WINKLER AQUIFER MANAGEMENT...

WINKLER AQUIFER MANAGEMENT PLANPlanning for the Future of the Winkler Aquifer

March 1997

Planning for the Future of the Winkler Aquifer Letter of Transmittal

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March 1997DirectorWater Resources BranchDepartment of Natural Resources

Dear Mr. Topping

The Winkler aquifer is currently the sole developed source of domestic watersupply for approximately 8000 people. This water supply is used for industri-al, municipal and agricultural purposes. In response to concerned waterusers and as facilitated by your Branch, a stakeholder Round Table and aTechnical Advisory Group have worked for the last year to develop a plan toprotect the aquifer.

We began the task by studying the available information and by discussingthe issues and their potential solution options. Next we compiled a draft planwhich outlined the information considered and recommended a course ofaction to protect the sustainable capacity and the water quality of the aquifer.To obtain public input, the plan was distributed for comment to the water usercommunity and it was presented and reviewed at open houses and publicmeetings.

The plan outlines the objectives of a set of five initiatives. It also suggests anorganizational strategy whereby private and government representativeswould work together to coordinate the actions needed to implement and sus-tain the initiatives.

There is a common understanding among the aquifer water users, ownersand managers on the value of this water supply. It is hoped this sharedvalue in conjunction with your leadership, will facilitate the stewardship need-ed to protect the aquifer's potential long term water supply capability. Thankyou for the planning assistance of your Branch.

Yours truly,

John KrahnRound Table ChairpersonWinkler Aquifer Management Plan

Planning for the Future of the Winkler Aquifer Plan Development

In July 1995, Manitoba Water ResourcesBranch init iated a consensus bui ldingprocess among stakeholders for the develop-ment of a management plan for the Wi n k l e rAquifer. This was done largely in response toconcerns and as requested by representa-tives of the Town of Wi n k l e r. A Te c h n i c a lAdvisory Group (TAG) comprised of 14 repre-sentatives from various provincial and federalagencies was established in October 1995 toprovide technical support for plan develop-ment.

A Round Table comprised of 10 people repre-senting the major stakeholders was estab-lished on December 5, 1995. The RoundTable worked jointly with the TAG and withlocal resource owners and users in develop-ing the plan.

The Winkler Aquifer management planningprocess required the Round Table and theTAG to identify the issues, prepare a draftplan, obtain public input and incorporate thatinput into a final plan. The final plan was tobe submitted to the Director of the Wa t e rResources Branch, Department of NaturalResources, Province of Manitoba by the endof 1996.

ROUND TABLEMETHOD OF OPERATION

ROUND TABLETERMS OF REFERENCE

PLAN DEVELOPMENT

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Round Table MembersBack Row (Left to right): Ron Neufeld, Dave Waldner, Albert Peters, Ted Dyck and John Krahn.Front Row (Left to right): Sam Schellenberg, Larry Whitney, Art Petkau and Wayne Rempel.

Missing: Brian Janick.

Formulating the Winkler Aquifer Management Plan has to date included the following planningactivities. The TAG prepared a background report on the aquifer and submitted it to theRound Table in January 1996. A Draft Winkler Aquifer Management Plan was jointly compiled,accepted by the TAG and the Round Table, printed in booklet form and distributed among theaquifer water users in September 1996. The draft plan was presented at advertised openhouses and public meetings in November 1996. The inputs received through this processwere incorporated into the plan. This plan is now given to the Director of the Water ResourcesBranch for implementation.

The plan is seeking to foster long term stewardship. In the short term, implementing the planand accomplishing its objectives will require the establishment of a management advisoryboard and several working groups to carry out activities.

