Alberta oil sands water guide

Why saline groundwater is used

Saline groundwater can substitute for some nonsaline make-up water in oil sands operations.

Saline waterGroundwater

Editorial review: August 11, 2026 · Lydia M. Carstairs

System role

It can supply steam or process systems after appropriate treatment.

How it is managed

Using saline water can reduce pressure on freshwater sources.

Environmental context

Salinity, scaling and residual brine create treatment and disposal challenges.

What to keep in mind

Local geology and approvals determine whether it is available or appropriate.

High-level industrial education only. Water-treatment chemistry, tailings facilities, steam systems and environmental controls are regulated site-specific systems; this site does not provide operating recipes, setpoints or procedures.