Real Talk!

About five years ago, I worked with a significant number of geo-physicists were looking for recreational property in our area. It was a wonderful experience. While wandering the countryside, I was able to glean a fair amount of useful information. Apparently, they had been part of a “Groundwater Study” for the province.

Bringing together information from various agencies, these specialists conducted a study of groundwater systems. Using land use surveys, geology maps, well water records, communal supply systems and data on known or possible contamination sites, they provided an assessment identifying areas where the aquifer was susceptible to contamination.

Bacteria, pollution or toxic material from the ground surface, from either man-made or natural causes, may contaminate an aquifer. Vulnerability depends on the type of soil and rock that cover an aquifer. An area of land that has surface water that seeps or infiltrates the ground is called a “recharge area”. The most common source of recharge water is rain and snowmelt that percolates down, into the ground.

Recharge water often contains dissolved pollution. An aquifer covered by sand, broken bedrock or gravel is more vulnerable to contamination as the water drains more easily through porous sand, gravel, cracks and fissures. The water may travel a considerable distance before discharging at the surface or into an underwater creek or lake.

Nitrogen, sulfur and carbon emissions from motor vehicles and industry combine with water vapour, rain, mist, fog and snow and load up our atmosphere with sulfuric, nitric and carbonic acid. There is evidence that house fires can leave toxic residue that may leach into the water supply. Livestock manure, sediments, fertilizers and pesticides can contaminate local water bodies. Boaters may dump sewage, leak oil and fuel or use toxic cleaning products that can threaten water quality, especially near the shore.

Some studies indicate that the acid deposits can leach compounds from the soil that enter surface-water and find there way into an aquifer. Although it is unlikely that toxic levels would accumulate, there is some suspicion that some chemicals do enter into our water and food supply. Both lead and aluminum have been considered in this context.

The harmful affects on vegetation and fresh-water ecosystems have been known for years; however, the affect on human beings has been less obvious.

So, that’s the bad news. The good news is that I was told that this region came through the study with flying colours.

Let’s take a moment and thank the Canadian Shield.