This presentation explores the importance of initial groundwater conceptualizations to evaluate environmental risks, which in turn inform the level or complexity of the subsequent intrusive groundwater assessments required for permit applications. Three practical examples are discussed where inadequate groundwater conceptualization resulted in questionable, inaccurate or incomplete groundwater assessments. These shortcomings delayed or prolonged the permitting review, increased uncertainty in decision making, and decreased the social license from First Nations and stakeholders.