CBC - It could be a devastatingly dry summer in Alberta. So what can be done about it?
“We should not export our fresh water. We need it and we should conserve it. We should communicate to the United States very quickly how firm we are about it.”
Cattle roam in a field near Pigeon Lake, Alta., in a file photo from 2022. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press)
This article published by CBC Calgary, highlights the pressing challenges that Alberta continues to faces regarding its water supply amidst rapid drought conditions. Former Alberta premier Peter Lougheed's longstanding advocacy for water conservation serves as a backdrop to the situation. His caution against exporting fresh water to the United States highlights the importance of preserving Alberta's water resources.
As Alberta braces for potentially historic dry conditions this summer, with below-average snowpack, depleted rivers and the threat of wildfires- the urgency of addressing water scarcity becomes increasingly apparent. Calgary may implement restrictions on outdoor water use by May, signaling a critical need for proactive measures.
The province's water allocation challenges continue, with the majority of demand situated in the semi-arid south despite the bulk of the water supply being in the north. The dated water licensing system, dating back to 1894, further complicates effective water management. Tricia Stadnyk, a hydrologic modelling expert, emphasizes the severity of the situation, suggesting that declaring a state of emergency regarding water scarcity may be inevitable without substantial rainfall.
The article also raises questions about the future of agriculture in Alberta, given the mounting challenges posed by drought conditions. Discussions surrounding mitigation strategies for a hotter, drier future are imperative for a province heavily reliant on farming. In light of these concerns, CBC Calgary launches the series "When In Drought," aiming to foster ongoing dialogue about managing and adapting to water scarcity. The series will explore solutions for reducing water consumption, equitable resource distribution, and innovative approaches to agricultural practices in the face of diminishing water availability.
The Canada1Water (C1W) project continues to be a necessary initiative that aims to address these challenges through comprehensive research and development. By analyzing the effects of climate change on Alberta's water resources, C1W provides decision-makers and stakeholders with invaluable insights and tools to navigate the complexities of water management in the face of evolving environmental conditions.
Click here to read the article at The CBC
“The chance of us coming out of this without declaring a state of emergency around water scarcity or water supply is very low.”