| | Step 1 - Understand the application process | Step 2 - Review your current licence and registration status | Step 3 - Estimate water use | Step 4 - Compile field survey information | Step 5 - Know the pump testing and monitoring requirements | Step 6 - Make sure the drilling contractor is aware of your licencing requirements | Step 7 - Make sure application information is complete
Reference: Alberta Environment and Parks – Guide to Groundwater Authorization March 2011 Information when submitting an Application under the Water Act
Introduction
Groundwater is a valuable resource that must be managed and sustained for use by all Albertans. In Alberta, the “Water Act” provides the means to allocate water in an orderly and beneficial manner through the issuance of Licences for all water uses other than for household purposes. Therefore, agricultural water users are required to obtain a licence for groundwater withdrawal. The information in this document is provided as a guide only to help you better understand your responsibility and the general process of obtaining a licence to use up to 10 m3 (2,200 Imperial Gallons) per day of groundwater for agricultural purposes under the Water Act. Communicate directly with Alberta Environment and Parks to obtain current information. You can contact a Regional Office near you:
Northern Region
Edmonton - 780-427-7617 | Central Region
Red Deer - 403-340-7052 | Southern Region
Calgary - 403-297-7602 |
Or local offices including Peace River, Spruce Grove or Lethbridge by dialing toll free to 310-0000
Step 1 - Understand the application process
The aim of the application process is to:
| 1. | Protect aquifers from over-development, |
| 2. | Protect the water supplies of household users, registrants, and licence holders, |
| 3. | Promote the beneficial use of the water resource, and |
| 4. | Protect the environment. |
Applicants are responsible to submit a complete application.
- Where necessary, applicants provide additional information and complete any Public Notice Requirements
Alberta Environment and Parks
- Reviews the application and the supporting information
- When necessary additional information is requested
- Requests placement of Public Notice
- Reviews and identifies issues in Statements of Concern arising from the Public Notice
- Requests applicant to address any issues identified in Statements of Concern
Complete applications contain all of the appropriate supporting information without requiring any further information. A Priority of Use, the date from which a user is allowed to use water, is based on the date when a complete application is received. Applicants must demonstrate that a sufficient amount of suitable quality groundwater is available for the intended use without negatively impacting the aquifer, other surrounding water users and the environment.
Step 2 - Review your current licence and registration status
Water users are responsible to keep licences and registrations up to date and comply with stated conditions to maintain a licence in good standing. Make sure all information is accurate and that specified diversion rates are current with the intended water use.
Household Use means the use of up to 1,250 cubic meters or 275,000 Imperial Gallons of water per year (up to 3 households per parcel of land) for the purpose of human consumption, sanitation, fire prevention and watering animals, gardens, lawns and trees. A Household, as defined in the regulations for the purposes of the Water Act, means one or more individuals, living in a single, private and detached dwelling place. Household water use is a statutory right and is not licensable.
Traditional Agriculture Registrations were affected following the closing date for registration applications of December 31, 2001. The official repository for the registration is the Environmental Management System (a database for all water-related authorizations). No official document is issued other than a copy of the application with the Department section completed. The maximum amount of water considered for traditional agriculture use was 6,250 cubic meters or 1,375,000 Imperial Gallons per farm unit per year for the raising of livestock or pesticide application. Quantities of water considered for traditional agriculture registration had to be in use from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 1998. Applications were received for a three-year period from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2001. Priorities for these registrations were given based on first date of water use from the source. Registrations stay with the land on or under which the source of water is located, regardless of ownership changes.
Licences are legal documents allowing for the diversion and use of water. They identify:
- The holder’s name, address and legal land location where the specific diversion is occurring,
- The maximum annual quantity (allocation) of water allowed for the specified diversion,
- A priority number for a right to divert water is based on the date an Application is deemed complete,
- In the case of groundwater, the completion interval, and the maximum pumping rate of the water well,
- Conditions under which the diversion can take place,
- An expiry date, etc. Licences for agricultural water use are typically issued for a term of 25 years.
Replacement water well: A new well that is constructed to replace an older existing well.
- The Licence for the existing water well may be amended to reflect changes to the pumping rate and production interval.
