The Province has announced it will not issue any new groundwater irrigation permits in the short term, pending further study of the impacts of irrigation on Prince Edward Island's water resources.
Following a review of his Department's current water allocation policies, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan said the issue of high-capacity wells can only be addressed in the context of a long-term water allocation strategy.
"Our primary concerns are ensuring we maintain adequate resources for drinking water and protecting our aquatic resources. After careful consideration, we believe the responsible course of action is to undertake a comprehensive study to ensure we are making the right decision in the long term for all Islanders," said Minister Gillan.
"I would stress that we have not seen any depletion of our water resources as a result of irrigation. Our existing policies have served us well. However, with concerns about the impact of climate change on weather patterns and increased demand for irrigation, it is time to take another close look at the whole situation."
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment's current policy on the allocation of groundwater resources states that the allocation will be on a priority basis, considering first and foremost the need for domestic water supply.
Minister Gillan said the Department will continue to grant surface water irrigation permits in accordance with existing policy.
"Staff in my Department carefully monitor stream flow and permission to draw surface water depends on the availability of water," the Minister explained. "Surface water levels must be maintained at levels essential for aquatic life. That will continue to be the policy."
Minister Gillan said the hydrogeological study, to be conducted commencing this spring, will address several key questions. Currently, the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment does not permit the extraction of more than 50 per cent of annual groundwater recharge in any watershed. The Minister said his staff need time to more rigorously assess this limit to determine if it is an appropriate level. Other issues to be addressed include:
• the interaction between surface water and groundwater resources;
• impacts of increased groundwater extraction on stream water flow during the summer months when water levels in streams are at their lowest point; and
• impacts of increased extractions on the elevation of the groundwater table within a watershed.
Another important component of the study will be consultations with stakeholders.
Minister Gillan said it is hoped the hydrogeological study will provide the background needed to make informed decisions on the allocation of water resources. He cautioned that changes to existing policy on allocation of both surface and groundwater may result from the study.
"I appreciate the interest Islanders have expressed in this important topic, and I look forward to being able to provide them more information in the coming months," said Minister Gillan. "Maintaining both the quality and quantity of our groundwater resources are at the heart of our Provincial Drinking Water Strategy. This study will give us the direction to help ensure Prince Edward Island continues to have an abundant supply of water in years to come."