Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute

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Wear Orange on September 30th in support of Indigenous communities!

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September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, in support of the Indigenous population.

Indigenous communities are disproportionally impacted by contaminated groundwater and source water protection issues. These communities are faced with considerable barriers including limited access to the technology and financial support necessary to mitigate impacts to groundwater sources.

At Morwick G360, our team is passionate about supporting the Indigenous population through groundwater research, and helping them to overcome these barriers. We currently have ongoing research with the First Nations community in Fort Liard’s Basin, Northwest Territories and source water protection research with the First Nations community in Ontario.

As said by MG360’s Dr. Jana Levison, “We have been working for several years with some community members from Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation on source water protection work that is informed by linking Indigenous and scientific research methods. It is a privilege to be able to engage with the community on this important water protection research.”

Tomorrow, please join us in showing your support for the Indigenous population, and WEAR ORANGE!

If you would like to read more about the research MG360 has been doing in Indigenous communities, please refer to the publications below:

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2018.04.070

DOI: 10.1007/s10040-019-02019-7

DOI: 10.3390/w12112957

DOI: 10.3390/su14041959

Graduate Students Share Water Wisdom at College Royal 2022

Posted by on in Outreach Activities, Uncategorized

Every year, the University of Guelph holds a massive campus-wide open house known as College Royal, the largest university event of its kind in North America. It has been a Morwick G360 tradition for our graduate students to take part in this celebration, teaching the general public and potential future students about how groundwater research is carried out and why studying this vital resource is so important.

Morwick G360 representatives Cameron, Felix, and Bradley prepare to teach visitors about groundwater science!

Quite a few families stop by, and many people were curious to hear about Morwick G360’s research. Popular questions from visitors concerned the nature of Guelph groundwater supply, possible threats and safety measures taken to avoid contamination and over pumping, and questions about water hardness.

The rock core and flow tank displays offered a bit of hands-on hydrogeological learning. Some younger visitors wondered what sort of undergraduate program would lead to a career in the field, while older visitors who were already well versed in geology were keen to talk shop and engage on topics of local importance with regard to groundwater protection.

Visitors of all ages stopped by to learn about rock cores, groundwater, geology, and get their hands on the miniature sand tank display.

A big thank you to the team of graduate students who came out to make College Royal such a success this year. As the first ‘in-person’ event for many of us after several years of virtual gatherings, it was great to see such enthusiasm. Groundwater is a key resource that’s worth understanding, for scientists and the public alike. We’re excited to continue to share our research through similar outreach activities going forward, and we can be reached anytime at communications@g360group.org.

Remembering Carla Rose

Posted by on in Announcements, Uncategorized

Morwick G360 is deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Carla Rose, a former colleague and longtime friend of many at the Institute. We would like to pay our respects to her memory and offer condolences to those she leaves behind. Carla was a joy to work with during her five years at the G360 Institute from 2012 to 2016. She stayed in touch with many of her colleagues after leaving, and it was one of her defining qualities that once you were a part of her life, she worked to maintain meaningful relationships. In addition, Carla carried out her research with purpose and curiosity, and was an inspiration to us and others around her. Carla leaves behind a legacy of good friendship and excellent scholarship, and she will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.

In Carla’s memory, Carla’s family has suggested making a donation in support of local public libraries in her name, especially “your library’s early childhood collections and programs. Those resources are invaluable to the parents of children in their formative years and are resources that Carla made extensive use of.” Visitation information can be found here: https://wallcustance.com/acf-death-notices/carla-h-rose/

We’d like to end with some words of reflection from Morwick G360’s Director, Beth Parker:

