WC131 JulyAugust 2023 - Magazine - Page 29
Map: GRCA 2017, Halls Pond: M. Ursic
to the long-term sustainable rate, which considered Guelph’s
groundwater supply as “fair” using a five point scale (excellent,
good, fair, poor and very poor).
The service level was defined by the actual volume of water
extracted. Under current conditions, when considering both the
current and maximum daily demands, both were found to fall
below the sustainable rate.
A risk assessment, using a standard asset management risk
approach that considers the likelihood and consequence of asset
failure were ranked and combined into an overall risk score, was
also undertaken. Insufficient groundwater recharge, drought
periods, and increased consumptive demand were identified as
the key threats, leading to an overall “high” risk score emphasizing the continued need for water conservation and source water
protection measures.
The value of Guelph’s groundwater was determined using
replacement costs and service level benefits. While there is a
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
potential surface water source from the nearby Guelph Lake
reservoir, it is inadequate to meet present or expected demands
for potable water in the city. The sole other viable alternative is
a pipeline from Lake Erie, with an estimated cost of $245-$261
million. Alternately, assuming the local groundwater can continue to provide potable water to the local residents and businesses,
the service it currenty provides was valued at $13.6 million per
year (based on the marginal value of water for industrial use and
the intrinsic value residents place on having dependable access to
safe drinking water).
The condition, risk, and valuation assessments of Guelph’s use
of the local groundwater asset for potable water highlighted the
strategic importance of carefully managing this asset. Protection
of groundwater recharge areas, investment in water conservation,
and careful management of water demand, seen through the lens
of asset management, are key to mitigating corporate risks and
avoid costly infrastructure.
WATER C AN ADA • JULY/AUGUS T 2023
29