ENTG 2017)

41

42

27-Oct-11 27-Apr-12 27-Oct-12 27-Apr-13 27-Oct-13 27-Apr-14 27-Oct-14 27-Apr-15 27-Oct-15 27-Apr-16 27-Oct-16

Gro

undw

ater

Lev

el A

SL, M

etre

s

Date

Beaver BankGroundwater Level ASL, Metres Linear (Groundwater Level ASL, Metres)

16

GS 105 Glen Arbour

Data reviewed for the Glen Arbour well is from September 2012 to March 2017, all data was

directly loaded from the site visit. Statistics in metres above sea level are as follows:

Table 8 Statistics Glen Arbour

Date Elevation, ASL

Historical Low 2016-09-17 99.64

Average 101.02

Historical High 2012-12-23 101.78

The water levels at this site have been significantly dropping since 2011, with longer periods of

lower water levels in the summertime every year. The 2016 summer drought is very prominent.

The area is close to a residential area which relies on their own well water. The use of

groundwater in the near vicinity needs to be considered when interpreting data, it is possible

water levels are influenced by other pumping wells.

Figure 5: Glen Arbour (ENTG 2017)

99

100

101

102

4-Sep-12 4-Sep-13 4-Sep-14 4-Sep-15 4-Sep-16

ASL

(M

etr

es)

Date

Glen Arbour 2011-2017Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres Linear (Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres)

17

GS 106 Milford

Data reviewed for the Milford well is from October 2011 to September 2016. The site has been

abandoned, so this is the final record for GS 106. The well is only 17m above sea level, making it

the lowest well. Data was directly loaded from the removed loggers while off site, therefore a

site visit was not conducted nor were photographs taken. Statistics in metres above sea level

are as follows:

Table 9 Statistics Milford

Date Elevation, ASL


Average 10.21m


There is a lot of missing data for this analysis, which reduces the integrity of results. Long term

trends show an overall lowering of the water table.

Figure 6: Milford (ENTG 2017)

9

10

11

2011-10-28 2012-10-28 2013-10-28 2014-10-28 2015-10-28

ASL

(m

etre

s)

Date

Milford 2011-2017Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres Linear (Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres)

18

GS 107 Halifax

Data reviewed for the NSCC IT Campus well is from April 2012 to January 2017, data was

directly loaded from the site visit. Statistics in metres above sea level for water levels are as

follows:

Table 10 Statistics Halifax

Date Elevation, ASL


Average 49.71m


This well is pumped every 2 years as part of a learning exercise at the college, dates where

pumping has occurred data has been removed because it is not representative of actual water

levels. Long term trends show an overall lowering of the water table, and particularly low water

levels in the summer of 2016. The 2016 low levels are representative of the drought throughout

that summer, during this time the water level flatlines, and it is suspected that water levels may

have been below the level loggers.

Figure 7: Halifax (ENTG 2017)

45.00

46.00

47.00

48.00

49.00

50.00

51.00

52.00

53.00

19-Apr-12 19-Apr-13 19-Apr-14 19-Apr-15 19-Apr-16

ASL

(M

etre

s)

Date

NSCC Leeds Street 2012-2017

Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres Linear (Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres)

19

GS 108 New Ross

Data reviewed for the New Ross well is from August 2012 to March 2017, data was acquired

from Matthew Gates from Ross Farm Museum. Statistics in metres above sea level are as

follows:

Table 11 Statistics New Ross

Date Elevation, ASL


Average 121.07m



in the summer of 2016. As shown in the graph below we see large increases in water levels at

random times. It is unknown why the data displays spikes in water level, and is believed that

the data loggers need to be maintenanced to eliminate this from continuing.

Figure 8: New Ross (ENTG 2017)

120

121

122

2012-08-14 2013-08-14 2014-08-14 2015-08-14 2016-08-14

Eeva

tio

n (

met

res)

New Ross Elevation Above Sea Level, Metres

20

GS 109 Lahave

The Lahave well level loggers and barologgers need to be maintenanced and/or updated. The

efforts to download the data failed, therefore no analysis was conducted on this well. Photos of

the well can be found in appendix A.

NSCC Woodside

Nova Scotia Community College Waterfront Campus has a well on site that has been added as

part of the Groundswell program. Data loggers were installed in this well in October 2016.

4.2 Groundwater Elevation Summary

Throughout the years in Nova Scotia, there has been an overall decrease in water levels, as

depicted below.