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Name Address Representing

Ron Neufeld Winkler Town of WinklerTed Dyck Winkler R.M. of StanleyBrian Janick Roland R.M. of RolandJohn Krahn Winkler M.S.T.W. Planning DistrictSam Schellenberg Altona Pembina Valley Water CooperativeWayne Rempel Winkler Agassiz Irrigation AssociationAlbert Peters Winkler Stanley Soil Management Assoc.Art Petkau Morden Manitoba Cattle Producers Assoc.Dave Waldner Morris Manitoba PorkLarry Whitney Winnipeg Manitoba Natural Resources

Name Address Representing

Les Ciapala Brandon Manitoba Rural DevelopmentJohn Oosterveen Winnipeg PFRAGarry Haggerty Morden Manitoba Rural DevelopmentBruce Shewfelt Morden PFRAGarth Stone Carman Manitoba AgricultureRay Bodnaruk Winnipeg Manitoba Natural ResourcesBruce Webb Winnipeg Manitoba EnvironmentDwight Williamson Winnipeg Manitoba EnvironmentGlenn Ritchie Winkler Manitoba EnvironmentHeather Groom Winnipeg Manitoba Energy and MinesDan Sie Winnipeg Manitoba Natural ResourcesBrian Nedohin Morden Manitoba AgricultureFrank Render Winnipeg Manitoba Natural ResourcesJohn Arthur Winnipeg Manitoba Natural Resources

The consensus building process was facilitated by:

John Towle Winnipeg Manitoba Natural ResourcesBarry Oswald Winnipeg Manitoba Natural Resources

ROUND TABLE

TECHNICAL ADVISORY GROUP

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The study area is located in south centralManitoba near the western edge of the RedRiver Valley. It comprises 125 square milesof land overlying and immediately surround-ing the aquifer. The Town of Winkler is locat-ed near the centre of the study area.

The topography of the former lake plain gen-erally slopes to the northeast at a rate ofabout 10 feet per mile. This landscape wasonce tall grass prairie with poorly developeddrainage and abundant wetlands. Now thearea is intensively farmed. Headwater chan-nels on the escarpment to the west are con-nected through the study area by four water-ways that drain eastward to the Red River.

The population within the study area isapproximately 9,200. The Winkler Aquifer isthe sole developed source of drinking waterfor 7,500 of these people and an additional550 people from beyond the study area.Some communities within the study areadraw water from small local aquifers.

Surface water and groundwater resourcesare in short supply in this region of Manitoba.Average summer rainfa ll is 16 inches.Average snowfall is equivalent to 5 inches ofwater. Snowfall during 95/96 was equivalentto 6 inches of water. There are no lakes orwetlands in the study area. Waterways gen-erally contain streamflow only during thespring runoff period or after heavy rainfallevents.

Bedrock aquifers in the area are salty.Some small sand aquifers exist within the tillbut water quality is generally poor. T h eWinkler Aquifer is the most significant sandand gravel aquifer in the area.

Water resources are allocated by the grant-ing of water rights licences. The reliablestreamflow in the area is almost fully allocat-ed. Allocations from the Winkler A q u i f e r(1,057 acre-feet per year) exceed reliablerecharge by a factor of three. Most licenceholders use their entire allocation.

Water demand has been projected toincrease significantly. The lack of waterresources is a recognized concern through-out the region. A proposal by the PembinaValley Water Cooperative (PVWC) includesplans to obtain water from the Red River (30miles east). A previous proposal to obtainwater from the Assiniboine River (50 milesnorth) was never implemented.

The Round Table and the TAG estimate that,if no alternate water supply is developed,demand from the Winkler Aquifer will reach1,700 acre-feet per year by the year 2020.

UserCommunity Pop.

Winkler 7,100Roland* 440Schanzenfeld 180Friedensruh 45BlumengartColony* 130Rural residents 150TOTAL 8,045

LivestockNumbers

Horses 300Cattle 5,050Hogs 12,000Chickens 48,000

Crop Types

Cereals FodderPulses SpecialVegetables

Planning for the Future of the Winkler Aquifer The Study Area

THE STUDY AREA

1996 STUDY AREA STATISTICS

GEOGRAPHY WATER RESOURCES

WATER DEMAND

* These communities are located beyond the studyarea but they depend on the aquifer for their pipedwater supply.

