Groundwater testing

Detailed baseline data on groundwater helps ensure the protection of groundwater resources and the environment.

Once we have identified local groundwater aquifers and selected a location for a well, we may take samples from sources of water near our proposed operations. These water samples establish baseline conditions for both the quantity and quality of groundwater. We are then able to monitor the water quantity and quality on an ongoing basis to determine if there has been any impact as a result of our operations.

In some jurisdictions, such as coalbed methane development in Alberta, groundwater testing is required by regulation. The extent of groundwater testing is determined by site-specific factors including the depth and quality of local groundwater resources, the current and expected use of groundwater in the area and the proximity to the groundwater user.