Prince Edward Island Approves More Groundwater Wells for Crop Irrigation Following 2025 Drought

Prince Edward Island's Department of Land and Environment has processed an increased number of applications for groundwater exploration permits for agricultural use this season. The department received just over 140 applications, compared to an average of 20 to 30 in most previous years.

This rise comes after the dry summer of 2025, which led farmers to seek irrigation options to support crop production.

Potato farmer Becky Townshend in Rollo Bay West received approval for one high-capacity well. 5 kilometers of irrigation pipes. Townshend noted that the past two seasons demonstrated vulnerability to dry conditions.

“The last two seasons ... " — Becky Townshend (Cbc) Provincial regulations require a two-step process for high-capacity wells, defined as those withdrawing more than 25 cubic meters of water per day. Applicants first obtain a $50 groundwater exploration permit, which involves drilling a test well to assess water volume, quality, and environmental impact.”

Approval of a subsequent water withdrawal permit is then required for operational use.

Before the 2025 drought, approximately 60 high-capacity wells were in use for agriculture across the province.

I. Water Act, with conditions to protect water resources and drinking water supplies. Hydrogeologist Qing Li stated that even if all permitted wells operate fully, they would use only a small portion of the island's groundwater supply.

Groundwater levels have recovered following the 2025 dry summer, aided by significant winter snowfall. Li described the 2025 drought as a one-in-20-year event and noted annual recovery due to limited human extraction. Officials assess that current water usage remains sustainable.

Townshend reported a 25 percent drop in her farm's overall yield in 2025, alongside increased operational costs.

Her new irrigation setup covers about 10 percent of her crop area, providing supplementary water if needed. The province anticipates no repeat of the 2025 drought conditions this season, though farmers continue to prepare for variable weather. This development affects agricultural stakeholders on Prince Edward Island, where farming supports the local economy.

Increased irrigation access could stabilize production amid climate variability. Monitoring by the Department of Land and Environment will continue to ensure compliance with water protection rules.