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Planning for the Future of the Winkler Aquifer The Aquifer

The Winkler Aquifer is a water bearingdeposit of sand and gravel. It is approxi-mately 17 miles long and varies from one tothree miles wide. Its thickness varies to amaximum of 200 feet. The northern tip of theaquifer is exposed where it is mined as avaluable local source of sand and gravelresources. A three square mile area near thenorthern end of the aquifer has no clay cover.This is the primary recharge area, where alarge port ion of fresh water enters theaquifer. The rest of the aquifer is covered by

clay soils and glacial till. Near Neuenburg,the southern tip of the aquifer is about 100feet below the surface.

Aquifer data have been obtained since theearly 1960s. Much of the information on thea q u i f e r’s location, size, shape and capacitywas obtained during extensive hydrogeologicinvestigations in the early 1990s. A networkof approximately 55 monitoring wells is usedto obtain water level and water quality data.

AQUIFER CONFINEMENTCLAY COVER THICKNESS (FEET)

AQUIFER DIMENSIONSAND AND GRAVEL THICKNESS (FEET)

THE AQUIFER

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

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The first shallow wells into the aquifer werelikely developed in the 1870s. To date elevenlicences have been issued for withdrawalsfrom the Winkler Aquifer and one licence ispending. The use of the Winkler Aquifer as asource of water supply has increased from100 acre-feet in 1960 to approximately 1,000acre-feet in 1996. During this period waterlevels were observed to decline from 896 feetabove sea level to 883 feet above sea level.Since 1990 the water level in the aquifer hasbeen rising. In October of 1996, the waterlevel was 893 feet above sea level.

Water quality in the Winkler Aquifer varieswith location and has decreased over time.The lower portion of the aquifer contains saltwater, the upper portion fresh water. In gen-eral, the fresh water quality deteriorates withdepth. Water quality indicators, such as dis-solved solids, chloride, sodium, hardness,specific conductivity and iron, indicate thatfresh water quality improves toward the northend of the aquifer and deteriorates towardsthe south end.Some households at the north end of theaquifer are able to use water without treat-ment. The Town of Roland water treatmentprocess uses only chlorine. The Town ofWinkler water treatment process uses chlorine and lime soda ash. This processreduces hardness from 560 to 125 milligramsof calcium carbonate per litre.

*

*At station 50B-MN5near PTH #3 and Deadhorse Creek

WINKLER AQUIFER 1963 - 1996WATER LEVELS, WITHDRAWALS

and PRECIPITATION

DEVELOPMENT HISTORY WATER QUALITY

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AVERAGE ANNUALTOTAL WATER BUDGET

IN ACRE-FEET

The communities of Schanzenfeld andFriedensruh near the south end of the aquiferare currently considering treatment toimprove their water quality. The lime sodaash treatment process will not be eff e c t i v e ,however, because of the high salt content ofthe aquifer water in the vicinity. A r e v e r s eosmosis process is being considered.

The aquifer generally contains 170,000 acre-feet of fresh water floating on 400,000 acre-feet of salt water. The fresh water portionvaries in thickness from nearly 200 feet at thenorth end to only 20 feet at the south end.The fresh water is used at a rate of 976 acre-

feet per year. The fresh water volume ischarged at an average rate of 337 acre-feetper year by the percolation of rain and snowmelt water through the geological materialsand soils overlying and surrounding theaquifer.

The salt water volume is charged at a rate ofapproximately 230 acre-feet per year by thecontinental groundwater regime. The saltwater is not used.

The sustainable fresh water supply capacityof the Winkler Aquifer is considered to beequal to the average annual fresh waterrecharge of 337 acre-feet.

