Adapting To Dry Realities: Alberta's Call To Action For Water Conservation

Introduction

On February 1, 2024, the Government of Alberta ("Government") announced that it would be entering into negotiations with major water license holders in three key provincial river basins (Red Deer River, Bow River, and Old Man River Basins). The goal of these negotiations is to reach voluntary water-sharing agreements in response to growing concerns over potential water shortages.

This is the first time since 2001 that the Government has moved to initiate such discussions.

Background

Alberta typically relies on melting snow and precipitation for most of its water supply. On the heels of a hot dry summer and a winter with very little snowfall; snowpack is below average; many rivers are at record low levels and multiple reservoirs remain well below capacity. Notably, 51 communities in the province are already operating under some form of water shortage advisory. In summary, Alberta is currently facing the threat of a severe drought that would have