Figure 9: Groundwater Level Trends (ENTG 2017)

Water Levels Increasing – Water Levels Decreasing - Trend Not Available -

GS101 South Uniake GS105 Glen Arbour

GS102 Fall River GS106 Milford

GS103 Waverley GS107 Halifax

GS104 BeaverBank GS108 New Ross

21

4.3 Precipitation

The following is a graph that represents precipitation records from 2016:

This displays the drought conditions of the summertime, and can be matched with low

groundwater levels in the area. Precipitation records can be found in Appendix C, for reference

to groundwater levels. All data is from Environment Canadas weather station 8202250 at

Halifax Stanfield International airport.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

1-Jan-16 1-Apr-16 1-Jul-16 1-Oct-16

Pre

cip

itat

ion

, mm

Precipitation, 2016

22

Water Level Recovery

In consideration of major precipitation events not all of the wells respond in the same fashion.

The following is an example of a rainfall event after drought conditions, and how different

aquifers react and recover at different rates. Represented as a 20 day event as a time

reference. The drought conditions of 2016 can be observed from day 1-8, then on the ninth day

there is a major precipitation event of 83.6mm:

The three wells all display different responses to this rainfall event: Fall River displays a gradual

straight line, Waverley displays an increase in water level of 0.81m and starts depleting again

after two days, and NSCC IT Campus displays an increase of 3.39m and starts depleting again

after 3-4 days. This is all relating to the setting (land use), and subsurface conditions of the

three wells.

These three well sites exhibit the same surficial geology, but different bedrock geologies. Fall

River is part of the Halifax Formation, whereas Waverley and the NSCC IT Campus are part of

the Goldenville Formation. The NSCC IT Campus has the greatest increase in water level. This is

largely due to its proximity to a water body (the Bedford Basin) as well as it being a fractured

bedrock system. Although the NSCC IT Campus and Waverley locations have the same bedrock

geology, being that the NSCC IT Campus has a fractured system, it leads to greater recharge.

This is an example of how setting can impact groundwater levels.

83.6

0.81

3.39

-0.5

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Ch

ange

in G

rou

nd

wat

e Le

vels

, m

Pre

cip

itat

ion

, mm

Days

Precipitation Event at Different Well Locations

Precipitation Fall River Waverley NSCC IT Campus

<------- 2016 Drought Conditions

23

5.0 Recommendations

Software updates and Equipment Maintenance

All of the Level loggers and barologgers should be updated each year with a software update so

that data can be loaded successfully. They should be cleared of all data every 3 years.

Maintenance of the data loggers is also recommended, specifically; Lahave, New Ross, Beaver

Bank, should be maintenanced by sending them to the supplier.

Loggers

The Waverley barologger and Lahave level logger did not supply any data, it is recommended

that these loggers are either replaced or fixed.

Transportation

It is recommended that students taking on the Groundswell program have a reliable source of

transportation so that all wells can be visited and assessed by the students in the study.

24

6.0 Conclusion

Through Groundswell, Environmental Engineering Technology (ENTG) Students Jenna Jones and

Makayla Jamieson have uncovered the secret world of groundwater levels in Nova Scotia.

Information on groundwater levels in Nova Scotia is extremely minute and this program has

enabled the community access to this information.

Groundswell studied groundwater levels, precipitation, and temperature. The 2017 research

found that there is a long-term trend of groundwater levels being lowered over the past 5

years. Significantly, the summer of 2016 has seen the lowest groundwater levels on record with

the Groundswell program. This is caused by the drought conditions experienced by the province

during that summer. Climate change presents to us longer bouts of wet and dry spells and is

something that will continue to happen in the province. By monitoring these trends Nova Scotia

can make better decisions when it comes to land use and the use of groundwater.

The NSCC ENTG Program is now an integral part of the Ecology Action Centres Groundswell

program. With this partnership, students have the opportunity to obtain firsthand experience

with groundwater monitoring in Nova Scotia. As the first students to take on the program we

hope that future students will take the baton and continue this important research.

Recommendations for future students include having access to transportation, QA/QC

improvements, and learning and understanding software and equipment maintenance.

