Interactive Online Mapping of Wells

Nova Scotians can now find detailed information about water wells throughout the province, thanks to an interactive online map.

The new tool is another way the province continues to show leadership in providing easy access to information about resources.

"Groundwater is one of Nova Scotia's most valuable natural resources," said Natural Resources Minister David Morse. "To help ensure Nova Scotians make informed decisions about this resource, we have created one centralized source of groundwater information."

The map contains information on nearly 107,000 drinking-water wells constructed in Nova Scotia between 1940 and January 2008.

On the website, homeowners, businesses, and other well users can locate information about their well, or search an area for typical well characteristics if they are planning a new water supply. Well information, such as location, depth, yield, groundwater level, depth to bedrock and the type of well, can all be viewed on the web page.

The interactive map can also be used by water resource managers and researchers to identify well users, and better manage and protect Nova Scotia's groundwater resources. Quick and easy access to well information can alleviate and prevent threats to groundwater. Water industry professionals, contractors and developers can use the map to help plan appropriate groundwater supply development.

The web publication of groundwater data is a collaborative effort with the Department of Environment and forms part of the province's commitment to meet the objectives of the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act. The act calls for the development of a strategy by 2010 to better manage the province's water resource.

To access the online interactive groundwater map, go to http://gis4.natr.gov.ns.ca/website/nsgroundwater .