Pumping from the Haynes Aquifer
2024 to present
Unlocking a Hidden Treasure Beneath Gull Lake:
Deep beneath central Alberta lies one of the province’s greatest natural treasures: the Haynes Aquifer — a vast, ancient groundwater reservoir stretching beneath Gull Lake and much of western Alberta.
Scientists estimate it contains roughly 15 billion cubic meters of freshwater — about 80% of the water volume in Lake Superior. While this resource has remained largely untapped, the Gull Lake Watershed Society (GLWS) has spent the past 16 months carefully researching and planning the next critical step for the lake.
With the Blindman River project nearly complete, the time is right to move from careful study to bold, transformative action. Accessing the Haynes Aquifer is not just the next step — it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to refill and rejuvenate Gull Lake, protect its ecosystem, and safeguard the community and livelihoods that depend on it.
Why This Matters Now: From Vision to Action:
Stabilizing Gull Lake is a major milestone, thanks to the Blindman River project. But stability alone is not restoration. To truly restore the lake’s ecological health, we need resilient, sustainable water sources — and the Haynes Aquifer provides just that.
Key facts:
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Lies 250 meters below the surface, below the Dalehurst (Sunchild) Aquifer.
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Separated by the Lacombe Aquitard, so accessing the Haynes will not impact farmers, rural communities, or private wells in central Alberta.
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Potential to refill Gull Lake, restore shorelines, safeguard aquatic life, and ensure long-term resilience against drought, climate change, and development pressures.
The next critical step is drilling a test well to confirm water quality and feasibility. This phase requires approximately $300,000, with total project costs for full implementation estimated at $600,000. Early action will secure funding, regulatory approvals, and keep the project on track for a transformative outcome.
Unlike the Blindman River, which maintains water levels, the Haynes Aquifer can refill and rejuvenate the lake, creating a truly sustainable solution for generations.
JOIN US IN MAKING HISTORY — SUPPORT THE HAYNES AQUFER PROJECT:
The Haynes Aquifer Project is bold, unprecedented, and transformative. But we cannot do it alone. This is your chance to protect Gull Lake, preserve its ecosystem, and help shape its future.
How You Can Help:
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Spread Awareness
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Share the story of Gull Lake and the Haynes Aquifer with friends, family, and your community. Every voice counts.
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Become a Member
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Join GLWS to participate in decision-making, strengthen community input, and watch this historic project unfold firsthand.
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Consider a Donation
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Funding the test well is the critical first step. Your support keeps the project on schedule, on budget, and moving forward.
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By acting now, you join a movement to rejuvenate Gull Lake and secure its future. Together, we can turn months of research and planning into real, lasting results.