25

References

Canada, E. (2016, August 09). Daily Data Report for June 2012. Retrieved February 15, 2017,

from http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=1961-01-

01%7C2012-09-13&dlyRange=1953-01-01%7C2012-09-13&mlyRange=1953-01-01%7C2012-09-

01&StationID=6358&Prov=NS&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnProx&optLimit=specDate

&StartYear=2011&EndYear=2017&selRowPerPage=25&Line=0&txtRadius=25&optProxType=na

vLink&txtLatDecDeg=44.881111111111&txtLongDecDeg=63.508611111111&timeframe=2&Day

=1&Year=2012&Month=6#

Conley, Stea, Brown. (2003). [Surficial Geology of the Province of Nova Scotia Map 92-3]

Retrieved March 17, 2017, from http://novascotia.ca/natr/meb/data/mg/MAP/pdf/map_1992-

003_front_600_cln.pdf

Environment, N. S. (2009, April 01). Well Logs Database | Groundwater | Nova Scotia Environment. Retrieved January 15, 2017, from http://novascotia.ca/nse/welldatabase/wellsearch.asp Groundswell Data. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2017, from https://ecologyaction.ca/issue-area/groundswell-data Keppie, J.D. (2000). [Nova Scotia Geological Highway Map] Retrieved March 17, 2017 from

http://novascotia.ca/natr/meb/data/mg/map/pdf/map_2000-001_gb_d043v2_dp.pdf

http://novascotia.ca/natr/meb/data/mg/MAP/pdf/map_1992-003_front_600_cln.pdf

http://novascotia.ca/natr/meb/data/mg/MAP/pdf/map_1992-003_front_600_cln.pdf

http://novascotia.ca/nse/welldatabase/wellsearch.asp

http://novascotia.ca/natr/meb/data/mg/map/pdf/map_2000-001_gb_d043v2_dp.pdf

Appendix A: Photographs GS 102 Fall River............................................................................................................................................ 2

GS 103 Waverley ........................................................................................................................................... 3

GS 104 Beaver Bank ...................................................................................................................................... 4

GS 105 Glen Arbour ...................................................................................................................................... 6

GS 107 NSCC IT Campus ................................................................................................................................ 8

GS 108 New Ross........................................................................................................................................... 9

GS 109 Lahave ............................................................................................................................................. 11

2

GS 102 Fall River

Photos taken by Jenna Jones, ENTG 2017

3

GS 103 Waverley


4

GS 104 Beaver Bank

5


6

GS 105 Glen Arbour

7


8

GS 107 NSCC IT Campus


9

GS 108 New Ross

10

Photos taken by Matthew Gates, Ross Farm Museum

11

GS 109 Lahave

12

Photos taken by Brian Lohnes, Lahave

Appendix B: Reference Documents Calculations ............................................................................................................................................... 1

Well Data ................................................................................................................................................... 2

South Uniacke – Sackville Rivers Association – Valley Gate Trailer Park .............................................. 2

Fall River – SWEPS- Gordon Snow Community Centre ......................................................................... 3

Waverly – Sackville Rivers Association- Cobequid Road ....................................................................... 4

Beaver Bank- Sackville Rivers Association ............................................................................................ 5

Glen Arbor – community volunteer with glen arbor community ......................................................... 6

Milford Station – Individual Volunteer ***Site Abandoned ................................................................. 7

NSCC Leeds Street ................................................................................................................................. 8

New Ross – Individual Volunteer .......................................................................................................... 9

LaHave – Individual Volunteer ............................................................................................................ 10

Logger Information ................................................................................................................................. 11

1

Calculations

From: www.solinst.com

2

Well Data

South Uniacke – Sackville Rivers Association – Valley Gate Trailer Park

https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20101%20South%20Uniacke(2).pdf

Well Log Record: 050987 Water Yeild Date well completed: 6 – 2 – 2005 Method: Air Lift Well Drilled for: Valley Gate Park Ltd. Rate (igpm): 6.5 Civic Address of Well: 7 Davis Drive Duration (hrs): 3 Certified Well Contractor Depth to Water at end of Test (ft): 340 Driller Name: COVIN, MURDOCK Depth to Static Level (ft): 15 Certificate No: 733 Company: BLUENOSE WELL DRILLING LTD. Well Status / Water Use Final Status of Well: Water Supply Well Water Use: Domestic Method of Drilling: Rotary From 0 to 5ft Clay From 5 to 345 ft Shale Well Construction Information Total Depth Below Surface (ft): 345 Depth to Bedrock (ft): 5 Water Bearing Fractures Encountered at (ft): 80, 100, 230, 280

Outer Well Casing: From (ft): 0 To: 40 Diameter (in): 6 Length of Casing Above Ground (ft): 1 and (in): n/a

Driveshoe Make: rotary & non-heat treated & heavy wall

https://novascotia.ca/nse/welldatabase/welldetail.asp?f_well=050987

Well Name: GS 101 South Uniacke

Observation Well ID 101

NSE Well log Number 50987

County Hants

Nearest Community South Uniacke

UTM Easting 438368m

UTM Northing 4968928m

Year Monitoring Started 2011

Casing Depth (m) 12.2m

Well Depth 105.2m

Elevation, top of casing (masl) 154m (unconfirmed)