TOTAL WATER BUDGET

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The annual fresh water recharge of the aquifervaries with the weather and with land andwater management practices in the rechargearea. The average annual fresh waterrecharge is estimated to be 337 acre-feet.Approximately 50 percent of this rechargeoriginates from the three square mile primaryrecharge area. About 15 percent comes fromDeadhorse Creek and 35 percent from theclay cover over the rest of the aquifer.

Annual aquifer use, including licensed wellsand farmsites, is estimated to be 976 acre-feet. If use continues to increase at the rate ithas for the last 30 years, the fresh water vol-ume of the Winkler Aquifer could be depletedby the end of the 21st century. In the southernportion of the aquifer, water quality problemscould be experienced sooner.

AVERAGE ANNUALFRESH WATER BUDGET

IN ACRE-FEET

FRESH WATER BUDGET

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Planning for the Future of the Winkler Aquifer Aquifer Issues

Water use issues arise from the fact that theaquifer is the sole developed source of drink-ing water for approximately 8,000 people andit is being overused. This jeopardizes its longterm use. The long term sustainable yield ofthe aquifer is considered to be equal to theaquifer's average annual recharge. A n n u a lwithdrawals in excess of the average annualrecharge are not sustainable.

Annual use from the Winkler Aquifer hasbeen greater than the average annualrecharge for the last twenty years. For thelast ten years, annual use has been threetimes the long term average annualrecharge. To balance aquifer use andrecharge would require a reduction in use bymore than half.

As water quality decreases, treatment canbecome prohibitively expensive, even impos-sible. There is no formal protection plan forthe Winkler Aquifer. The aquifer continues tobe susceptible to contamination from pollutedrecharge water and from saline groundwaterintrusion.

Non-point source pollution from agriculturalchemicals or wastes and point sources ofpollution, such as residential, municipal andindustrial wastes or accidental spills of conta-minants, may be carried to the aquifer in therecharge water.

High risk pollution areas exist mainly withinthe primary recharge area at the north end ofthe aquifer, where clay cover is thin andrecharge is large.

Nitrates are common pollutants of aquiferslocated below intensive agricultural areas.High nitrate levels have been found in wellswest of the aquifer and in some shallow wellslocated at the north end of the aquifer. Thereis no organized program of testing for nitratesor pesticides.

Gravel pits exist in the primary rechargearea. The sand and gravel mined from thesepi ts is being removed di rectly from theaquifer deposit. A contaminant spill herewould enter the aqui fer immediately.However, the Patterson Pit has operated forseveral decades without contaminating theaquifer. Due to the scarcity of aggregate inthe region, this pit is a highly valuable sourceof sand and gravel.

Saline groundwater is another potentialsource of contamination. The dynamics ofthe regional salt water flow are not ful lyunderstood. Rapid or excessive pumping ofwells in the overlying fresh water encouragesintrusion of the salt water into the fresh water.Currently, well pumping rates are managed toavoid or minimize this effect.

AQUIFER ISSUES

After studying the information available on the Winkler Aquifer, we believe the major issuescan be summarized in the following two topic areas.

WATER USE

WATER QUALITY

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Planning for the Future of the Winkler Aquifer Options Considered

Maintain the Status Quo

Land and water use could continue in thecurrent ad hoc fashion until the aquifer isdepleted or until water quality is degradedto an unusable level.

This option was considered undesirablebecause the water supply was consideredworth sustaining and protecting.

Reduce Water Use from the Aquifer

Annual water use could be reduced to bal -ance with average annual recharge.

This opt ion was considered desirablebecause, in conjunction with successful pro-tection measures, it could ensure sustainabil-ity of the aquifer. Allocations could bereduced gradually over a transition period(possibly 10 years). Within a couple of years,if the PVWC plans proceed, the Town ofWinkler could obtain 1,200 acre-feet of treat-ed water per year via pipeline from the RedRiver.

Enhance Natural Recharge

Land and water management practicesthat increase the infiltration of good qual -ity water within the primary recharge areacould be encouraged. Such practicesinclude low risk agriculture, shelterbelts,contour cultivation and contour dyking.

