InfoPEIHOME / GOVERNMENT / GOVINFO / ENVIRONMENT AND LAND / WATER RESOURCES / Monitoring the Groundwater Table on PEI Where do I get information about groundwater table elevations on PEI?
Water table elevations are continuously monitored on Prince Edward Island. There are thirteen observation wells across the province, which are maintained by the Water Management Division of the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry. These observation wells are instrumented and monitor fluctuations in the water table on a daily basis. Plots of this data can be accessed for each of these wells by clicking on the associated red dot on the map located at the top of the page. The plots show the current water table elevation levels in red, and compare these to the maximum water table elevation levels and minimum water table elevation levels (green and blue lines respectively) that have been observed in these wells over the period of record (this is the length of time that data has been available from the observation well.). A second plot for each site is also available to show the long-term trend through the entire period of record. Some of the observation wells are also instrumented to record groundwater temperatures (grey line). Plots are updated on a frequency of approximately every two months. Real time data for the York station is available. The elevation of the water table rises and falls throughout the year depending on the rate at which groundwater is recharged and discharge. In the spring, melting of accumulated snow, combined with seasonal precipitation result in rapid infiltration of water into the ground. Temperatures are cool enough that little water is lost to evaporation or transpiration. One can see higher water table in this time of the year. When summer comes, most precipitation evaporates or is used by plants, and only little water reaches the water table, even after heavy rains. As a result the water table gradually falls. Temperatures are cooler in the fall, and less water is lost to evaporation or transpiration – the water table rises slightly. Groundwater extraction effects water table decline in the areas surrounding the pumping well. Withdrawal induced effects are reflected on the water table data from a well nearby (see the Lakeside well water table curve). Water table measurements from wells are the principle source of information on the effects of hydrologic stresses on our groundwater systems. To understand the true nature of change in our groundwater systems and to differentiate between natural and human induced changes, we require records of water table measurements over substantial periods. Experts often use water table data to assess groundwater recharge, availability of groundwater, subsurface properties and to calibrate various decision support tools, such as groundwater models. Therefore sound decisions in terms of groundwater management and protection are directly or indirectly based on groundwater table monitoring data. Contact Charlottetown Jiang, Yefang (Watershed Hydrogeologist)
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