Difference between revisions of "Groundwater"

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<poem>
 
Where possible, it is recommended that [[infiltration]] BMPs maintain a 1.0 m vertical separation above the seasonally high groundwater table.
==Target groundwater separation==
Retention of this unsaturated zone:
In many areas of Ontario the target separation between the base of an exfiltrating LID practice and the water table is 1.0 m.
This is to mitigate risks due to short periods of groundwater mounding and potentially unobserved seasonal fluctuations. In areas where a 1.0 m separation cannot be provided, or where conditions dictate that an even greater separation may be warranted, additional discussion and/or analysis specific to the physical characteristics of the site and the proposed design should be completed.
The design practitioner is advised to consult with approval agencies to understand their requirements and/or expectations prior to undertaking work, and to complete an appropriate level of analysis to support their conclusion. The requirement for additional investigation and/or documentation supporting a proposed design may be reduced in areas where ≥ 1.0 m separation is anticipated.
 
Retention of an unsaturated zone beneath the practice :
*Minimizes the potential for functional impacts associated with reduced percolation rates,
*Minimizes the potential for functional impacts associated with reduced percolation rates,
*Maintains the physical and biochemical water quality treatment benefits provided within the vadose zone,
*Maintains the physical and biochemical water quality treatment benefits provided within the vadose zone.
*Minimizes the potential for localized groundwater mounding to affect nearby buildings or infrastructure, and/or
*Provides a factor-of-safety against potential uncertainties related to the elevation of the seasonally high groundwater elevation in areas of limited monitoring.
The requirement for additional investigation and/or documentation supporting a proposed design may be reduced in areas where ≥ 1.0 m separation is anticipated. 
In areas where a 1.0 m separation cannot be provided, or where conditions dictate that an even greater separation may be warranted, additional discussion and/or analysis specific to the physical characteristics of the site and the proposed design should be completed.
The design practitioner is advised to consult with approval agencies to understand their requirements and/or expectations prior to undertaking work, and to complete an appropriate level of analysis to support their conclusion.
</poem>


==Groundwater mounding==
==Groundwater mounding==
<poem>
Groundwater mounding describes the localised raising of the water table beneath infiltration practices. It may be of concern if it affects nearby structures including building foundations.
Groundwater mounding describes the localised raising of the water table beneath infiltration practices. It may be of concern if it affects nearby structures including building foundations.
When you wish to model the extent of groundwater mounding beneath an infiltration facility. This tool uses Hantush's derivation (1967).   
When you wish to model the extent of groundwater mounding beneath an infiltration facility, use this Tool that incorporates Hantush's derivation (1967).   
{{Clickable button|[[Media:Hantush.xlsm|Download groundwater mounding calculator(.xlsm)]]}}
 
{{Clickable button|[[Media:Hantush.xlsm|Download the Hantush groundwater mounding tool]]}}
 
Note that this is a minor adaptation (metric units and formatting) from the original tool, written and [https://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2010/5102/ hosted by the USGS].
Note that this is a minor adaptation (metric units and formatting) from the original tool, written and [https://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2010/5102/ hosted by the USGS].
</poem>
 
===Preventing groundwater interaction===
Many LID systems rely upon reuse, or evaporation and transpiration instead of infiltration to the ground. If the site cannot support any infiltration, consider
*[[Rainwater harvesting]],
*[[Stormwater planters]],
*[[Green roofs]], or
*[[Blue roofs]].
 
==Oak Ridges Moraine Groundwater Program==
[[File:ORMGP.JPG|thumb|Depth to groundwater raster and contours from the ORMGP]]
https://oakridgeswater.ca/
 
The Oak Ridges Moraine focused program stretches from the Credit and Nottawasaga River watersheds in the west to the Trent River in the east and reaches from the shores of Lake Ontario northwards to beyond Lake Simcoe and the Kawartha Lakes. Within the publicly accessible maps section there is a depth to water table map layer. 
 
===Other sources of groundwater data===
*[http://ontariogroundwater.com/ Ontario groundwater]
*[https://www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/map-provincial-groundwater-monitoring-network Provincial groundwater monitoring network map]
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Latest revision as of 13:45, 10 August 2020

Target groundwater separation[edit]

In many areas of Ontario the target separation between the base of an exfiltrating LID practice and the water table is 1.0 m. This is to mitigate risks due to short periods of groundwater mounding and potentially unobserved seasonal fluctuations. In areas where a 1.0 m separation cannot be provided, or where conditions dictate that an even greater separation may be warranted, additional discussion and/or analysis specific to the physical characteristics of the site and the proposed design should be completed. The design practitioner is advised to consult with approval agencies to understand their requirements and/or expectations prior to undertaking work, and to complete an appropriate level of analysis to support their conclusion. The requirement for additional investigation and/or documentation supporting a proposed design may be reduced in areas where ≥ 1.0 m separation is anticipated.

Retention of an unsaturated zone beneath the practice :

  • Minimizes the potential for functional impacts associated with reduced percolation rates,
  • Maintains the physical and biochemical water quality treatment benefits provided within the vadose zone.

Groundwater mounding[edit]

Groundwater mounding describes the localised raising of the water table beneath infiltration practices. It may be of concern if it affects nearby structures including building foundations. When you wish to model the extent of groundwater mounding beneath an infiltration facility, use this Tool that incorporates Hantush's derivation (1967).

Download the Hantush groundwater mounding tool

Note that this is a minor adaptation (metric units and formatting) from the original tool, written and hosted by the USGS.

Preventing groundwater interaction[edit]

Many LID systems rely upon reuse, or evaporation and transpiration instead of infiltration to the ground. If the site cannot support any infiltration, consider

Oak Ridges Moraine Groundwater Program[edit]

Depth to groundwater raster and contours from the ORMGP

https://oakridgeswater.ca/

The Oak Ridges Moraine focused program stretches from the Credit and Nottawasaga River watersheds in the west to the Trent River in the east and reaches from the shores of Lake Ontario northwards to beyond Lake Simcoe and the Kawartha Lakes. Within the publicly accessible maps section there is a depth to water table map layer.

Other sources of groundwater data[edit]