Evaluating the Potential Effects of Groundwater Withdrawals on Joseph Creek, BC
Yiming Zhang, MLWS 2022
The Joseph Creek Watershed in SE British Columbia is facing degradation to the aquatic ecosystem from reduced baseflow and
disturbed fish habitats. Groundwater withdrawals from nearby wells are suspected to have a disruptive effect on the groundwater interactions with Joseph Creek's surface waters. An in-depth literature review was conducted to elucidate the processes and mechanisms by which aquifer withdrawals interact with hydrologically connected surface waters. Specific criteria including baseflow provisions, water temperature moderation, chemical transfers, and maintenance of aquatic and riparian ecological conditions were included in the review. Further discussion of British Columbia's groundwater regulations and management programs (e.g., the Water Sustainability Act, Groundwater Protection Regulation, well licensing/registrations, and Living Water Smart plan) was presented for management context, to address the degradation of Joseph Creek. Groundwater withdrawals from nearby aquifers were found to disturb the hydrological cycle, deteriorate water quality, degrade the ecosystem, and destabilize river channels due to land subsidence. Several strategies can be applied to recover groundwater depletion and rehabilitate Joseph Creek, including direct groundwater supplements to aquifers, Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), and baseflow augmentation.
