An urban water balance study, lethbridge, alberta: Estimation of urban lawn overwatering and potential effects on local water tables

Abstract

Shallow groundwater conditions have been observed in many areas in west Lethbridge. High water tables have caused many problems both in west Lethbridge and other areas of the city, including the increased occurrence of slope failures along nearby coulees. Concerns over the potential problems which may arise due to high groundwater conditons have prompted the city of Lethbridge and the University of Lethbridge to initiate a urban groundwater study. As part of this study, the potential inputs of water from lawn and garden irrigation were examined. The calculated amount of summer lawn and garden irrigation was compared to the calculated evapotranspiration rates for the years 1990to 1994. It was determined that the majority of homes in Varsity Village of West Lethbridge over-irrigated throughout this five year period. Since water applied in excess to crop demands may be available to contribute to groundwater, the potential impact of longterm overwatering and its influence on groundwater tables must be examined, especially in areas near local coulee slopes. © 1996 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.