Amid a prolonged drought in the Maritimes this year, Sable Island stood out for its abundant water supply. Situated 290 kilometers southeast of Halifax, the island boasts a significant underground reservoir of fresh water.
Describing the unique water dynamics of the island, Audrey Levesque, a Parks Canada visitor experience coordinator on Sable Island, compared it to an inverted dome of fresh water floating atop the denser saltwater in the ocean. Due to the highly permeable sand underneath, the island functions like a colossal sponge, absorbing rainfall and snowfall efficiently.
Unlike the mainland, where water flows in streams, Sable Island’s precipitation quickly infiltrates the ground, creating a substantial groundwater layer that can extend up to 30 meters deep. Levesque explained that this groundwater distribution resembles a rounded mass of water beneath the island’s surface, tapering towards the beaches from its highest point in the center.
This phenomenon is not exclusive to Sable Island, as many coastal regions and islands experience similar water retention in saturated sand. The presence of this underground water network supports the island’s diverse wildlife, providing access to 21 permanent ponds and a continuous water supply.
Although the island’s famed horses usually rely on the existing water sources, they have recently been observed digging wells in search of additional water reservoirs. In the absence of natural ponds, the horses are adapting to secure their water supply by excavating into the sandy terrain.
For the small human population inhabiting the island, a dedicated well ensures a reliable source of fresh water. Levesque emphasized the superior quality of this water compared to that consumed on the mainland, reassuring residents that they need not worry about water scarcity.
While neighboring Nova Scotia grappled with drying wells and failing crops during a dry spring, Sable Island maintained its water security. Levesque confirmed that regular monitoring of the well’s water level indicated no cause for concern, as the island’s rainfall remained within normal parameters throughout the season.