In Canada, 8.9 Million people rely on groundwater for domestic use. Our groundwater supply, and your domestic water supply are incredibly important to many Canadians. We take the time to maintain our homes and cars regularly. Our groundwater wells also need an annual checkup as well. Learn more about what you can do to maintain your groundwater well in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.

Waterline is excited to announce the evolution and expansion of ownership in the company. Since the three founders, Steve Foley, Darren David, and Jamie Wills started Waterline in 2000, it was always their goal to expand ownership to the employees. In 2010, Eric Pringle and Andrzej Slawinski became the first shareholders outside the founders group. Although Andrzej has recently reduced his role as a Technical Director, Eric has become a Principal leader and a primary shareholder in the corporation. In 2019 and 2020, twelve senior members of the company joined the ownership group, and this week, an additional thirteen staff will also join that group. “As a founder, I am extremely proud of the contribution and development of our staff throughout the history of Waterline, and I consider the transition in ownership to employees that have been essential to our success as our greatest accomplishment.” Steve Foley, President and Principal Hydrogeologist. Waterline is a mid-sized hydrogeology and environmental consulting firm built on the foundation of physical and contaminant hydrogeology expertise operating in Western Canada. Our team of highly qualified geoscientists, soil and reclamation scientists, and engineers are industry leaders in providing environmental consulting services and regulatory support.

To all of our friends in B.C. dealing with yet another natural disaster that will undoubtedly extend well into the future, we want to send you a heart felt "you are strong enough to get through this". Hand in hand we can all persevere in these trying times. The BC government has compiled a list of helpful links and resources to help aid all of the people with drinking water affected by the floods. We hope that this one small but important piece of the puzzle will help in the path of recovery. https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0205-002215

Step 1: Is my water for domestic or non-domestic use? Do I need to license my groundwater use? Domestic use does not need to be licensed. To determine if you meet the criteria of a domestic user please see the list of definitions in the Water Sustainability Act. Step 2: Am I an existing groundwater user or a new groundwater user? Existing groundwater users are determined based on the first date of water use. Did you start using water before March 1, 2016 or after? Find more information on the government website about existing and new users. Step 3: I am a Non-Domestic user so how do I license my (New or Existing) groundwater use? You will need to assemble information about your groundwater use specific to the property. You may choose to consult with a professional who can help you find the information you require or complete the process on your own. Either way, the resources are available and we can help. Waterline is a hydrogeology-focused consulting company that is in the business of navigating water-related issues and the groundwater licensing process. We would be happy to assist you with the licensing process and can provide a free consultation to get your application started. For more information on how we can help, please contact our Water Sustainability Coordinator Steph Righi at 250-585-0801 or srighi@waterlineresources.com #waterlicence #applicationfees #waterfees #firstintimefirstinright #groundwaterlicensing

When you apply for a groundwater license, or have a professional apply on your behalf, you’ll need to specify the date of first use of the water. This is known as your “date of precedence” or “priority date”. Groundwater users that began using their water at an earlier date (senior licensees) are given priority over more recent users (junior licensees) under the First-in-Time First-in-Right (FITFIR) priority system. Your date of precedence could become important during times of water scarcity or drought, or if a new user proposes to withdraw water at a rate and volume that could affect your water needs. The BC provincial government can apply a number of regulatory options to protect the rights of water users. The date of precedence establishes who’s allowed their full allocation of water first during times of water scarcity or drought. If you’re an existing user and you apply for a water license before March 1, 2022, you’ll be granted a date of precedence based on the date you began using groundwater, as determined by evidence submitted with your groundwater license application. Evidence could include: A well log or record provided by the driller. Waterline is often able to locate well records online if applicants don’t have copies; Other records and invoices related to the construction of your well or related infrastructure (pump, treatment etc.); Well maintenance records; and, Photographs. In the event you don’t have any evidence to support your date of first use, Waterline can discuss with the government on your behalf to come up with an alternative solution. If you wait until after March 1, 2022 to apply, you’ll be treated as a new applicant and given a junior priority date based on the date of your application. If you are interested in having a professional create and submit an application package to the government on your behalf, please contact: Steph Righi, Waterline's Water Sustainability Coordinator at: Phone: 1-844-585-0802 Ext. 112 Email : wsa@waterlineresources.com #watersustainabilityact #bcwaterlicense #waterapplication #waterpermitting #wsa #groundwater #waterlicensing

