Water source identification of Big Quill Lake, SK, for evaluation of solute extraction under a changing climate

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The Compass Minerals facility in Wynyard Saskatchewan is the largest industrial extractor of water from Big Quill Lake. Recent increases in water levels throughout the Quill Lakes complex has caused economic, political, and environmental debate surrounding the management of water resources in the catchment. Specifically, stakeholders are concerned about flooded lands and the possibility that illegal drainage is contributing to increases in lake levels. The dilution of the naturally saline waters during this high-water stand is a detriment to Compass Minerals due to the reduced concentration of their target salts. Compass Minerals produces high purity potassium sulfate, for use in pharmaceutical, food, and agricultural industries. This proposed ENGAGE grant will establish a collaborative research partnership between the applicant and Compass Minerals to determine the water balance and seasonal variability in inputs waters to Big Quill Lake. This project will provide clarification on the current controls of water level in the Quill Lake complex and provide a new method for identifying the variability viability in source waters independent of conventional river gauges. Upon completion, the results of this project will better position Compass Minerals to anticipate and react to changes in water level in the future.