Fraser Valley Regional Meeting

Opening Remarks and An Update from the BCGWA - Dave Mercer

A look back at the accomplishments of the BCGWA in the past, and a look forward to what we are currently working on for our members.

Nitrate Variability in Groundwater due to Extreme Precipitation Events in the North Alouette Watershed, British Columbia - Ariel Greenblat, MSc Candidate

Ariel is the 2022 recipient of the BCGWA’s Scholarship in hydrogeology at Simon Fraser University.

In the northern mid-latitudes, extreme precipitation events are projected to become more frequent and intense over the next century, largely due to the Earth’s warming climate. The occurrence of precipitation extremes has been extensively studied because of the potential impacts to human society and ecosystems; however, the relationship between extreme precipitation events and the potential impacts on nitrate transport have not been well documented. Nitrate is the most common groundwater contaminant, typically sourced from synthetic fertilizer and livestock manure in agricultural areas. Changes in precipitation intensity affect runoff and infiltration rates, and therefore potentially the transport of nitrate and nitrogen species within the hydrological system. The purpose of this research is to better understand how extreme precipitation affects the variability of nitrate in groundwater. Water samples collected from the North Alouette River, as well cranberry and blueberry field ditches within proximity of the river, are analyzed for nitrate to determine the relationship between nitrate sources and receiving waters and possible pathways of transport. In addition, oxygen, and hydrogen isotopic signatures of extreme precipitation events, specifically Atmospheric River storms, and river and field ditch water will be used to determine the proportion of groundwater recharge from Atmospheric River events. This research may be used for improving agricultural management practices, for example, by defining more suitable timing of fertilizer application with respect to heavy rain events.

The Groundwater Project - Ineke Kalwij

An Update from the Ministries - Shirley Wang

Open Discussion / Closing Remarks