NSCC project is protecting well water in Nova Scotia
From the Springboard Content Lab
About 46 percent of Nova Scotians rely on private wells for drinking water. That is roughly one in two households outside municipal systems. With climate change intensifying drought, floods, and saltwater intrusion, these wells are increasingly vulnerable.
A research initiative led by Dr.Etienne Mfoumou from Springboard member Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) is pioneering a community-driven, interdisciplinary approach to monitoring well water and empowering rural communities to safeguard their water quality.
Dr. Etienne Mfoumou, NSCC Research Scientist
Before joining NSCC in January of 2013, Etienne was a research scientist at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre and a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Arizona in Tucson. He received his diploma of applied science in mechanical engineering and pedagogical sciences from the University of Douala in Cameroon. Etienne earned a masters of science in mechanical engineering and his first PhD in that same discipline at the Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden. He completed a second PhD in biomedical engineering at Concordia University.
A Watershed Moment: Why Protecting Well Water Matters
Private wells serve as lifelines for rural communities across Nova Scotia, particularly in low-density regions. However, the escalating frequency of climate extremes is imposing multiple threats:
- Water scarcity during persistent droughts reduces groundwater replenishment, lowering water tables and well yields in southwestern Nova Scotia.
- Increased contaminant levels, such as bacteria, nitrates, and heavy metals, occur when wells draw from shallower, more concentrated sources. In reverse, extreme rainfall can carry surface contaminants into wells.
- Saltwater intrusion, particularly in coastal areas like the Bay of Fundy, pushes saline water into aquifers—compounding freshwater loss, heightening salinity, and mobilizing soil contaminants.
With private wells mostly unregulated and often tested only sporadically, many residents remain unaware of water quality risks—some of which may result in unsafe drinking water without visible signs.
Engineering Meets Biology: A Cross‑Disciplinary Vision
Dr. Mfoumou trained as an engineer, yet his time in a biology lab sparked a passion for applying multidisciplinary research to real-world problems. At NSCC’s Engineered Technologies Applied Research Lab, he and his team collaborate across engineering, environmental science, and community outreach to design practical solutions.
This fusion of disciplines aids in:
- Real-time monitoring, using sensors and analytics to track fluctuations in water level, chemistry, and biological contamination.
- Predictive modeling, to help forecast contamination events after storms or droughts.
- Community education, equipping residents and municipal leaders with data literacy and clear guidance on well maintenance.
Strength in Partnerships
The initiative is a true collaborative effort involving both public and private sector stakeholders:
- SimplyCast, a Nova Scotia-based communication tech firm, contributes expertise in translating data into timely, actionable alerts.
- The Nova Scotia Geological Survey provides critical regional hydrogeology and salinity mapping to clarify climate-related risks.
- Local municipalities and community groups support pilot testing and outreach—giving voice to farm families and rural households across southwestern Nova Scotia
These partnerships anchor the research in lived experience and ensure that any tools or procedures deployed are both technically robust and culturally attuned.
Building on Prior Success
This effort builds on a project launched in 2018 in Shelburne, aiming to test well-water improvement approaches. That pilot revealed a strong need for public awareness and proactive testing. By 2020, the program expanded to cover southwestern Nova Scotia, focusing on water resilience in drought‑prone regions.
Scaling Up: Toward Durable, Resilient Solutio
Dr. Mfoumou and partners envision a transparent, community-powered water monitoring system—one that can be replicated across rural Canada. Key components include:
- Data-driven tools to alert homeowners and municipalities to emerging threats.
- Educational programs to foster well stewardship and data-informed decision-making.
- Policy frameworks to encourage regular testing and maintenance of private wells.
By empowering residents through monitoring technology, geological insight, and communication infrastructure, the program aims to transform reactive responses into proactive management of water resources.
Why This Work Matters
Climate change isn’t just a distant horizon. It’s already reshaping daily life in Nova Scotia, especially for households depending on private wells. With nearly half the population relying on groundwater, the stakes are high. This NSCC-led initiative isn’t just about lab results: It’s about healthier, more resilient rural communities. NSERC support has enabled a powerful partnership of engineering, biological science, geoscience, and communications—delivering solutions that combine rigorous science with public engagement.
Looking Ahead
The next phases aim to refine monitoring systems, train more community partners, and extend the tools into additional watersheds across Atlantic Canada. Ultimately, the team hopes to shape regional best practices and inspire similar models nationwide.
In a changing climate, access to safe drinking water depends not just on infrastructure, but on informed communities, collaborative research, and shared stewardship. By investing in this integrated approach, NSERC, NSCC, and local partners are developing a blueprint for rural water resilience—not just for Nova Scotia, but for all regions facing similar challenges.