Geologic Unit Goldenville Formation

Aquifer Material Bedrock-Shale

https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20101%20South%20Uniacke(2).pdf


3

Fall River – SWEPS- Gordon Snow Community Centre

https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-

documents/file/GS%20102%20Fall%20River.pdf

Well Log Record: 060729 Water Yeild Date well completed: 9 – 29 – 2006 Method: Air Lift Well Drilled for: HRM Rate (igpm): 6 Civic Address of Well: 1359 Fall River Road Duration (hrs): 2 Certified Well Contractor Depth to Water at end of Test (ft): 400 Driller Name: Jacobs, Byron Depth to Static Level (ft): 12 Certificate No: 695 Company: Bluenose Well Drilling LTD Well Status / Water Use Final Status of Well: Water Supply Well Water Use: Public (not municipal) Method of Drilling: Rotary From 0 to 10ft Till From 10 to 39 ft Gray Shale From 39 to 41ft Broken Shale From 41 to 405 ft Gray Shale

Well Construction Information Total Depth Below Surface (ft): 405 Depth to Bedrock (ft): 10 Water Bearing Fractures Encountered at (ft): 40, 95, 315

Outer Well Casing: From (ft): 0 To: 60 Diameter (in): 6 Length of Casing Above Ground (ft): 1 and (in): n/a


Well Name: GS 102 Fall River


NSE Well log Number 060729

County HRM

Nearest Community Fall River

UTM Easting 451277

UTM Northing 4962462


Casing Depth (m) 18.29

Well Depth 123

Elevation, top of casing (masl) ~25m

Geologic Unit Shale*

Aquifer Material Shale

https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/GS%20102%20Fall%20River.pdf

https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/GS%20102%20Fall%20River.pdf


4

Waverly – Sackville Rivers Association- Cobequid Road

https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/GS%20103%20Waverley.pdf

Well Log Record: 993277 Water Yeild Date well completed: 4 – 29 – 1999 Method: Air Lift Well Drilled for: Hydrogeology Field School Demo Well #1 Contactor/builder/consultant: Aquaterra Resource Services Limited

Rate (igpm): 0.5

Civic Address of Well: 21 Old Cobequid Road Duration (hrs): 1 Certified Well Contractor Driller Name: Edwards, Harry A. Depth to Static Level (ft): 4.76 Certificate No: 83 Company: H. J. Edwards Well Drilling Ltd Well Status / Water Use Final Status of Well: Observation Well Water Use: Observation Method of Drilling: Rotary From 0 to 11ft Sand and Gravel From 11 to 15t Gravel and Water From 15 to 200ft Quartzite and Slate

Well Construction Information Total Depth Below Surface (ft): 200 Depth to Bedrock (ft): 15 Water Bearing Fractures Encountered at (ft): 20, 58, 70, 82, 112, 189

Outer Well Casing: From (ft): 0 To: 20 Diameter (in): 6 Length of Casing Above Ground (ft): 1.05 and (in): n/a

http://novascotia.ca/nse/welldatabase/welldetail.asp?f_well=993277

Well Name: Waverley GS 103


NSE Well log Number n/a

County HRM

Nearest Community Waverley

UTM Easting 451255




Well Depth 60.0

Elevation, top of casing (masl) 52m

Geologic Unit n/a

Aquifer Material n/a

https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/GS%20103%20Waverley.pdf

http://novascotia.ca/nse/welldatabase/welldetail.asp?f_well=993277

5

Beaver Bank- Sackville Rivers Association

Well Name GS 104 Beaverbank


NSE Well Log Number n/a

County HRM

Nearest Community Beaver Bank

UTM Easting n/a

UTM Northing n/a


Casing Depth (m) n/a

Well Depth (m) n/a

Elevation, top of casing (masl) 42.22

Geologic Unit n/a

Aquifer Material n/a https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20104%20Beaver%20Bank.pdf

https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20104%20Beaver%20Bank.pdf

6

Glen Arbor – community volunteer with glen arbor community

Well Name GS 105 Glen Arbour



County HRM

Nearest Community Hammonds Plains

UTM Easting 438652




Well Depth 112.8

Elevation, top of casing (masl) 107.751

Geologic Unit Halifax Formation

Aquifer Material Bedrock - Slate https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20105%20Glen%20Arbour(1).pdf

https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20105%20Glen%20Arbour(1).pdf

7

Milford Station – Individual Volunteer ***Site Abandoned

https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20106%20Milford%20Station.pdf

