This sub-project is part of the following project :
Assessment of Regional Aquifers: Towards a National Inventory - J03

Contact:
Christine Rivard (Leader)
Christine Deblonde (Information Technologist Specialist)

Abstract:

The Annapolis-Cornwallis Valley, Nova Scotia, covers approximately 2600 km2 and is located between the North and South Mountains, along the Bay of Fundy (Figure 1). This 3-year project is conducted in collaboration with provincial and federal Departments, environmental associations and academic institutions. The objective of this hydrogeological study is to characterize the groundwater resource within granular and fractured aquifers of a major economic region of Nova Scotia. Both quantity and quality issues will be addressed.

Groundwater is the major source of water supply in the Annapolis-Cornwallis Valley and an important source of water for numerous aquatic habitats such as wetlands and streams. Population growth and land use changes in this area have put high pressure on water resources. Groundwater circulating in the Annapolis-Cornwallis Valley is generally sufficient and of relatively good quality. However, local problems of both quality and quantity are known, and probably increasing. Consequently, a better knowledge of the hydrodynamic conditions and characteristics of the groundwater is essential for the well-being of the population and the economic development of the region. This project will provide baseline information that will contribute to ensure that perennial good quality groundwater is available within the Annapolis-Cornwallis Valley.

Objectives:

• Define the architecture of main aquifer units

• Assess hydraulic properties of both surficial deposits and bedrock aquifers using existing and acquired data (Figure 2)

• Implement a monitoring network

• Characterize the groundwater quality

• Evaluate the water budget (Figure 3)

• Improve the understanding of hydrodynamic conditions (Figure 4)

• Estimate recharge trends over the past decades to study potential impacts of climatic change

• Evaluate the vulnerability of water supply

Results:

• Tools to assist decision makers in sustainable regional land use planning: Databases; Maps of aquifers and their properties (Figure 5); Geological models for the sediment and bedrock units (Figure 6); Hydrogeological models allowing the realization of various scenarios

• A web site available for public consultation

• A final report and atlas

Appendices

1. Figure 1 : Location map

   2005-01-19: Christine Rivard

2. Figure 2 : Location map of fieldwork performed so far in the Valley

   2005-01-19: Christine Rivard

3. Figure 3 : Illustration of the various parameters to take into account during the water budget evaluation

   2005-01-19: Christine Rivard

4. Figure 4 : Preliminary piezometric map of the Valley, from which groundwater flow direction can be studied. A first idea of the hydraulic connection between granular and bedrock aquifers can also be obtained.

   2005-01-19: Christine Rivard

5. Figure 5 : Example of hydraulic property map - Transmissivity values across the Valley

   2005-01-19: Christine Rivard

6. Figure 6 : Preliminary geological model of the bedrock

   2005-01-19: Christine Rivard

7. Project brochure 2004

   2005-01-20: Christine Rivard

Updated: 2005-01-20