This option was considered desirablebecause it would increase aquifer rechargeand improve quality. Over a period of 10 to20 years, judicious management couldincrease the average annual recharge from337 acre-feet to 450 acre-feet.

Encourage Water Conservation

Water conservation information could beextended throughout the user communityto encourage wise water use.

This opt ion was considered desirablebecause it could reduce the demand forwater throughout the region and from theaquifer.

Future water conservation efforts, if required,could include the use of additional meteringand pricing techniques.

OPTIONS CONSIDERED

A variety of options, summarized below, were considered to initiate action to deal with theissues. Some options were considered undesirable because they were impractical or uneco-nomical at this time. The desirable options were incorporated into the initiatives recommendedin the following section of this booklet.

WATER QUANTITY

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Direct Artificial Recharge

Water from Shannon and DeadhorseCreeks could be used to increase aquiferrecharge. Water from Shannon Creekcould be diverted directly into the aquiferby constructing a channel from the creekto a gravel pit.

This option was considered undesirablebecause it has the potential to degrade aquiferwater quality. The limited existing data onShannon and Deadhorse Creek water qualityindicate the presence of pesticides and otherpollutants. Manitoba Environment discouragesactivities that may degrade groundwater q u a l i t y. Protection must be ensured for ruralwater users who use untreated water from theWinkler Aquifer.

Indirect Artificial Recharge

Water from Shannon and DeadhorseCreeks could be diverted into a storagefacility, then tested and treated, if neces -s a r y, before being allowed to enter theaquifer.

This option was considered undesirable atpresent because of the uncertainty regardingwater quality impacts but it was consideredworthy of additional investigation.

Maintain the Status Quo

The current approach to aquifer protec -tion could be relied upon.

This option was considered undesirablebecause the area’s ongoing developmenthas increased the aquifer pollution potential,and there has been no correspondingincrease in aquifer protection measures.Allowing this situation to continue risks acci-dental pollution and loss of a water supplythat could have been protected.

Implement an Aquifer Protection Plan

The risks to groundwater quality associat -ed with various activities could be evalu -ated, and an aquifer protection plan thatdiscourages high r isk activities andencourages low risk activities could bedeveloped and implemented.

This opt ion was considered desirablebecause at present there is no formal, com-prehensive protection plan for the Wi n k l e rAquifer.

Establish a Dedicated Monitoring Plan

The current aquifer monitoring activitiescould be reviewed to coordinate andredesign them, focusing on the compre -hensive protection of the Winkler Aquifer.

This option was considered desirablebecause maintaining accurate information onthe aquifer is considered essential for judi-cious management and because the monitor-ing carried out by several agencies andgroups is not coordinated.

WATER QUALITY PROTECTION

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Manage Pollution Risks in Gravel Pits

Activities carried out in gravel pits withinthe primary recharge area present a variety of risks to aquifer water quality.The risks associated with these activitiescould be assessed and, where required,action taken to manage them as part of anaquifer protection plan.

This option was considered desirablebecause of the wide variety of activities taking place. Some activities are alreadyregulated, while others require assessmentto determine what type of management isappropriate.

Current activities include viewing, fishing, target shooting, cattle ranging and feeding,aggregate mining and asphalt production.

Reduce Incoming Salt Water

The regional salt water flow to the aquifercould possibly be intercepted byinstall ing a set of wells west of theaquifer.

This option was considered undesirablebecause of the costs and potential complica-tions. Disposing of the salt water is a majorconcern. The salt water could be extractedfrom the interceptor wells and then disposedof, either by releasing it into the surfacewater system or by re-injecting it into theground beyond the aquifer. This option couldcost in excess of $5 million.

PUBLIC INPUT

Planning for the Future of the Winkler Aquifer Public Input

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Public review of the draft Winkler Aquifer Management Plan was obtained during open housesand public meetings and from the draft plan survey.

