Project Description

Groundwater and surface water interactions are one of the key considerations when making groundwater allocation decisions. Typically, hydraulic connectivity is assessed by pumping one or several wells for a short period of time, however, the impact of cumulative groundwater withdrawal is not fully known, especially over longer time frames. This project will build off an existing numerical model developed for the Stoney Creek watershed to simulate groundwater-surface water connectivity and the impacts of cumulative groundwater withdrawal.

Project Outcomes

2022-2023 was the first year of this multi-year project. To date, an information inventory has been compiled of all available data sources, and a literature review of groundwater and surface water interaction simulations has been completed. A field investigation has been designed and implemented with the purpose of reducing knowledge gaps in available hydrological and hydrogeological data. A field monitoring program has also been proposed for the study area. In addition, three dimensional modelling of the stratigraphy of the study area has been developed and verified based on available data and reports. In the next phase of the project, the scope of modelling and the numerical model boundary conditions will be determined, and the variables and parameters of the 3D numerical model will be developed.

Relevance

Compared to the previous model developed for the project area (Aghbelagh et al., 2018), the current domain has been refined based on the newly available lithology data and the Vanderhoof mapping report (Hinnell et al., 2020). The model will be calibrated against both historical and newly collected water level and stream discharge data. This model will help to assist with water allocation and water resources management under different water use and climate change scenarios.

Learnings and Recommendations

The locations and degree of hydraulic connectivity between the surface water and the confined aquifers poses a challenge to the model calibration. A rigorous monitoring network must be established to validate the model further.

Partners and Linkages

This is a joint project between the University of Northern British Columbia and the Ministry of Forests.

References

Aghbelagh Y.B., J. Li, and J, Yin, 2018. Surface water and groundwater interactions in the Stoney Creek watershed: Insights from numerical groundwater flow modeling, EcoCat Report ID: 58104

Hinnell, A.C., T. Lengyel, S. Funk, J.J Clague and Z.M. Hammond, 2020. Vanderhoof and Houston Aquifer Mapping and Hydrostratigraphic Characterization, Water Science Series, WSS2020-07. Province of British Columbia.

Project Contacts

Davood Mahmoodzadeh, Ph.D | e-mail: Davood.Mahmoodzadeh@unbc.ca | Phone: 778-890-1260

Jun Yin, Ph.D., P.Geo.  | e-mail: Jun.Yin@gov.bc.ca | Phone: 778-693-3015

Jianbing Li, Ph.D., P.Eng. | e-mail: jianbing.li@unbc.ca  | Phone: 250-960-6397