Formation: CGA was established as a volunteer-led committee under IAH Canada to strengthen national groundwater advocacy and outreach. It was formed in 2023 in response to the persistent underrepresentation of groundwater in public discourse and freshwater management policies and programs, with the aim of coordinating science-based communication, engagement, and knowledge mobilization across Canada.
Mandate: CGA advances groundwater awareness and literacy in Canada by bridging science, policy, and public engagement. CGA aim to strengthen the visibility of groundwater in freshwater decision-making and supports informed management of groundwater resources nationwide.
Structure: CGA operates through a structured, volunteer-driven framework that combines strategic leadership with thematic subcommittees. Committee Leads and Board Liaisons provide oversight and alignment with IAH Canada, while subcommittees deliver CGA’s activities across advocacy, communications, events, and policy review.
Committee Leads: Cynthia McClain 
, Brendan Mulligan
Intern: Audrey Marie Hill
Communications Coordinator: M. Qasim Mahmood
Subcommittees
- Groundwater Advocacy & Engagement
Advocate and develop recommendations to integrate groundwater into freshwater management through continuous and targeted engagement with water stakeholders.
Co-Leads: Reginald Somera, Vacant
- Communications & Public Outreach
Increases public awareness of groundwater issues through strategic communications and published advocacy materials that explain why and how groundwater should be integrated into freshwater management.
Co-Leads: Margaret McLennon, Randy Stotler
Key Deliverables (underway):
Op-ed articles
- Events Participation & Professional Development
Supports committee participation in key conferences, workshops, and professional development initiatives to foster networks, increase visibility, and enhance knowledge sharing across the water community.
Co-Leads: Ryan Threndyle, Magdalena Krol
- Policy Review
Synthesizes policy issues to support ongoing groundwater policy developments and evidence-informed advocacy and dialogue.
Co-Leads: Mike Wei, Jonathan Keizer
Key Deliverables (underway):
Recommendations for the Canada Water Act
Recommendations
Recommendation 1: Be clear: “water” includes “groundwater”. Clarify terminology in federal government communications to include groundwater.
Recommendation 2: Establish groundwater monitoring under the Canada Water Act. Increase funding for national, long-term groundwater monitoring and assessment commensurate with its strategic value to water security and meaningfully connected to surface water monitoring.
Recommendation 3: Conduct nationwide groundwater reporting. Lead national initiatives to regularly report on groundwater quality and quantity trends.
Recommendation 4: Bring groundwater experts to the freshwater table. Ensure that groundwater experts are integrated at every stage of freshwater management.
Recommendation 5: Educate about groundwater. Educate the public and decision-makers about the importance of groundwater in Canada and its role in our changing climate.
In May 2024, IAH Canada submitted a brief, "Groundwater is critical to effective freshwater management in Canada", to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development: Study on Freshwater, informed by our members, water experts across Canada, provincial and territorial representatives, academics, and environmental consultants.
Read the full brief here
Impact & Achievements
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Policy Briefs or Reviews: +5
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Public Presentations: +10
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Volunteers: +20
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Funded Projects: 4
Get Involved
Committee for Groundwater Advocacy is currently recruiting for the following positions:
- One mid-career or experienced hydrogeologist to co-lead the Engagement and Advocacy Activity Team
- Multiple early-career hydrogeologists who have a penchant for social media content development are needed to join the Communications Activity Team
- One volunteer to support French translations for the Communications Activity Team
- Multiple volunteers to join the Engagement and Advocacy Activity Team who are interested in supporting regional engagement (e.g., BC Water Security)
