Alberta Braces for Expected Drought: Collaborative Measures Underway

Alberta’s Proactive Approach to an Anticipated Drought

The province of Alberta is preparing for a potential drought by fostering collaboration among major water users and encouraging them to voluntarily reduce their water usage. The Environment Ministry is taking the lead in this initiative, working closely with large water licence holders to create agreements for water conservation and sharing in four major river basins. The goal is to have these agreements in place by the end of March.

Reservoir Levels and Snowpack Concerns

Southern Alberta's irrigation reservoirs are currently at 50% below typical winter storage levels, causing concern about water availability for the next growing season. The snowpack levels, which form a significant part of the region's water supply, are also below average. However, there is hope for substantial snowfalls in late February, March, and April that could help replenish the snowpack.

Collaboration is Key: Water Sharing Agreements

Communities across Alberta are being encouraged to work together to manage the expected drought effectively. The Mountain View Regional Water Services Commission held its first meeting to discuss the Government of Alberta’s plan. The focus is not on imposing water restrictions, but rather on fostering a collaborative agreement between communities. Furthermore, the provincial government is looking into developing water sharing agreements, not currently enabled through the Water Act provisions, to help manage the situation in the event of an emergency.

Drought Preparedness Workshops and Public Involvement

Efforts to raise public awareness and prepare for the potential severe drought are underway through workshops organized by the Bow River Basin Council. These workshops aim to foster collaboration between all levels of government, agencies, and the public. The idea is to identify concerns sector by sector, provide advice to local and provincial governments, and prepare for a drought emergency together. The workshops will feature expert panelists from the provincial government, City of Calgary, Irrigation Districts, and Department of Fisheries and Oceans. They are free and open to the public, encouraging widespread participation and collective understanding of the drought's potential impact.

Current Drought Conditions in Cold Lake

The City of Cold Lake in Alberta is already facing drought conditions, with the water level in Cold Lake significantly low. The local government is at stage four of their five-stage drought management emergency plan. There is an urgent need for updated drought plans and synchronization with the Cold Lake Regional Utility Service Commission. The year-to-date accumulated precipitation in the Cold Lake area is only 25 per cent of the normal amount for this time of the year, underlining the imminent need for effective water management strategies.

Looking Ahead

While the situation is concerning, the proactive response from the Alberta Environment Ministry and various local entities is reassuring. The focus on collaboration, community involvement, and voluntary water reduction reflects a comprehensive approach to managing the anticipated drought. The next few months will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of these measures and the province's ability to navigate this environmental challenge successfully.