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Hydrogeology of the Winter River Basin
R. M. Francis, “Hydrogeology of the Winter River Basin: Prince Edward Island”, no date.
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Title
Hydrogeology of the Winter River Basin
Abstract
A detailed study of the Winter River basin was conducted (1982-1987) to describe the physical and geochemical hydrogeology of its sedimentary red bed aquifer to determine the safe yield of existing well fields, assess the potential for new well field development, and give directions to well field protection. Field and laboratory studies addressed questions of fracture and matrix properties of the aquifer, distribution of hydraulic head and hydraulic conductivity with depth, and the role of surficial deposits. Evaluated were the effects of well field operation on water table position, groundwater-surf ace water interaction and hydrologic budget. Inorganic and environmental isotope geochemistry aided interpretation of the groundwater flow system. The aquifer appears to behave as a classical unconfined flow system having local. intermediate and regional components. The active groundwater flow system is fully contained within the surface water drainage basin. Groundwater withdrawals are reducing baseflow to streams by 54 to 70% in the upper portion of the basin, but pumping does not exceed annual recharge. The well fields have a stable average annual water level. Good potential exists for development of future supply in the watershed but withdrawals should be limited to 50% of average annual recharge. Groundwater protection zones are strongly recommended.