Supplementary water well: A new well that is constructed in addition to older existing wells.
- The supplementary water well will be identified on the licence for the existing water well, and
- Will share the current allocation and priority number of the existing water well(s) provided there is no additional quantity of water required.
If either a replacement or supplementary situation applies, the new well needs to be:
- Installed in the same aquifer as the existing well;
- Installed near the existing well where drawdown and the cone of depression is similar to or better than the drawdown and the cone of depression of the existing well;
- Completed in accordance with the Water (Ministerial) Regulation governing well completion interval length at the time of replacement.
The old well must be properly decommissioned if the new well replaces the old well.
A new licence is required when:
- The new water well is not completed in the same aquifer as the well on the existing licence. An amendment to the existing licence may be required to reduce the allocation according to the proposed withdrawal from the new well.
- Or, when additional water is needed above the current allocation.
Step 3 - Estimate agricultural water use
The following “Guide to Calculate Quantities of Water for Raising Animals” is contained in Appendix 2 of Alberta Environment and Park’s Guide to Groundwater Authorization March 2011. Click here to download an automatic calculation form of this.
Guide to calculate quantities of water for raising animals
| Example Guide Water Used For: | No. of Animals |  | Gallons per Day* | | Quantity per Day (Gallons) | | No. of Days | | Total Gallons per Year |
| Dairy | Milking cows | | x | 30.0 | = | | x | | = | |
| Dry cows, replacements | | x | 10.0 | = | | x | | = | |
| Calves up to 550 lbs | | x | 3.0 | = | | x | | = | |
| Beef | Cow/calf pairs | | x | 12.0 | = | | x | | = | |
| Calves up to 550 lbs | | x | 3.0 | = | | x | | = | |
| Beef | Feeders 550 to 900 lbs | | x | 6.0 | = | | x | | = | |
| Feeders 900 to 1,250 lbs | | x | 9.0 | = | | x | | = | |
| Hogs | Sows farrow to finish | | x | 20.0 | = | | x | | = | |
| Sows farrow to wean 50 lbs | | x | 6.5 | = | | x | | = | |
| Feeders 50 to 250 lbs | | x | 1.5 | = | | x | | = | |
| Weaners 15 to 50 lbs | | x | 0.5 | = | | x | | = | |
| Chickens | Broilers/Roasters | | x | 0.035 | = | | x | | = | |
| Layers/Breeders | | x | 0.055 | = | | x | | = | |
| Turkeys | | x | 0.150 | = | | x | | = | |
| Sheep/Goats | Milking ewes/does | | x | 3.0 | = | | x | | = | |
| Ewes/does | | x | 2.0 | = | | x | | = | |
| Feeder lambs | | x | 1.5 | = | | x | | = | |
| Horses, Bison, Mules | | x | 10.0 | = | | x | | = | |
| Elk, Donkeys | | x | 5.0 | = | | x | | = | |
| Deer, Llamas, Alpacas | | x | 2.0 | = | | x | | = | |
| Ostriches | | x | 1.0 | = | | x | | = | |
| Other (specify) | | x | | = | | x | | = | |
Pesticide Application | x | | = | |
| *Quantities of use per day per animal are averages only. If you know your own use, please change according to your water needs. | Total amount per year in imperial gallons | |
Divide imperial gallons by 220 to get cubic meters | /220 = |
Total amount per year in cubic meters | |
Where multiple water sources are being used, each source will require a water use calculation to be completed. Proper assessment of daily and peak water demand relative to the ability of each water well to deliver an adequate supply is essential if water wells are to be operated in a sustainable manner.
Refer to the publication “Water Wells That Last” to obtain information on sustainable water wells and estimating water needs. Or obtain a printed version by calling 1-800-292-5697 (toll free). For more information on farm water supplies, you can contact an Agricultural Water Specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry through the Alberta Ag-Info Centre toll free at 310-FARM (3276). In addition, the Working Well Program provides useful resources and holds workshops in many areas of Alberta.
Step 4 - Compile field survey information
(Refer to Section 2.6 and Appendix 3 of the Guide to Groundwater Authorization March 2011
It is important to pay attention to all public concerns and potential conflicts that may occur as a result of the proposed project.
