Groundwater has become increasingly saline with depth in most bedrock and some sand and gravel aquifers. Salinity also increases from east to west in most bedrock aquifers in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. The concentrations of several naturally occurring constituents exceed drinking water guidelines locally. Many aquifers are poorly protected from near-surface contamination sources and, as a result, anthropogenic contamination has been found in some areas. The major groundwater quality management concerns include underground storage tanks, agricultural activities, saline water intrusion and waste disposal.
Provincial legislation relating to water resources and groundwater protection is summarized.
Two agencies, Manitoba Natural Resources and Manitoba Environment, have primary responsibility for the development and administration of this legislation and for the provision of groundwater monitoring, mapping and analysis. These agencies are also responsible for ensuring that groundwater development takes place in a sustainable manner. All rights reserved.