Alberta Water Well Information Database: How to use
To use the map
For best viewing of the map, set screen resolution to 1024 X 768 if you have a 17 inch or smaller monitor. (Click on Properties, then choose Settings).
You must be at a map scale of 1 cm = 1 km (3/4 in = 1 mile) or larger before the dots representing well locations appear. Circles on the map represent well locations, but not the number of wells. Placing the cursor over a dot will reveal the seven digit well identifier for that location. If there is more than one well at that location then each well id will show on the map when the mouse hovers over the dot.
To see all wells at a specific location, choose a method by first clicking on the Find Water Wells tab located near the top right hand corner of the screen. Most users will use the By Land Description tab option. Type the required information and click on Search. A list of well(s) will show in the right hand side of the map. Click on Generate Report. If there is only one record, then a water well drilling report will show on the screen. If there is more than one record then a Reconnaissance Report will show on the screen. Choose a single report from the reconnaissance report by clicking on the underlined well id. Chemistry reports are also available. If the number in the CHM column is underlined then you can go directly to the well water chemistry report.
Multiple records at the same well ID
This means there are several pieces of information for the same well (not multiple wells at the same location). Always check the date the work was done and who the owner/driller was, to check work progress at that well.
Why wells are not where they should be
Most wells are not precisely located within their quarter section, being represented by one central point. (Wells can sometimes appear to be in the middle of a lake!) If you enter a lot/block/plan, the software will locate wells that are close to this plan number. If the driller's report has any part missing, you will not get any search results. If a "narrow" search doesn't return results, try entering the lot or block number. If this fails, try entering the quarter section or LSD value.
Several reports for one well
Several reports, pump tests or chemistry reports may be listed for a single well and will show on separate pages. When well work is done, recorded and filed, Alberta Environment adds that information.
A well record is not on the website
Compulsory water well reporting was only required in Alberta after the mid 1970s. Well locations are not always correctly reported. If the well was drilled in the past five years and the driller's name is known, you can contact Alberta Environment and ask that the driller submit or resubmit the report. Call 1-800-222-6514.
Determining well ownership
In densely populated areas such as lake communities there may be several wells in the same area, without a defining lot/block/plan. Examine the well's details, trying to match them to a report on the list (details such as well depth, casing size/material, age). A frequent means of determining well ownership is by the original owner's name, available through the local land titles office or the municipality concerned.
Current water chemistry information
Since 1986 Alberta Health and Wellness has maintained this type of information. Contact the land owner for any groundwater chemistry information reported after 1986.
Map scale
To locate water wells on the map, use the + magnifier or move the pointer up on the map scale bar (both are located in the upper left corner of the map) and keep clicking until circles appear on the screen. The circles will appear when the map scale indicator is placed at about the middle of the scale.
To print a map
Click on the Print tab in the upper right hand area and follow the directions.
Preferences
Click on the cogged wheel in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Choices can be made for displaying map measuring units and cursor location display units.
Printing a reconnaissance report
Click on the Generate Report button on the right hand side of the screen. See also Explanation of reconnaissance (summary) sheet
Well report does not fit on one page
Change the page set up default so that margins are at the lowest (or zero) margins setting. Most reports will need more than one page to print all of the information.
Updating/correcting/adding information
Alberta Environment will make corrections to reports if the person submitting the new or changed information is either the original driller, another driller working on the well, or the current owner of the property.
Changes/additions can be e-mailed to gwinfo@gov.ab.ca or faxed to (780)-427-1214. Be precise in describing the corrections/additions and the well's ID number and include a contact phone number.
If you are experiencing problems, please contact either your internet service provider, your corporate internet support staff or gwinfo@gov.ab.ca.