- Verify neighbouring water supplies within a radius of at least 1.6 kilometers of the new well site.
- Prepare a Location Plan showing all water projects and water bodies (water wells, springs, dams, dugouts, lakes, rivers, creeks, etc) within at least a 1.6 kilometer radius of the proposed diversion site(s). Example plans are located in Appendix 7 Supplementary Forms of the Guide to Groundwater Authorization March 2011.
- Obtain Drilling Report(s) for water well(s) surrounding the proposed diversion site, if available. Information on water wells drilled in Alberta can be obtained on the Alberta Water Well Information Database or contact the Groundwater Information Centre at 780-427-2770
- Compile Field Survey Information. Provide the following, if available, for each of the identified water supplies:
- owner’s /lessee’s name;
- legal land location;
- surface elevation;
- type of water source (e.g. wells, springs, dugouts, etc.);
- water source status (e.g. producing, standby, observation, abandoned, etc.);
- well depth;
- original non-pumping level and date level recorded;
- current non-pumping water level and date recorded;
- well completion details, completion interval (e.g. open hole, perforated, screened);
- depth to the top of the aquifer and the amount of available head;
- maximum pumping rate;
- current estimated water requirements (daily/annual):
- purpose of use (household, livestock, industrial);
- distance from the proposed diversion or drainage site; and,
- summary of historical chemical analysis.
Step 5 - Know the pump testing and monitoring requirements
At the least, applicants (or a Consultant acting on their behalf) should supply the following production testing and monitoring information as part of a complete application submission.
Anticipated
Daily Pumping Rate | Number Of
Days | Anticipated
Maximum Yearly
Water Requirement | * Length of Pumping
& Recovery Test
At Anticipated
Maximum Pumping Rate | Observation
Monitoring
Site * * |
Up to 10 m3 per day
Or
Up to (2,200 Igpd) | 365
Days | Up to 3,650 m3 per Year
Or
Up to (803,000 Ig) per Year | 2 + 2 hours
Or longer and at least
90% Recovery | 0 |
Minimum recommendations taken from Appendix 4 (Guide to Groundwater Authorization March 2011) – Table showing Length of Pump Test and Information Required for the Anticipated Maximum Water Diversion/Drainage.
* More information and/or longer pump tests may be required. Available water supply estimates generally increase in reliability with longer pumping periods, and allow hydrogeological conditions in the area to become more clearly defined and understood. Knowledge about hydrogeology is best achieved through a proper groundwater evaluation program. It is often best to retain the services of a Groundwater Consultant especially as water demands increase and potential exists to impact other water users.
* * Household wells, and other types of water wells, could be considered potential monitoring sites. |
For more detailed information Applicants need to refer to the original document. Alberta Environment and Parks Guide to Groundwater Authorization March 2011 (Required Information when submitting an Application under the Alberta Water Act Legislation)
Step 6 - Make sure the drilling contractor is aware of your licencing requirements
Licencable water wells must be constructed in accordance with methods outlined in the Water (Ministerial) Regulation. Completion in a single aquifer is essential to properly assess aquifer yield and to insure aquifers are protected from contamination. Well owners may be directed to have a new well re-completed or isolated within a single aquifer prior to testing. Avoid unnecessary delays and added costs, by properly constructing and assessing your well during the initial installation.
| 1. | Wells need to be properly designed and developed so as to allow production consistent with a well owner’s water needs, taking into account the production potential of the aquifer being used. |
| 2. | Wells need to be sealed the full length of the annulus from the ground surface to the top of the aquifer using appropriate sealing materials (e.g.- cement, grout, bentonite, etc.). Plugging the annulus prevents contamination. Also, completion in a single aquifer prevents co-mingling of “different water qualities”. |
| 3. | Wells need to be constructed in a manner that does not result in multiple aquifer completions. The open-hole portion, slotted liner, or screened section should not exceed 7.62 meters (25 feet) if distinct water-producing units are not present, and is the current requirement (June 2011) under the Water Act. |
| 4. | A minimum two-hour constant rate pump test, at a rate equal to or higher than the expected pumping rate, needs to be conducted in a suitable manner that can determine aquifer parameters. Pumping and non-pumping water levels shall be accurately measured and recorded to the nearest one (1) centimeter at appropriate time intervals. For example, as specified in the Well Yield Section of the Water Well Drilling Report:
- The static water level is measured immediately before pumping commences;
- Drawdown is measured periodically during the full pumping cycle;
- Measure the last pumping water level just prior to turning the pump off;
- It is important to record the exact time pumping has started and stopped;
- Measure the recovery water levels on the same schedule as the pumping interval;
- Continue measuring the recovering water levels for two hours, or until 90 % of the pre-test water level is reached.
