Winkler City Council has approved a new $200,000 multi-phase study to possibly increase the water licence for the Winkler Aquifer

"It will determine exactly where things are at," Winkler Mayor Martin Harder says, adding the study will also look at how to recharge the 17-mile long aquifer.

A public forum has also been proposed to keep residents informed, "about how it would impact them," Harder says.

He notes they'll also look at wastewater drainage issues in the city, particular in the South end where the water table is higher.

"Sump pumps are going pretty steadily and a lot of them end up in the sewer, so it creates more issues there," Harder says.

Located on the West side of Winkler, the aquifer runs Northwest to the Shannon Creek recharge areaThe first phase of the study is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

In a 1990 study, the Winkler Aquifer was the sole source of water for the 5900 people and industries in the community.

Today, about 65 percent of the city's water is drawn from the Winkler Aquifer through 12 wells. However, rapid growth continues to be a factor.

From 2011 to 2016 the city saw an 18 percent growth in population, jumping from 10,670 to 12,591.

Municipal usage began in 1963. By 1990, it was determined the aquifer contained 170,000-acre feet of fresh water and could supply Winkler's water requirements at the projected usage for at least another 50 years.

It was estimated usage would increase to 1800 acre feet by 2010 and 3000-acre feet by 2040.

In 1990, it was also determined the overall recharge rate for the aquifer was 320-acre feet per year.

The rate of withdrawal almost 20 years ago was 1000 acre-feet per year.

In 1997, the Winkler Aquifer Management Plan was created to protect the long-term water supply, enhance recharge efficiency and promote continued monitoring.

It was estimated by 2020, the demand on the Winkler Aquifer would reach 1,700 acre-feet per year.

Located on the West side of Winkler, the aquifer runs Northwest to the Shannon Creek recharge area.