In summary the respondents;

• expressed interest in the information provided and appreciation for the process being fol-lowed.

• considered the identification of the aquifer issues and the potential solution options tohave been comprehensive. No new initiatives were suggested.

• suggested that a conservation district athority could be established to help carry out therecommended initiatives.

• supported the Water Use Plan regarding the need to balance long term withdrawal andrecharge. Some people suggested the plan be more detailed including provisions to allowadditional withdrawals when the aquifer water level is high and to reduce withdrawalswhen the aquifer water level is low.

• supported the Aquifer Protection Plan regarding the need to establish a comprehensiveinventory of the existing water quality and the need to protect the aquifer. Some peopleexpressed concern with the potential for overdoing regulation.

• supported the Recharge Enhancement Plan with respect to natural and artificial recharge.Some people advised against direct artificial recharge.

• supported the Monitoring Plan.

• supported the Education Plan. Some people suggested additional emphasis be placed onthe aspects of water conservation.

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Planning for the Future of the Winkler Aquifer Recommended Initiatives

Subsequent to our review of the aquifer information, issues and options, we believe action isneeded to protect and manage the Winkler Aquifer as a long term source of water for the peo-ple in the area. Aquifer use needs to be reduced to prevent the fresh water volume from beingdepleted. Water quality degradation needs to be avoided.

While there is no single solution, we believe the following five initiatives would ensure the maximum sustainable use of the aquifer. The order in which they are presented does notimply relative importance.

RECOMMENDED INITIATIVES

A secure fresh water supply is essential forthe existing and ongoing development of theregion. The development of the Wi n k l e rAquifer occurred before its capacity was fullyunderstood. Current use rates are not sus-tainable. In order to achieve sustainability,use must balance long term recharge.

This initiative would seek to:

• establish an aquifer water use plan thatwould, over the next ten years, reducethe average annual use from 976 to 450acre-feet. (The recharge enhancementplan would seek to increase annualrecharge from 337 to 450 acre-feet)

• determine if this use rate is sustainableby continual monitoring and evaluation.

• recommend adjustments to the water userate as necessary and as possible.

Reducing annual use to 450 acre-feet wouldrequire a reduction of use by 526 acre-feet.It is hoped this reduction could be arrangedwith the two largest water users - the Town ofWinkler and Kroeker Farms.

The Town of Winkler would be encouraged toreduce its annual use of aquifer water fromthe current 700 to 256 acre-feet. Wi n k l e rcould do this by purchasing water from thePembina Valley Water Cooperative, which isexpected to have water available by 1998.

Kroeker Farms would be encouraged toreduce its annual use of the aquifer from 82acre-feet to zero. This could be accom-plished by allocating Kroeker Farms a com-parable volume of water from ShannonCreek.

WATER USE PLAN

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Once average annual aquifer use is balancedwith average annual recharge, the aquiferwater supply will be sustainable. Considera-tion could then be given to managing theaquifer more intensively by allowingincreased use during periods of increasedrecharge and by restricting use during peri-ods of reduced recharge.

Once degraded, aquifer water quality may bepractically impossible to restore. The naturalsurface water purifying actions of sunlightand microbes do not function within thea q u i f e r. Protection activities should be con-centrated in the three square mile primaryrecharge area.


• inventory existing water quality through-out the Winkler A q u i f e r, including para-meters for nitrates and pesticides.

• determine the factors that influenceaquifer water quality.

• establish and implement an aquifer pro-tection plan to prevent degradation of theexisting aquifer water quality.

• encourage, by incentives, land and watermanagement practices within the primaryrecharge area that enhance aquifer waterquality.

• discourage, by legislation and enforce-ment, land and water management prac-tices within the primary recharge areathat degrade aquifer water quality.

The quantity of the water in the Wi n k l e rAquifer is to a large degree determined bythe water management practised in the pri-mary recharge area. It is estimated thatemploying judicious land and water manage-ment techniques here could improve theaverage annual recharge and therefore the

AQUIFER PROTECTION PLAN

RECHARGE ENHANCEMENT PLAN

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a q u i f e r’s sustainable yield from 337 to 450acre-feet per year.