Shallow permeable aquifers have the potential to disrupt and delay infrastructure projects if not properly accounted for in the initial project planning stages. The presence of shallow aquifers and dewatering demands are an often overlooked component in the infrastructure planning phase, whether the project involves a mine pit or an underground structure such as a basement or parking garage. Dewatering is the process of lowering the water table below the lowest excavation depth by means of a pumping well system to allow for a safe and effective excavation procedure by increasing wall stability and eliminating potential groundwater infiltration into the excavation pit. Costs associated with dewatering can spiral a project budget out of control if proper consideration is not given to subsurface assessment and can diminish the economic feasibility of an entire project. Aquifer dewatering is a major concern when the project is proximal to a surface water body such as a river or lake, which generally results in a very shallow water table. Seasonal variations of the water table level can add an extra complexity to project timing, depending on the magnitude of the variations. If your project is close to a surface water body or a sensitive ecological environment, it is advantageous to consult with an experienced hydrogeologist during the project planning or proposal stage to avoid unforeseen and costly oversights. Taking Sediments into Consideration In Alberta, shallow aquifers generally comprise unconsolidated sediments derived from peri-glacial outwash processes resulting in fluvial and lacustrine depositional environments; the unconsolidated sediments can range from a clay till to clean fluvial sand/gravel. In terms of dewatering, both fine and coarser sediments can be problematic. Fine and coarse sediments can be heavily saturated and difficult to dewater due to varying permeability or hydraulic conductivity. Generally speaking, finer sediments cannot sustain larger pumping rates required in dewatering projects. Coarse sediments require greater pumping rates and more demanding groundwater discharge management methods to adequately dewater higher hydraulic conductivity sediments. An understanding of the aquifer sediment size and sorting is crucial because increased groundwater velocities from aggressive pumping can mobilize finer sediments from within the aquifer and create piping (internal erosion) conditions that can lead to ground subsistence and/or pumping equipment destruction. Creating a Conceptual Model A site conceptual model is integral to a successful dewatering plan because without a conceptual model, the appropriate dewatering system cannot be confidently selected. The conceptual model development requires, at minimum, the installation of numerous piezometers around the site. Piezometers provide lithological data (during installation), water table elevation data, and groundwater chemistry data. Although often overlooked, these data can be extracted during a well-planned geotechnical program when completed in consultation with a professional hydrogeologist, and result in considerable cost savings. The lithology of the site generally determines the dewatering method. The two most common shallow dewatering methods are large diameter vertical pumping wells or a wellpoint system (image below). Large diameter pumping wells are appropriate for coarser sediment conditions, where the small proportion of fine sediments can be developed out with a submersible pump, resulting in low turbidity discharge and robust well deliverability. Wellpoint systems are appropriate for finer sediment conditions, where persistent fine sediment production may be an issue. A wellpoint system consists of a series of small diameter wells that are connected by a header pipe to a wellpoint pump and can also incorporate a separator tank into the system for settling fine sediments (see figure below). The pump creates a vacuum in the header pipe drawing water up from the ground, however the dewatering depth cannot exceed six meters below ground (depending on site elevation above sea level) due to inherent vacuum pump limitations. Therefore, vertical wells must be utilized for dewatering to depths greater than six meters below ground. Cost must be considered as part of the dewatering system decision as the design and intricacies of the wellpoint system can be very expensive compared to vertical well installation. A proper understanding of fundamental aquifer properties such as hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, storativity (usually simplified to specific yield in unconfined aquifers), heterogeneity, and anisotropy are critical to the successful design of a dewatering system. Various methods are available to estimate aquifer properties such as slug or bailer tests, pumping tests or even grain size analysis by sieving. The conceptual model should be used to guide the planning process for the selection of a dewatering method (i.e., a slug/bailer test is generally not appropriate for gravel sediments). A slug or bailer test, often conducted as part of the initial geotechnical program, is a simple and cost effective way to