WSA Swanson

Observation well SWA Swanson was constructed in 1971 to a depth of 9.18 metres in surficial sands.  It was originally part of an observation well network set up for the Conquest Reservoir Site Evaluation study.  The surficial stratified drift in which the well is completed is underlain glacial till. The surficial stratified drift grades upward through silty clay, to fine and medium-grained sand at the surface. The general direction of the groundwater flow is controlled by the slope of the general topography and will be in an easterly direction toward the South Saskatchewan River.

Annual minimum water levels in WSA Swanson typically occur in February-March and maximums in the May-June period with total annual fluctuations varying from 0.10 to 0.70 metres.  The record low water level of about 528.4 metres occurred in late 1990 and early 1991.  High recharge in 2010 followed by further recharge in 2011 and 2012 led to a record high water level peak of about 530.2 metres in 2012.  The peak water level in 2013 essentially reached this same level.

Water obtained WSA Swanson is of the calcium-bicarbonate type and has a total dissolved solids concentration of approximately 422 mg/L.