• identify the main factors that influenceinfiltration and recharge within the prima-ry recharge area.

• encourage, by incentives, land and watermanagement practices within the primaryrecharge area that maximize the infiltra-tion of good quality water.

• investigate the potential for artif icialrecharge of the Winkler Aquifer by usingwater from Shannon and DeadhorseCreeks.

Accurate and timely scientific knowledge willbe an essential component of a successfulaquifer management plan. Data must be dili-gently collected, collated and interpreted toacquire this knowledge. Currently, the Townof Winkler and several government agenciesmonitor various aspects of the aquifer inaccordance with their interests and man-dates.


• maintain and enhance monitoring activi-ties to support judicious long term devel-opment and protection of the aquifer.

• integrate the various monitoring activitiesto ensure priority information is collectedand evaluated.

• use the information collected to evaluatethe plans for water use, aquifer protec-tion, recharge enhancement and aquifereducation.


MONITORING PLAN

Countour Dyking reduces runoff

Cultivating down slope increases runoff

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The potential long term success of this management plan depends on the under-standing and cooperation of a diverse groupof people. It is believed that a betterinformed group makes better decisions. Onlycommon understanding will engender thecooperation needed to formulate, implementand maintain a successful long term steward-ship plan for the Winkler Aquifer.

There is a lot to be learned about the WinklerA q u i f e r. Addit ional study is required toachieve a better understanding. Extensioneducation is required to make knowledgegained available to all area residents.

The existing data provide a basis to initiateresearch funding submissions to obtain addi-tional information and to develop educationalmaterial.


• encourage study of the Winkler A q u i f e rand its fresh water regime.

• encourage water use efficiency and theadoption of the best available technologyfor all water uses from the aquifer.

• extend aquifer knowledge to the entireuser, owner and manager community


AQUIFER EDUCATION PLAN

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Planning for the Future of the Winkler Aquifer Plan Implementation

Objective 1: achieve sufficient organiza-tional capacity to enable planimplementation.

Objective 2: ensure adequate and fair rep-resentation of stakeholderand government interests.

Action: establish a Winkler Aquifer Management Advisory Board.

• Since the Round Table will be dissolvedthe first action needed in the WA M P i sthe establishment of a Winkler A q u i f e rManagement Advisory Board. T h i sBoard should serve as the central orga-nizing force for all WA M P d e v e l o p m e n tactivities. The Board should provide thenecessary links among the residents ofthe region, local and provincial govern-ment, regional development organiza-tions and other groups.

• The Board should comprise a balance ofrepresentatives from various levels ofgovernment, local organizations and theprivate sector. This will help ensure thatlines of communication are open. T h i swill also serve to focus efforts and helpensure that input from all stakeholdersproduces the desired results.

Objective 3: gain support of public, pri-vate and government sectorswith regard to the generaldirection of the WAMP.

Action: establish consensus and involve-ment among all sectors.

• Members of the Management A d v i s o r yBoard should strive to ensure that thepeople they represent actively endorsethe Winkler Aquifer Management Plan.

PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

Many ideas and opportunities have been identified through the Round Table process used todevelop the Winkler Aquifer Management Plan (WAMP). A strategy is needed to effectivelymove from ideas to action. Plan implementation is a dynamic process requiring continualmonitoring and evaluation. This section provides some direction for implementing the WAMP.

Implementation is expected to occur at two levels: 1) the organizational level and 2) the project level. The objectives and actions itemized below represent the first level - an organiza-tional strategy. This is an outline of the immediate requirements for implementing the WAMP.The second level, the project level, is expected to result from implementation of the organiza-tional strategy and will be determined, in large part, by initiative action groups.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY

The goal of the organizational strategy is to establish a management advisory board to implement, maintain, review and update the plan.