estimate hydraulic conductivity but is representative of only a small volume of geological material surrounding the well and may not be a representative elementary volume (REV) of site as a whole. Pumping tests are the preferred method to holistically characterize the aquifer under the site and to provide best estimates of transmissivity and storativity (if observation wells are installed). Transmissivity and storativity estimates from the pumping test can be used to calibrate a predictive forward analytical model to guide dewatering decisions such as dewatering system type (i.e., vertical wells or wellpoint), well quantity, well spacing/distribution, pumping rates, pumping duration and expected volumes. Empirical estimates of heterogeneity and anisotropy are difficult to calculate but a qualified hydrogeologist can estimate these parameters based on lithology and parameterization of analytical models. Adhering to Regulations The dewatering process can require continuous pumping for weeks to months which, depending on the site size, can produce tens to hundreds of thousands of cubic metres of groundwater discharge. Pumping must continue throughout the pre-construction and construction phase. Dealing with such large volumes in tanks or water trucks can be cumbersome and expensive so the most practicable option is to discharge to the surface. However, the dewatering contractor or operator must be cognizant of local regulations and the ecological sensitivity of the area (i.e., national parks, wetlands, fish-bearing streams, etc.) prior to discharging groundwater to the environment. Discharged water cannot be discharged directly to a surface water body without prior regulatory approval or be close enough to a surface water body in which foreign debris or sediment are introduced via erosion. For shallow dewatering sites, it is the utmost importance to discharge groundwater sufficiently distant from the site during dewatering to avoid artificial recharge of the aquifer being dewatered. Special consideration must be given to groundwater quality (chemistry) while dewatering, especially in ecologically sensitive areas. In Banff National Park, for example, limited discharge options are available for dewatering within the Banff town site; the municipal stormwater system is the only viable solution to move such large volumes. However, the stormwater system is routed directly to the Bow River, therefore stringent water quality guidelines to protect aquatic life must be met, such as the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Freshwater Aquatic Life and Environmental Quality Guidelines for Alberta Surface Waters. Consequently, discharge water must be held on site or temporarily trucked off site until three consecutive days of water sampling confirm the compliance and reproducibility of the water quality results with the aforementioned guidelines. A contingency plan should be arranged in the event that the water quality does not meet the relevant guidelines. Similar challenges to meeting discharge criteria occur throughout Alberta and are based on municipal, provincial, and federal regulations. Successful Dewatering Once the aquifer has been sufficiently dewatered and the infrastructure foundation or underground structure has been constructed, permanent dewatering systems may be necessary (where permitted). These permanent dewatering systems can include, but are not limited to, weeping tile and/or a sump. In summary, a successful dewatering program should include: Early engagement with an experienced hydrogeologist, prior to the geotechnical program, to avoid unforeseen and costly oversights and to advise on applicable environmental guidelines to the site; Development of a conceptual site model through a preliminary exploration program including drilling and installing of piezometers – this program can be combined with the geotechnical assessment resulting in considerable cost-savings; Using the conceptual model to select the most appropriate site-specific testing method to estimate aquifer properties pertinent to dewatering; Creation of a calibrated predictive forward analytical model to guide critical dewatering decisions such as dewatering system type, well spacing/distribution, etc.; Having a primary and contingency plan to manage large amounts of fresh or potentially contaminated discharged groundwater; Placement of a permanent dewatering system (if necessary) once the foundation or underground structure has been constructed. Waterline Resources Inc. is a water resource, environmental and information services consulting firm based out of Calgary, AB and Nanaimo, BC, with satellite offices throughout Western Canada. Waterline’s staff includes scientists, engineers, computer scientists and data management technicians that specialize in water well design, water quality analysis and aquifer management. We pride ourselves on exercising scientific principles while working closely with our clients to establish strong relationships for project success. If you have questions about dewatering or require any additional groundwater services, please emails us at info@waterlineresources.com or give us a call at 403-243-5611.

