The Alberta government has commissioned a study to assess the province’s water supply security over the next century.
Environment Minister Grant Hunter said the province’s growing population, expanding industry and agricultural sector all require reliable access to water to support continued growth.
“We’re looking 100 years ahead and asking what Alberta needs to build, invest in and do differently today to secure our water supply for generations to come.”
The government says the study will inform a new long-term plan for water management and kickstart discussions between the province and local governments and Indigenous communities about planning for the future.
A request for proposals says much of the available water supply in Alberta is in the north, while a number of southern river basins, including the Bow, Oldman and South Saskatchewan, have been closed to new water diversion licences for almost two decades.
The successful firm will also review major water projects worldwide—including California’s aqueduct system—and evaluate whether similar approaches could work in Alberta.
Alberta has allocated $400,000 for the work, which is expected to be completed by next spring.
