22 



that the system has approached a semi-equilibrium condition. Consequently, only minor drawdown 

 fluctuations in response to climatic and production variations are 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 several years and increased recharge from higher reservoir levels and 

 precipitation has led to a significant contraction in the project's cone of depression. Figure 3.15 shows 

 the cone of depression in the Empress Sands as of December 2002. Under the current operational 

 situation, the project is clearly falling short of its goal to lower ground-water levels along the East Poplar 

 River between Morrison Dam and the International Boundary. 



SaskPower has undertaken a comprehensive evaluation of their entire piezometer network (including 

 water level and water-quality piezometers). This evaluation involved compilation of geologic and 

 hydrogeologic data and a computer model of the area. SaskPower has asked the Saskatchewan 

 Watershed Authority and Saskatchewan Environment to review the study. It is their hope that they can 

 reduce their current monitoring levels from approximately 450 piezometers to about 150 piezometers. 