From Jamie Wills: "After more than twenty years with Waterline, a company that I co-founded with Steve Foley and Darren David, I am pleased to announce my retirement at the end of September 2020. I am immensely proud of the company development and growth over the last 20 years, the collective accomplishments of our staff, and the quality and timely service that they consistently provide to our clients. Our staff are our most valued asset, and this philosophy has become embedded in our corporate culture. In 2018, the company began its transition to employee owned, and over the last 1-2 years, my duties as President have transitioned such that other senior drivers and owners at Waterline have effectively assumed my role. With this transition complete, I am confident that Waterline will remain well positioned for future growth and will continue to operate as a leading and well respected hydrogeological and environmental consulting firm that provides practical and scientifically defensible solutions for our existing and new clients. On a personal note, I want to thank all of our clients for their continued support of Waterline. It is greatly appreciated, and I wish you and your families all the best. Take care! Jamie Wills" Note that effective October 1, 2020, Steve Foley has assumed the role of President of Waterline.

Congratulations to Blake Hiebert for 10 years at Waterline. Blake has been a huge asset in all aspects of physical hydrogeological project work and managing a variety of projects for Waterline. His expertise includes analysis and evaluation of aquifer test data, well efficiency, borehole geophysics and groundwater geochemistry. Blake has been a key co-ordinator in the organization and execution of large scale on-going programs. Along with his side kick Peanut (the dog), Blake brings a positive fun attitude as well as a cool collection of vintage Volkswagen's.

This week marks Brent Morin's 15-year anniversary with Waterline. Brent is not only a Senior Hydrogeologist with us, he is also a professional geologist and project manager. Over the years, Brent has been directly engaged with many of Waterline’s key clients across the Oil Sands, Upstream and Midstream Oil & Gas, and Mining sectors including Indigenous stakeholders. Brent's colleagues would describe him as friendly, considerate and hard working, as he always goes the extra mile to ensure projects are completed to a high standard. We look forward to working with Brent for years to come. Waterline’s President and founding partner, Steve Foley, particularly feels privileged to have watched Brent’s family grow over the last 15 years; investing heavily in cookie dough to advance his daughter’s dance career.

NAOSH was established in 1966 with the goal to focus employers, employees, partners and the public on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home and in the community. The Health and Safety of our staff is paramount on all projects undertaken by Waterline. We are a COR Certified company (Certificate of Recognition) and registered with ISNetworld, ComplyWorks, and Avetta. Waterline staff maintain an up-to-date standing in the following industry-approved H&S training courses: Standard First Aid, H2S Alive, Confined Space, Ground Disturbance, TDG, CSO (Common Safety Orientation), and WHMIS. At Waterline we make a continual commitment to our community, clients and coworkers that the safety of ourselves and each other will always be our first responsibility.

This Earth Day, Waterline is helping to “Take Care of the Planet” by encouraging our staff to pick up the litter we see along the waterlines our local watercourses and waterbodies while enjoying the great outdoors. We are so fortunate we live in Canada where we are blessed with incredible natural environments to enjoy, find rest, solitude, and connect with the ecosystems that sustain us. We can’t expect the sea gulls to do all the work for us, so let’s get out there and do our part! #TakeCareofThePlanet #EarthDay2021

Spring is in the air and as we return to warmer weather and the world starts to turn green, take a minute this week to consider how you can help the wildlife in your area. This year the Canadian Wildlife Federation wants to help you #DoMoreForWildlife by "Planting Seeds for Wildlife". Please head to their website and Take the Pledge and receive a free packet of Black-eyed Susan seeds to help you plant the seeds.