Despite some areas of above-normal precipitation, Alberta continues to grapple with severe drought conditions, particularly in the southern regions. The persistent drought, exacerbated by long-term precipitation deficits and poor water supplies, presents significant challenges to the province’s agricultural sector and communities reliant on water resources. As Alberta faces this pressing issue, the government has taken proactive steps to invest in projects aimed at maximizing water supply and ensuring adequate access to drinking water for its residents.

According to recent assessments reported on the agriculture.canada.ca website, the province has experienced below-average snowpack levels and record-low river and reservoir levels, painting a grim picture for the upcoming growing season. Critical water shortages have been reported in over half of the province’s river basins, emphasizing the urgent need for interventions to address the water scarcity crisis.

In response to these challenges, the Alberta government has announced strategic investments in collaboration with Alberta Innovates, the province’s largest innovation agency. With over $75 million allocated through its Water Innovation Program, Alberta Innovates is spearheading efforts to support research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing water management, conservation, and quality protection.

Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, highlighted the significance of these investments in modernizing water usage practices and finding innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of drought. She emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to optimize Alberta’s water resources effectively.

Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the pivotal role of technology in driving innovation across industries. He underscored the importance of investing in projects that offer tangible solutions to real-world challenges, such as developing advanced waste management systems.

The Water Innovation Program encompasses a diverse range of projects focused on various aspects of water management, including future water supply, watershed management, aquatic ecosystems, water conservation, efficiency, and productivity, as well as water quality protection. These projects aim to address the pressing needs of communities and industries grappling with water scarcity and environmental degradation.

One notable project, developed at the University of Alberta, involves the utilization of a granular sludge reactor to enhance water treatment processes and increase the capacity for water reuse and recycling. The pilot project, currently underway at a wastewater treatment plant in Calgary, demonstrates promising results in improving water treatment efficiency and sustainability.

Laura Kilcrease, CEO of Alberta Innovates, emphasized the program’s role in fostering innovation and developing technologies essential for ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for future generations. She underscored the importance of collaboration between government, academia, and industry in driving technological advancements in water management.

Aminah Robinson Fayek, Vice-President of Research and Innovation at the University of Alberta, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to leveraging its expertise to address critical societal challenges. She expressed optimism about collaborating with Alberta Innovates and the government to accelerate the development of innovative water technologies.

In addition to supporting research and development initiatives, Alberta Innovates has facilitated the commercialization of clean technologies, digital clean energy solutions, environmental technologies, partial upgrading, and recovery technologies. The agency’s efforts have yielded tangible outcomes, including the influence of new policies and practices, the development of innovative products and services, and the support of highly qualified personnel.

As Alberta navigates the complex challenges posed by drought and water scarcity, investments in innovative water technologies are crucial for building resilience and ensuring sustainable water management practices. By harnessing the power of innovation, collaboration, and strategic investment, Alberta is taking proactive steps to safeguard its water resources and mitigate the impacts of climate change on its communities and ecosystems.

As residents there are several ways in which water conservation can be implemented to help reduce the strain on local water supplies, low water supplies due to drought is not just an agricultural issue it is an everyone’s issue.

For indoor water conservation residents could: take shorter showers limiting them to five minutes, and even reducing the number of showers per week with sponge baths in between. When washing dishes fill the sink instead of letting the water run down the drain, it will also help save on your water bill. Fix any leaks, including leaky toilets and faucets, and use dishwashers and washing machines only when there are full loads, and lastly, keep a jug of water in the fridge to keep the water cool instead of running the tap wasting an enormous amount of water waiting for it to become cold.

For outdoor water conservation only water your lawn when absolutely necessary and only in the morning and evening to reduce evaporation. Collect and reuse water for outdoor plants, and consider planting drought tolerant plants and vegetation around your premises, and again check outdoor pipes, faucets and hoses for leaks.