Île d’Orléans farmers rally to tackle water shortage

Description

A study published by engineering firm BPR points to a major water-supply problem affecting the Île d’Orléans farming community. Low-flow rivers and the scarcity of underground water sources have compounded the dilemma and forced farmers to draw water from ponds. Although more than 600 ponds have been added over the years, current reserves will not meet the demand. Furthermore, the thin layer of topsoil with its high gravel content means reliance on irrigation is even greater. This project will enlist the support of MRC de l’Île d’Orléans farmers, IRDA stakeholders, MAPAQ, and private companies to explore and experiment with new approaches and ways to preserve, develop, and enhance the MRC’s bio-food sector. New solutions with the potential to reduce or eliminate the area’s water deficit will be assessed.

Objective(s)

• Assess solutions with the potential to boost the efficiency of water use and/or the proportion of precipitation used in farm operations.
• Acquire the data and knowledge needed to develop a large-scale project and to reduce the risk for participating farms.
• Make sure all information is shared among farmers.