| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Adjoining Mapsheet | If the areal extent of an aquifer occurs on two or more NTS map sheets, enter the additional map sheet number(s) here. |
| Aquifer Classification | Aquifer Classification categorizes an aquifer based on its current level of groundwater development (use) and vulnerability to contamination. See Kreye et al (1994) for more information. |
| Aquifer Materials | Aquifer materials are grouped into two general categories: consolidated bedrock or unconsolidated sands and / or gravels. |
| Aquifer Name | Name for a specific aquifer is derived from lithologic terms, rock-stratigraphic units, geographic names or names in common use (e.g. Abbotsford-Sumas aquifer). Refer to Laney and Davidson (1986) for guidelines on naming aquifers. |
| Aquifer Number | Each aquifer is assigned a unique four-digit reference number, starting from 0001. All pertinent hydrogeological information associated with a specific aquifer are referenced to this Aquifer Number. |
| Aquifer Ranking Value | Aquifer Ranking Value is the sum of the point values for each of the following physical criteria: productivity, size, vulnerability, demand, type of use, and documented quality concerns and quantity concerns. See Kreye et al (1994) for more information. |
| Demand | Demand is the level of groundwater use and represents the level of reliance on the resource for supply. Demand may be low, moderate or high. |
| Descriptive Location | A brief description of the geographic location of the aquifer. The description is usually a nearby major natural geographic area or community (e.g. Grand Forks). |
| Litho-stratigraphic Unit | The litho-stratigraphic unit is the named permeable geologic unit that comprises the aquifer, where available (e.g. Sumas Drift comprising the Abbotsford-Sumas aquifer). |
| NTS Map Name | The name of the map sheet on all National Topographic Series (NTS) map sheets (e.g. Mission for map sheet 92G/1). |
| NTS Number | The National Topographic Series (NTS) number is the number on the 1:50,000 scale map sheet where an aquifer occurs (e.g. 092G.01). |
| Productivity | Productivity represents an aquifer's replenishment ability and is inferred from aquifer transmissivity values, specific capacity of wells, well yields, description of aquifer materials, and sources of recharge (e.g. rivers or lakes), or a combination. |
| Quality Concerns | Quality concerns are actual documented concerns on file. The quality concerns may be isolated, local or regional in extent. It is possible to have no quality concerns documented. |
| Quantity Concerns | Quantity concerns are actual documented concerns on file. The quantify concerns may be isolated, local or regional in extent. It is possible to have no quantity concerns documented. |
| Size (km 2) | The known size of an aquifer is given in square kilometres (km2). The three size categories are: < 5 km2, 5 - 25 km2, and > 25 km2. |
| Type of Water Use | Type of Water Use indicates the variability or diversity of the resource as a supply source. Water use categories include: 1) non-drinking water (e.g. irrigation only), 2) drinking water, and 3) multiple drinking and non-drinking water uses. |
| Vulnerability | Vulnerability of an aquifer to contamination, based on: type, thickness, and extent of geologic materials above the aquifer, depth to water table (or to top of confined aquifer), and type of aquifer materials. Vulnerability may be high, moderate or low. |
