Hydrological Modelling of Wilmer/Boulder Creek Watersheds for Sustainable Water Management

DESCRIPTION: The complexity of the local hydrological system in the Wilmer/Boulder Creek watershed, compounded by historical diversions and the potential need to decommission or upgrade the Munn Lake dam, has led to concerns about water supply for biodiversity as well as both domestic and agricultural use. Water level and water quality concerns have been raised for Lake Lillian from an ecological and community health perspective, with past eutrophication jeopardizing fish health; the lake contains burbot, brook trout, and rainbow trout, in addition supporting numerous bird species and local wildlife. There is currently a lack of understanding regarding how these watersheds function, which is limiting the ability to effectively manage water for communities and natural ecosystems. By developing a hydrological model for the Wilmer/Neave/Boulder Creek watersheds, this project will provide clarity on origin points and contributing sources of water availability, how water is moving through the landscape, how much water is available now and into the future, and the impact of past diversions and recent natural events like wildfires.

OBJECTIVE:  The project’s overarching goal is to support the understanding and protection of ecologically significant lakes (Lake Lillian, Enid Lake and Munn Lake), and several wetland systems within the watersheds, all of which are critical for local biodiversity. The resulting hydrological model will help to address the concerns of community groups, such as the Wilmer Waterworks Improvement District and the Toby Benches Society, who are seeking solutions to maintain a sustainable water supply for irrigation and other essential uses while protecting the health of important ecosystems.

Specific objectives are to:

1) Create and deliver a detailed model that maps water flow, diversions, and storage in the Wilmer/Boulder Creek watershed, reflecting its complexity, including historical and recent diversions, and providing clarity on water sources;

2) Engage with local stakeholders and rightsholders to ensure the model addresses local needs and concerns and appropriately integrates Indigenous Knowledge and successfully integrates local concerns and feedback into the model; and

3) Ensure the model includes climate projections to help the community prepare for future changes in water supply, informing long-term climate adaptation and conservation strategies and providing actionable recommendations for climate adaptation and water management.