Anxiety-Free Groundwater Detection

At WaterSearch, we've revolutionized groundwater detection for rural Albertans.

With over 600,000 residents relying on groundwater, we combine cutting-edge technology with a unique, client-focused pricing model.

Our process starts with a modest fee for an initial assessment and seismological report.

How do we do it?

Through the use of ER (Electrical Resistivity Tomography)

ERT is a geophysical imaging technique that works much like a medical CT scan, but instead of using X-rays it uses electrical currents to map the underground.

Electrodes are placed on the ground surface, and a controlled current is injected through one pair while other electrodes measure the resulting voltage differences.

These measurements allow resistivity values to be calculated, which are then processed by software to produce a model showing how electrical properties vary with depth and position. Because water, clay, and mineralized zones conduct electricity well, they appear as low-resistivity regions, while dry soils, gravels, and solid rock typically show higher resistivity.

This makes ERT especially useful for locating groundwater.

The True Liquid Gold:

  • Rural Reliance

    More than 600,000 rural Albertans rely on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water. This highlights the critical importance of reliable groundwater detection services for a significant portion of the province's population.

  • Cost-Effectiveness

    Groundwater is often the most economical water source for rural customers in Alberta. When properly located and managed, a groundwater well can provide a long-term, sustainable water supply at a fraction of the cost of alternatives like water hauling or long-distance pipeline connections.

  • Drilling Risks:

    Well drilling in Alberta is expensive, with costs potentially ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on depth and geological conditions. This underscores the importance of accurate groundwater detection before drilling, as it can save significant costs and frustration in the long run.

Our Prices

At WaterSearch, we keep our pricing simple, transparent, and based on the work we do for you.

Appointment Booking

  • $150 (credited towards your final invoice)

Scan Lines

  • First scan line (42m): $750
  • Each additional scan line: $250

Travel Fee

  • $1 per km round trip from our HQ in Millarville, AB

Each scan line is 42 meters long and placed where you’d like us to search for groundwater. We aim to position the line perpendicular to natural underground flow, estimated from regional geological data, to give you the best results.

Understanding Groundwater Detection Limitations

Our advanced technology doesn't directly "detect water" but rather analyzes subtle differences in soil composition and geological structures. By interpreting complex scan patterns, we identify areas with a high probability of groundwater deposits.

However, it's crucial to understand that these scans provide probabilities, not certainties. The earth's subsurface is intricate and can vary significantly even within short distances.

While technological limitations keep us from making guarantees, ERT testing still provides the highest chance to hit water on your first drill attempt.