22 



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

 fluctuations in response to climatic and production variations can be expected. 



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 Sask Water 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. Sask Water intends to 

 review and comment on the report prior to September 2002. 



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 six years and increased recharge from higher reservoir levels and precipitation 

 has led to a significant contraction in the project's cone of depression. Although groimd-water 

 withdrawals increased over those experienced in 2000, the 2-mefre drawdown contour remains limited 

 to a relatively small area. Figure 3.15 shows the cone of depression in the Empress Sands as of 

 December 2001. There appears to be some inconsistencies which will have to be further examined. 



