Water

Surface and groundwater quality

Seismic and drilling activity from conventional oil and gas activities can affect nearby water wells. To address this risk, industry follows operating practices that ensure a high degree of environmental integrity. These include:

• plugging seismic holes to prevent possible contamination
• using environmentally acceptable drilling fluids
• protecting groundwater aquifers during drilling and production
• testing local residents’ groundwater before, during and after oil and gas development and production activities
• following operating guidelines to safely manage surface water runoff at facilities

Industry has also taken steps to responsibly manage impacts on landowners and their water wells. Since 1978, industry, in partnership with government and the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, has funded a program in Alberta to cover the costs of restoring water wells affected by seismic or drilling activity.