This should be a fairly simple and hopefully informative
Earthcache. The above coordinates will bring you to an educational
board. There is parking within a few feet.
The Region of Waterloo is the largest municipality in Canada
that uses groundwater as its major water source. The Region has
relied mainly on groundwater for over 100 years.
Groundwater is stored in aquifers - permeable layers of rock,
sand or gravel that hold water. Approximately 25% of precipitation
percolates into the ground, replenishing aquifers. Water generally
travels through an aquifer from high ground to low ground by
gravity.
Most of the Region's aquifers are sand and gravel associated
with deposits left by glaciers during the ice age.
Water in the sand and gravel aquifers is extracted by
submersible pumps placed at the bottom of drilled wells that are
encased with a pipe. A stainless steel filter at the bottom of the
pipe blocks sand, silt or clay from entering the well. A seal of
bentonite clay around the pipe prevents the migration of surface
water down the outside of the well casing.
Logging Requirements
1. What percentage of the Region of Waterloo’s water supply
comes from groundwater wells and what percentage comes from the
Grand River?
2. In Cambridge, what is the main aquifer?
3. Based on the information given, determine why these wells are
situated so close to the river.
4. (Optional) There are a few wells within a short walking
distance. Take a picture of yourself in front of one of the
wells.
Please send your answers to the CO with your find log.
Please DO NOT post your answers in your log.
Happy Caching!