The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is urgently looking for volunteers who will allow scientists to install water level sensors in their wells for a one-week period in early August. This will help scientists better understand the influence of ocean tides on groundwater and how much water is stored underground.

What types of wells are needed?

The wells MUST NOT be in use. There can be a pump in the well, but the well cannot be pumping during monitoring, as it will cause the sensor to become tangled up in the pump equipment and can also interfere with the results. The water in the well DOES NOT need to be drinkable. Water can be salty, have sulphur in it, etc.

What’s involved?

The scientists from SRK Consulting will come and install a sensor in the well. The homeowner does not need to be home at the time of installation. The sensors will be left in the well for one week and then removed.

Where are we looking for volunteers?

We are looking for volunteers at the locations shown on the map in the ad on page 6 on Gabriola island, and anywhere on Mudge and DeCourcy Islands. Ideally the well should be located between 50 and 250 metres  from shore. If you are unsure if you are in the right location, please contact Lauren Fegan at the address below.



Who do I contact to ask questions or sign up?

Lauren Fegan
Special Projects Assistant
RDN Drinking Water and Watershed Protection Program
lfegan@rdn.bc.ca
250-390-6560 ext. 6141 or 1-877-607-4111.

We need volunteer wells as soon as possible. If you would like to sign up, please provide your name, phone number, well depth (if available), and your address.

Who else is involved?

This is part of the Gabriola, Mudge, and DeCourcy Water Budget Project that the RDN is doing in partnership with Islands Trust and the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations. The scientists that have been hired for the project are from SRK Consulting and have excellent experience studying groundwater on the Gulf Islands. They recently did a similar study of tidal influence on James Island.