Diana Allen, SFU - Water Science Research: Challenges and Success Stories in Knowledge Translation
1. Water Science Research: Challenges and Success Stories in Knowledge Translation Diana M. Allen Department of Earth Sciences Simon Fraser University Department of Earth Sciences
2. The Growing Demand on Water Groundwater is becoming an attractive resource to meet the growing water needs in many regions of BC As the demand for groundwater increases, it will become increasingly important to consider: the threats to this resource in terms of sustainability and vulnerability to contamination Conflict between water users, including ecosystems Potential impacts of climate change As water scientists, we need to communicate these risks to decision makers more effectively than we have done in the past.
3. Overview Examples of case studies throughout BC that aimed to further our understanding of groundwater systems Grand Forks The Gulf Islands Okanagan Basin Demonstrate the importance of groundwater data Highlight the successes and challenges in knowledge translation Low flows, groundwater and climate change
4. Groundwater (Well) Data Observation wells provide groundwater level time series data that can be used to understand groundwater processes. Well records provide lithological information taken at the time of drilling. These two forms of well data are invaluable for characterizing and modelling aquifers.
11. Potential well yield Assumptions: Homogeneous K, Ss Fully penetrating, 100% efficient wells 70% safe available drawdown Recharge within 100 days of pumping Jacob’s equation applicable Wei et al. 2010 BC MoE
22. Overall Modeling Approach aquifer geological model Climate model downscaling river discharge precipitation and temperature numerical model river flow models recharge model (spatially distributed) scenario simulations Scibek and Allen 2006 Scibek et al. 2007
27. Climate Change Impacts Spatially-varying recharge highlights areas where climate change impacts may be more significant Scibek and Allen, 2006; WRR
29. 2040-2069 2010-2039 May 11 June 29 Difference in water levels between historical and future climate scenarios Aug 29 Scibek et al. 2007 Scibek and Allen 2006 Nov 1
30. Knowledge Translation The various maps that characterize the Grand Forks aquifer are situated on the BC Water Resources Atlas. Well capture zones were intended for use in a Wellhead Protection Plan, but as yet, this plan has not been developed by the community. Climate change impacts results have remained largely in the academic literature.
34. Our Conceptual Understanding of the Geological Framework Allen et al. 2002 Mackie MSc thesis 2002 Surrette and Allen 2008 GSA Bull Surrette et al. 2008 HJ Figure courtesy of Geological Survey of Canada
36. The aquifers are recharged by precipitation on an annual basis; most recharge occurs in the late fall and winter months. Significant variability Longer term cycles are evident in the historic record Trends in groundwater level must be examined keeping in mind these variations.
38. 1000 years of submergence approx. 12,000 years ago 6000 years before today Today Liteanu and Allen 2008
39. Vulnerability Mapping with GSC Vulnerability Mapping for southern GI was done to identify potential recharge zones or zones that might be prone to saltwater intrusion problems Denny et al. 2007 HJ
48. Input Datasets Bedrock Geology Soil characteristics Digital Elevation Model Water Well Database, Faults and Fractures Figure courtesy of Geological Survey of Canada
49. Faults and Fractures Final fault dataset represents a combination of digital lineament analysis and faults and fractures mapped in the field. Lineament analysis performed by combining satellite imagery and a DEM Figure courtesy of Geological Survey of Canada
52. Knowledge Translation Many island residents still believe their groundwater comes from Mount Baker Vulnerability maps are being used by the Islands Trust for planning Research has provided much of the science understanding for the development of the GI Waterscape Poster
55. Goals of Okanagan CWN Project To contribute to science knowledge about groundwater, particularly groundwater recharge To partner with Smart Growth on the Ground in Oliver to ensure that this knowledge was effectively transferred to local decision makers. “A Basin Approach to Groundwater Recharge in the Okanagan: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Policy”
56. Oliver: A Focal Point Vulnerability mapping Groundwater model development Climate change impacts Partnering with local government and Smart Growth on the Ground (SGOG)
60. Lions Park (WTN 83010) Probability of particle origin 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 60 day 365 day 382 m 155 m 500 m 500 m Toews and Allen 2007, BC MoE
61. Fairview (WTN 21867) Probability of particle origin 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 60 day 365 day 237 m 96 m 500 m 500 m Toews and Allen 2007, BC MoE
62. Climate Change Absolute change in mean temperature Relative change in monthly precipitation Relative change in solar radiation Changes in growing days (10°C) Toews and Allen 2009, JH
65. Using Groundwater Information in Land Use Planning Smart Growth on the Ground took place in the Greater Oliver Area Principles of creating tangible, built examples of smart growth Facilitators help to establish a vision, principles, priorities, goals and targets for smart growth through a charrette process (May 2006) Municipal officials, developers, local residents all took part Designs for housing mix, transportation routes, commercial opportunities, trail networks, etc. Water scarcity and water quality identified as key priorities to be incorporated into the OCP
67. Use of Science for Local Decision Making Land Use Allocation Model (LUAM) was developed to help identify areas of desirable growth, and the aquifer vulnerability maps were included. Well capture zones for use in wellhead protection planning are identified in the new Oliver OCP Climate change impacts on groundwater recharge have been assessed although not explicitly incorporated into the LUAM Most of the research on groundwater within the Oliver region was not considered during the recent Okanagan Basin Supply and Demand Study.
68. Groundwater, Low Flows and Climate Change Interaction between groundwater and surface water Trends in late summer streamflow and groundwater levels
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70. Recharge Area Stream Stream Recharge Area Stream Stream Conflict Between Water Users Gaining Stream Losing Stream Pumping enhances loss. Pumping can reverse direction of water movement. Becomes a losing stream.
71. Dominantly Negative Trends in September Groundwater Levels Red tones: decreases Blue tones: increases Moore et al 2008 CCAF
72. More Negative Trends in September Streamflows Red tones: decreases Blue tones: increases Moore et al 2008 CCAF
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74. Given that groundwater is the main contributor to baseflow it is important to consider linkages between the groundwater system and the surface water system