|
| 5. | A water sample should be collected from the production well near the end of a pump test. Applicants are responsible to ensure water quality is suitable for the intended use. *Routine Chemical Water Analysis are: |
| o Bicarbonate (HCO3)
o Calcium (Ca)
o Carbonate (CO3)
o Chloride (Cl)
o Fluoride (F)
o Iron (Fe) | o Magnesium (Mg)
o Manganese (Mn)
o Nitrite +Nitrate (NO2+NO3)
o pH
o Potassium (K) | o Sodium (Na)
o Sulfate (SO4)
o Total Alkalinity
o Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
o Total Hardness |
| *Depending on the specific water use, other water quality parameters may need to be assessed to insure that suitable water is available.
** Temperature and Electrical Conductivity should also be measured and recorded at the time sample is taken. |
For daily water diversions less than 10 m3 (2,200 Imp. Gal) per day, information is generally provided on a properly documented Water Well Drillers Report.
For daily diversion rates over 10 m3 (2,200 Imp. Gal) per day, or in complex situations, information is generally documented by preparing a Groundwater Report. When a groundwater consultant is retained, it is important that the Well Owner, Drilling Contractor and Consultant work closely together so that an appropriate and cost effective groundwater development program is planned and conducted. In these situations it is important to refer to the Alberta Environment and Parks Guide to Groundwater Authorization March 2011 (Required Information when submitting an Application under the Water Act)
Step 7 - Make sure application information is complete
| A. | “Application under the Water Act”
- Provide the necessary Applicant Information (name, address, phone number, etc);
- Provide the Consultant’s name, phone number, etc. (if one is contracted to conduct testing and evaluations).
- Provide the Land Location of Works and Activities.
- State the Purpose of the groundwater diversion. (E.g. agricultural, etc.), and Annual Quantity to be diverted (Also indicate if use is seasonal or year round).
- Show necessary Well Information including Total Well Depth, Production Interval and the Pumping Rate. (These should be readily identifiable from the Water Well Drilling Report).
- Be sure to provide an accurate description of the Project or Activity. Is this a new water use? Or is this a supplementary or replacement water supply? This information may impact your Priority of Use.
|
| B. | Water Use Calculation Sheet(s)
- Provide an accurate assessment of your water needs.
|
| C. | Water Well Drilling Report(s), Production Testing Data and Water Analysis Report(s)
Supporting groundwater information needs to show:
- The geologic structure (Formation Log or Lithology Description);
- How the well is constructed (Well Completion Data);
- Production interval (Perforations, Screen Type or Open Hole);
- Pump test data confirming well yield and a recommended pumping rate;
- Suitability of water quality for the intended purpose;
- Also when available, include E-logs, groundwater evaluation reports and other geologic/aquifer information that help to identify the aquifer and the availability of a secure groundwater supply.
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| D. | Field Verified Survey and Location Plan
- At a minimum identify and provide information on all water projects and water bodies (water wells, springs, dams, dugouts, lakes, rivers, creeks, etc) within at least a one-kilometer radius of the proposed diversion site(s).
- Depending on size, location or purpose of a project, and the degree of groundwater/surface water interaction additional site data may also be requested where specific environmental issues arise.
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| E. | Public Notice
- Public Notice of an application may be required when the Department receives an application. If there are outstanding issues and concerns they will in all likelihood be expressed during the public advertising process.
- It is always better to communicate with your neighbours and discuss their concerns with them before submitting an application.
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