CBC - Water is in short supply in southern Alberta. Is a massive expansion of irrigation possible?
“The difference between eight and 16 inches on his farm will mean a difference in millions of dollars of revenue.”
Environment and Climate Change Canada frequently releases snow water equivalent maps. The map pictured above is from early April. (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
As Alberta's water crisis continues, this article published by Joel Dryden at the CBC sheds light on the challenges facing farmers as they manage and deal with diminishing water supplies. The recent announcement from the St. Mary River Irrigation District about a substantial cut in water allocation has triggered urgent discussions among agricultural stakeholders at a crowded annual general meeting.
Farmers, waited for updates on water availability, crowded the meeting room and reflected their concerns surrounding the issue. Despite hopes for increased allocations following recent snowfalls, attendees received bad news: they would only receive eight inches of water at the gate, half of the usual allocation in a good year.
For farmers like Michel Camps of CP Farms, specializing in potato production, the implications are significant. Potatoes, heavily reliant on irrigation, now compete with other crops for limited water resources. With potatoes taking precedence due to their high value, farmers face tough decisions about which crops to prioritize, knowing that their choices will impact their operations and financial sustainability.
Meanwhile, Alberta pushes forward with plans to expand irrigation infrastructure in the region, despite mounting concerns about water scarcity and climate change. The proposed expansion raises questions about the feasibility of such projects in the face of worsening drought conditions and uncertain future water availability.
Amid these challenges, initiatives like the Canada1Water project (C1W) continue to be a crucial role in informing decision-makers and guiding sustainable water management practices. C1W, nearing the launch of its open access phase, aims to analyze the effects of climate change on Canada's water resources. Projects like C1W allow stakeholders to navigate the dynamic complexities of water management in a changing climate.
As southern Alberta's agricultural community continues to grapple with these complex issues; collaboration, innovation, and informed decision-making are needed more then ever in addressing the challenges posed by water scarcity and climate variability. Only through concerted efforts and forward-thinking strategies can the region hope to ensure the long-term viability of farming amidst evolving environmental pressures.
Click here to read the article at The CBC
“The brown area in the photo is very concerning because it means virtually zero to no snowpack in an expanse that extends across the Prairies”