Baseline water well testing

Overview

The Alberta government implemented the Baseline Water Well Testing Program in 2006 in response to landowner concerns about potential impacts to groundwater from coalbed methane development, when the industry was new. Baseline testing was a mandatory regulatory requirement under the program and over 16,000 baseline water well tests were performed on landowner wells. No confirmed impacts were observed over the life of the Baseline Water Well Testing Program.

In 2011, Alberta Innovates compiled an assessment of baseline testing - Coalbed Methane Operations. 

Program updates

Beginning in March 2026, testing requirements will change from mandatory to voluntary. Coalbed methane operators can offer testing to nearby landowners. This removes the regulatory burden from coalbed methane operators and allows flexibility to test where it is most beneficial, based on physical site characteristics and landowner considerations. 
Coalbed methane production continues to be regulated by the Alberta Energy Regulator.

Baseline water well testing guidance

• Guidance for baseline water well testing for coalbed methane operations
• Baseline water well test reporting template