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Planning for the Future of the Winkler Aquifer Plan Implementation

Objective 4: maintain activities(initiatives) at a manageablelevel.

Action: establish priorities.

• The Round Table process was instru-mental in identifying many ideas andopportunities. It is unrealistic to realizeall of them immediately. It is important,therefore, to be selective in choosingactivities to be pursued in the short term.The Winkler Aqui fer ManagementAdvisory Board should priorize initiativesand action items.

Action: establish initiative action groups.

• Once priorities are identified, the Boardshould assume responsibi l ity for identifying and mobilizing individuals andorganizations with the appropriate inter-ests, skills and abilities to undertake andimplement strategies for particular initiatives.

Objective 5: develop an effective means of linking actions andresources

Action: establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• As driving force of the WAMP, the Boardmust facilitate effective working relation-ships among all parties involved. T h eBoard should assist with identifyingappropriate available resources for eachaction group to fulfill its responsibilities.

Objective 6: recommend aquifer manage-ment changes.

Action: monitor and evaluate aquifer status and management planprogress.

• To accomplish their original objectivesthe Plan’s initiatives may, through timeand changing circumstances, needadjustments by the Board.

• When initiatives require considerablechange or when initiatives with diff e r e n tobjectives are required or desired theBoard should seek public input.

The Board’s responsibilities are greatestat the start of activities. As the actiongroups gain momentum and grow morecomfortable with their purpose, the role ofthe Board is expected to change. It isexpected the Board will be able to respondto the circumstances that prevail.

Various aspects of water management involve various water measurement units. The prefer-ence for certain units often arises because of the large differences in volume being consideredover different time frames. A small continuous flow of water per minute represents a large vol-ume of water over a period of months or years.

For example, many Winkler town wells are pumped at a rate of 50 imperial gallons per minute.At this rate, if operated continuously for one year, an individual pump would move a total vol-ume of 26,300,000 gallons of water. Some find this large volume easier to understand whenconsidered as 97.2 acre-feet.

Some conversion factors are listed below to facilitate conversion of water volumes to differentunits for individual working preference.

1 cubic foot = 6.23 imperial gallons1 acre-foot = 43,560 cubic feet1 acre-foot = 271,379 imperial gallons1 imperial gallon of water = 10.02 pounds

1 cubic metre = 1,000 litres1 cubic decametre = 1,000 cubic metres1 cubic decametre = 1,000,000 litres

1 imperial gallon = 4.55 litres1 acre-foot = 1.23 cubic decametres

The current annual withdrawal from the Winkler Aquifer is 976 acre-feet. This volume is equalto an average daily withdrawal of 2.7 acre-feet or 733,000 gallons (90 gallons per capita). TheWinkler swimming pool holds approximately 250,000 gallons.

A typical highway tanker truck can haul 105,000 pounds or 10,500 gallons of water. To haulthe annual withdrawal from the Winkler Aquifer would require 70 tanker truckloads of watereach day.

Cover Photo: “Early Water Resources Problems.” Used by permission of the Town of Winkler.

WATER MEASUREMENT

WATER USE PLAN

This initiative will seek to protect the long term water supply capacity of theaquifer by controlling average annual aquifer use and balancing it with averageannual recharge.

AQUIFER PROTECTION PLAN

This initiative will seek to assess the quality of the water in the aquifer and thento protect it by encouraging activities that enhance water quality and by discour-aging activities that degrade it.

RECHARGE ENHANCEMENT PLAN

This initiative will seek to maximize aquifer recharge with good quality water byencouraging beneficial land and water management practices and by investigat-ing the potential to use streamflow.

MONITORING PLAN

This initiative will seek to maintain a current and comprehensive scientific data-base on the aquifer by collecting, compiling and evaluating data.

EDUCATION PLAN

This initiative will seek to study the Winkler aquifer water supply and to extendthe knowledge gained to the area residents.

INITIATIVES SUMMARY

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