2024 to present
Haynes aquifer - unlocking the power:
Hidden 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’s landmass. Scientists and hydrogeologists estimate that it contains a staggering volume of water equivalent to an estimated 80% of the amount held in Lake Superior — that’s roughly 15 billion cubic meters of freshwater. While this enormous resource has remained largely untapped, the Gull Lake Watershed Society (GLWS) has spent the past 16 months carefully researching and planning this next critical step for Gull Lake. With the Blindman River project now on the verge of completion, it is the perfect moment to turn careful research into bold action. Accessing the Haynes Aquifer is not just a next step — it is a game-changing opportunity to refill and rejuvenate Gull Lake, safeguarding the lake’s future, ensuring its ecological health, and protecting the community and livelihoods that depend on it for generations to come.
WHY THIS MATTERS NOW — from vision to action:
With the Blindman River project secured, Gull Lake is stable — a major milestone. But stability alone cannot "restore" the lake to its full ecological health. That’s why the Gull Lake Watershed Society is turning its focus to the Haynes Aquifer, a vast underground reservoir containing approximately 80% the water volume of Lake Superior — roughly 15 billion cubic meters of freshwater. This enormous, naturally replenished aquifer offers the unique opportunity to actually refill Gull Lake, creating a resilient water supply that can withstand drought, climate shifts, and development pressures.
The Haynes lies approximately 250 meters below the surface, well below the Dalehurst (Sunchild) Aquifer, which provides daily water to farmers, rural communities, and private wells across central Alberta. Tapping into the Haynes will have no impact on these essential supplies, as the Lacombe Aquitard separates the upper and lower Aquifers; ensuring that the lake can be restored without compromising the region’s water security.
The next step is the test well, a critical phase to confirm water compatibility and feasibility. This initial phase requires roughly $300,000, with total project costs for full implementation estimated at approximately $600,000. By acting now to gather essential data and demonstrate the aquifer’s potential, the GLWS can secure long-term funding, regulatory approval, and keep the project on schedule for a transformative outcome.
Unlike the Blindman River, which only maintains water levels, the Haynes Aquifer can refill and rejuvenate Gull Lake, restoring shorelines, safeguarding aquatic life, and ensuring the lake thrives for generations. This is more than a local initiative — it is a transformational project that could redefine Gull Lake’s future, cementing its status as a vibrant ecological and recreational hub for decades to come.
JOIN US IN MAKING HISTORY — SUPPORT THE HAYNES AQUFER PROJECT
The Gull Lake Watershed Society has taken bold steps and continues working to serve the community and all visitors around Gull Lake, securing the lake’s future — and now we need your help to turn the Haynes Aquifer vision into reality. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to refill Gull Lake, protect its ecosystem, and preserve the lake we all love for decades to come.
Here’s how you can help:
Spread awareness: Share the story of Gull Lake and the Haynes Aquifer with friends, family, and your community. The more people who understand the importance of this project, the stronger our collective voice.
Become a member: Join the GLWS and take an active role in shaping Gull Lake’s future. Encourage others to do the same! Membership strengthens our influence, ensures community input, and gives you a front-row seat to this historic project.
Consider a donation: The first step — drilling the test well — requires critical funding. Your support will help bridge the gap and keep this vital project on schedule, on budget, and on track.
By taking action now, you become part of a movement to rejuvenate Gull Lake and secure its future. Together, we can turn months of research and planning into real, lasting results. Let’s seize this moment, protect our lake, and make history — one drop at a time.