More farmers in Prince Edward Island are set to utilize groundwater for irrigation this year, with assurances from provincial authorities that a repeat of last year’s drought is unlikely. Becky Townshend, a potato farmer in Rollo Bay West, is preparing to install approximately 1.5 kilometers of irrigation piping on her farm ahead of the upcoming season. She has been granted approval for a high-capacity well, enabling her farm to access groundwater for irrigating around 28 hectares of her 90-hectare farm this year. Townshend emphasized the importance of supplementary irrigation in maintaining sustainability and resilience during dry conditions, citing the vulnerability exposed in recent seasons.
Following a dry spell in 2025, there has been a surge in applications for irrigation wells as farmers seek to secure adequate water supply for their crops, with over 140 applications received by the provincial government this year compared to the typical 20 to 30 applications annually. To drill a high-capacity well, farmers must adhere to regulations safeguarding the province’s water resources. The process involves obtaining a groundwater exploration permit, costing $50, for conducting a test well to assess water availability and quality. Subsequently, a water withdrawal permit is required for large water users requiring over 25 cubic meters per day.
According to Qing Li, a provincial hydrogeologist, the approval of permits is contingent on stringent conditions outlined in P.E.I.’s Water Act to ensure responsible water usage. Li assured that despite increased well usage, the Island’s groundwater supply remains intact, with ongoing recovery observed after the previous year’s drought, aided by ample snowfall during winter. The likelihood of a drought on the scale of 2025 is deemed rare, occurring once every 20 years. Li emphasized the sustainability of water usage, attributing the Province’s ability to recover to the minimal impact of human water consumption.
Townshend, reflecting on her farm’s experience, expressed concerns over reduced yields and escalating operational costs, underscoring the need for risk mitigation. With plans to initiate supplementary irrigation on a fraction of her crop, she aims to enhance sustainability and alleviate uncertainties surrounding crop production. The implementation of irrigation systems by more potato growers in the region underscores the proactive measures being taken to bolster crop resilience and competitiveness in the face of climatic challenges.