Achi news desk-
More than three dozen of Alberta’s biggest water users have agreed to a provincial plan to cut back this year ahead of the severe drought expected this summer.
“With these agreements, Albertans are coming together once again when times get tough,” Alberta Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz said in a news release.
“They will help make the most of our limited water supplies and make every drop count if a severe drought hits this summer. These irrigators, industry and municipalities show the leadership, dedication and the community spirit that makes this state great.”
The agreement comes after Alberta experienced “several dry years” and an unusually warm and dry winter, the province said.
The deal was concluded following negotiations between the provincial government and Alberta water licensees, who represent 90 percent of the water allocated in the Bow and Old Man basins, and 70 percent of the Red Deer river basin.
“TransAlta recognizes the unique role our Bow River system plays in managing water flow while also being a key component of Alberta’s electricity grid,” said Blain van Melle, executive vice president, commercial and customer relations, TransAlta.
“We look forward to working with government and downstream stakeholders to ensure that as much water as possible is stored in the spring and optimize summer flows to help mitigate conditions drought should they occur.”
Municipalities have also agreed to save water between five and 10 percent and industries will “use only the minimum amount of water practicable to maintain safe, reliable operations.”
Those companies will also seek additional water-saving measures, officials said.
In addition, irrigated areas will use less water and allow other water users to access supplies first.
“These cooperative agreements are voluntary. They are designed to be proactive, risk-based and flexible enough to be adjusted in real time as conditions change,” the province said.
“The actual water amounts under the agreements will be updated every two weeks based on the latest water supply forecasts.”
The provincial government says with the agreements in place, it will now take on the task of monitoring conditions and issuing warnings about affected basins, producing weekly water supply forecasts, optimizing its own infrastructure to ensure they use water efficient and makes the most of water storage in the Ghost. Reservoir and those in the Kananaskis area.
However, Alberta’s “ultimate success” this season will be a joint effort between all water users – from smaller license holders to everyday Albertans.
