Groundwater sources in Mapleton will be mapped as part of an upcoming geological survey by the provincial Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.
Abigail Burt, a geologist with the ministry, informed Mapleton council of plans for a multi-year 3-D mapping project covering a region from Mount Forest to Elmira.
The study will take in parts of four counties or regions (Grey, Wellington, Perth and Waterloo) and provide a better understanding of “the distribution and characteristics of subsurface aquifers (buried sand and gravel) that host important groundwater resources,” Burt explained.
At the July 10 council meeting Burt told council information will be collected over the next two to three years through physical observation, study of existing data and drilling of test holes, both by hand augers and with heavy equipment.
The latter process is “very expensive,” noted Burt, and so will be done very selectively. “We’re not going to be showing up on everybody’s roads.”
One of the reasons this area has been chosen for the study is the combination of thick sediment and very permeable soil that exists here.
“The big question there is, are the water supplies safe? We want to know if there are nice, safe, deep, problem-free aquifers,” said Burt.
Councillor Jim Curry commented that a hydrogeological survey was done in the Drayton area about 10 years ago. At that time, said Curry, engineers commented that “this is one of the largest water reservoirs we have in the province.”
Burt said test wells in selected sites around the region will provide “a health check on what’s happening with the water.”
She noted local officials will be advised in advance when drilling is about to occur.
The information and mapping data acquired through the study will provide valuable information for the protection of source water and sensitive eco-systems, brownfield remediation, resource development and other applications, Burt stated.
