HYDROGEOLOGY OF THE WINNIPEG FORMATION IN MANITOBA, CANADA

Abstract

The Winnipeg Formation is the basal sedimentary unit throughout much of southern and central Manitoba, Canada, where it forms a regional aquifer over most of its extent. This aquifer is an important source of water in southeastern Manitoba and in Manitoba's Interlake area, but in most other areas, groundwater within the aquifer is saline. Chemical and isotopic evidence indicate the presence of groundwaters of three different origins: (1) basin brines; (2) modern meteoric recharge; and (3) subglacial recharge that occurred during the late Pleistocene. Hydraulic head and sedimentary facies distributions indicate that the flow system in parts of the area is not in a state of equilibrium and saline waters will encroach on areas currently occupied by freshwater in some areas, while in other areas, freshwater will replace saline water. These features must be considered in groundwater resource management, as groundwater withdrawals will likely hasten these processes.