22 



has approached a semi-equilibrium condition. Consequently, minor drawdown fluctuations in response 

 to climatic and production variations can be expected. 



The goal of the Salinity Project is to lower ground- water levels in the Empress sands below Morrison 

 Dam to approximately pre-reservoir levels. This is equivalent to roughly two to three metres of 

 drawdown, and was achieved by the end of 1995 and again by the end of 1996. However, reduced 

 production over the past five years and increased recharge fi-om higher reservoir levels and precipitation 

 has led to a significant contraction in the project's cone of depression. At the end of 2000 one metre of 

 drawdown was only achieved on the west side of the river, while on the east side drawdowns were less 

 than one metre. Figure 3.15 shows the cone of depression in the Empress Sands as of December 2000. 



Increased salinity in the project area has resulted in questions as to whether the current project design is 

 sufficient to control salinity. SaskPower conducted a study of the salinity project which provided 

 recommendations for a long term solution for the operation of the project. The well rehabilitation 

 program is a result of those recommendations. 