Well Name Milford Station GS 106



County Hants

Nearest Community Milford Station

UTM Easting 438652.00 m E

UTM Northing 4956698.00 m N


Casing Depth (m) 13.79 m

Well Depth (m) 26.82 m

Elevation, top of casing (masl) 17.06 m

Geologic Unit n/a


https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20106%20Milford%20Station.pdf

8

NSCC Leeds Street

Well Name GS 107 NSCC Leeds St


NSE Well Log Number 980011

County HRM

Nearest Community Halifax

UTM Easting 450500




Well Depth (m) 112.8

Elevation top of casing (masl) n/a

Geologic Unit n/a

Aquifer Material Bedrock - Slate https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20107%20NSCC%20Leeds%20St.pdf

Well Log Record: 980011 Water Yeild Date well completed: 1 – 20 – 1998 Method: Air Lift Well Drilled for: NS Institute of technology Rate (igpm): 12 Civic Address of Well: 5685 Leeds Street Duration (hrs): n/a Certified Well Contractor Driller Name: Edwards, Michael Lloyd Depth to Static Level (ft): 13.5 Certificate No: 361 Company: n/a Well Status / Water Use Final Status of Well: Observation Well **note northing:4946436

Easting 451298 not the same Water Use: Other Method of Drilling: n/a From 0 to 3ft Gravel From 3 to 21ft n/a From 21 to 200ft Slate

Well Construction Information Total Depth Below Surface (ft): 200 Depth to Bedrock (ft): n/a Water Bearing Fractures Encountered at (ft): 50, 186

Outer Well Casing: From (ft): 0 To: 33 Diameter (in): 6 Length of Casing Above Ground (ft): n/a


https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20107%20NSCC%20Leeds%20St.pdf

9

New Ross – Individual Volunteer

Well Name GS 108 New Ross


NSE Well Log Number 741236

County Lunenburg

Nearest Community New Ross

UTM Easting 384804




Well Depth (m) 140.2


Geologic Unit Liscomb Complex


https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20108%20New%20Ross.pdf

Well Log Record: 741236 Water Yeild Date well completed: 7 – 2 – 1974 Method: n/a Well Drilled for: Ross Farm Museum Rate (igpm): 3 Civic Address of Well: n/a Duration (hrs): 1 Certified Well Contractor Total draw down: 15ft Driller Name: Veinotte, Eugene Depth to Static Level (ft): 15 Certificate No: 24 Company: L.E. Veinotte & Sons LTD Well Status / Water Use Final Status of Well: n/a Water Use: Domestic Method of Drilling: Rotary From 0 to 18ft Boulders and Clay From 18 to 460ft Rock Well Construction Information Total Depth Below Surface (ft): 460 Depth to Bedrock (ft): 18 Water Bearing Fractures Encountered at (ft): Outer Well Casing: From (ft): 6 To: 23 Diameter (in): 6 Length of Casing Above Ground (ft): n/a


https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20108%20New%20Ross.pdf

10

LaHave – Individual Volunteer

Well Name GS 109 LaHave


NSE Well Log Number

County Lunenburg

Nearest Community Bridgewater

UTM Easting 385728



Casing Depth (m) n/a

Well Depth (m) 25 m


Geologic Unit Slate

Aquifer Material n/a https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20109%20LaHave.pdf

https://ecologyaction.ca/files/images-documents/file/Coastal/Groundswell/GS%20109%20LaHave.pdf

11

Logger Information

Figure 1 Retrieved from Larissa Holman, Ecology Action Centre

Logg

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02

Appendix C: Precipitation Records

Figure 1 Precipitation 2016 ........................................................................................................................... 2






Figure 1 Precipitation 2016


0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

1-Jan-16 1-Apr-16 1-Jul-16 1-Oct-16

Pre

cip

itat

ion

, mm

Precipitation, 2016

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

1-Jan-15 1-Apr-15 1-Jul-15 1-Oct-15

Pre

cip

itti

on

, mm

Precipitation, 2015


0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

1-Jan-14 1-Apr-14 1-Jul-14 1-Oct-14

Pre

cip

itat

ion

, mm

Precipitation 2014

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

1-Jan-13 1-Apr-13 1-Jul-13 1-Oct-13

Pre

cip

itat

ion

, mm

Precipitation 2013




0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

1-Jan-12 1-Apr-12 1-Jul-12 1-Oct-12

Pre

cip

itai

on

, mm

2012 Precipitation

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

1-Jan-11 1-Apr-11 1-Jul-11 1-Oct-11

Pre

cip

itat

ion

, mm

2011 Precipitation

4/8/2017 Groundswell - Ecology Action

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