“I fondly remember when Carla first approached me to ask for an opportunity to work in my research group at the University of Guelph. She wanted to improve her understanding of groundwater science and we were engaged in research at field sites collecting soil, rock and groundwater samples. She was extremely curious about the parts of the system she didn’t already know anything about, and was very thoughtful in pursuing whatever possibilities she could to complete the full picture. I couldn’t resist offering Carla an entry-level research staff position in the group given her quest for knowledge and understanding, but this quickly transitioned to a professional position as she combined contaminant hydrogeology with her MSc expertise. It quickly became apparent that she was always eager to volunteer and help everyone around her. It was her attention to detail that was her distinguishing quality, alongside her pursuit to understand the meaning. Her thorough consideration of many diverse topics made it a joy to carry on thoughtful conversations with her. We had many such conversations about her career interests, and I was touched by her enthusiasm and dedication. Carla was sensitive to others and showed great respect to everyone. She knew how to be personable and caring. I especially like that she shared personal news and experiences as a new parent several years after she left G360, knowing that I was interested. With Carla, once you were a part of her life, she stayed in touch forever. Hence, anyone who knew Carla is feeling an unjustifiable loss of a friend.”

Groundwater Research Continues in all Weather Conditions

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Fieldwork is the foundational core of the research carried out at Morwick G360. Real world sites offer the ability to capture comprehensive, high-resolution datasets about unique subsurface conditions, enabling us to better understand groundwater systems and contaminants, and devise more effective remediation techniques to keep our drinking water safe. In this way, fieldwork is and incredibly rewarding undertaking, but it can also be a challenge, especially when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Dr. Jonathan Munn braving the weather at Grayling Airfield.

This month, for example, at a research site at the Grayling Army Airfield, Michigan, where Morwick G360 researchers in collaboration with partners Arcadis and ENRX are testing new methods of measuring mass flux (the movement of contaminants across an area), an unexpectedly heavy snowfall blanketed the area. Dr. Jonathan Munn, who was heading out to the site, woke up to a message that:

“the site area received up to 12 inches (30.5 cm) of snow in the last 24 hours. Drive carefully – take it slow in ice and snow. Monday looks like it will be windy (13-20 mph), which really increases the chill factor on this site. Tuesday and Wednesday looks like temperatures will be pretty low (highs around 20F/-7C) with moderate winds. Dress warmly.”

With safety precautions taken, and shovels in hand, the wintery weather didn’t hold the team back or keep them from splicing a fibre optic network to run planned A-DTS tests to measure groundwater flow. Just another day in the field.

With the holidays just around the corner, we at Morwick G360 would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a happy new year and all the best in 2022. To send us off, Jon shared a couple more photos of, as he put it, the “winter wonderland.” Enjoy!

Equipment set up as snow squalls roll in.

Testing during cold weather.

Thank You to Aardvark Drilling for Supporting the Morwick Groundwater Research Centre

Posted by on in Announcements, Uncategorized

We are happy to announce that Aardvark Drilling has made a substantial contribution to the development of the Morwick Groundwater Research Centre at the University of Guelph. With their help, we are building a world-class hub for groundwater research, training, and collaboration. When complete, the Centre will house classrooms, a rock core library, teaching wells, and technology demonstration displays, serving as a focal point and staging ground for Groundwater projects and student education.

Aardvark Drilling Inc. is a contractor with roots in the Guelph community. They have operations throughout Southern Ontario, Eastern Canada, and Bermuda. Since 2002, they have provided high quality drilling services, equipment, and expertise for a wide variety of projects. They employ over 20 people, and serve the public sector, private sector, and government projects alike. Aardvark and the Morwick G360 Institute have a long history of collaboration, working together on various projects in Wellington Region for over a decade. With this contribution, Aardvark demonstrate an ongoing commitment to evidence-based research, hands-on training, and collaborative, sustainable best practices in the field.

The Morwick Groundwater Research Centre is now nearing three-quarters of our fundraising goal, and there are more opportunities available to support this endeavour. Contact us or visit https://www.uoguelph.ca/ceps/water-protection to learn more.

Morwick G360 extends a warm thank you to Aardvark Drilling Inc. for their valuable gift in support of the project.