Predicting water trends is fraught with uncertainty, market trends invariably impact upon economic decisions and the water environment. Weather, variable by nature, is subject to large fluctuations in precipitation. The observations that follow are best estimates of what some water experts consider to be the state of water in Alberta.

Overall water supply is uncertain. Precipitation is highly variable, as is streamflow, and there is no statistically significant trend in precipitation on the prairies over the past century. However because Rocky Mountain glacial meltwater is declining and evaporation in the Prairie region is increasing due to a 1.5 – 2 degree Celsius increase in temperatures, surface water supplies are likely to diminish. Wider fluctuation in water variability is predicted to challenge water supply and flood control structures in some parts of the province.

Overall water quality is dependent on industry and regulators’ ability to keep up with new knowledge on threats to water quality and quantity. For example, increased evaporation due to higher temperatures and longer ice-free seasons could have a net effect of increasing salinity, contaminants and nutrients in surface waters. The Northern River Basins Studies of 1996 and subsequent updates have shown that good progress has been made in improving many, but not all aspects of the aquatic environments of these rivers.

Drinking water of adequate quality will be a continuing challenge, especially for smaller communities. Nutrient and other chemical issues, as well as viral and microbial health, will be increasingly associated with drinking water supplies.

Groundwater: many Albertans rely upon groundwater for their drinking water supplies. Government policy clearly identifies drinking water as the first use priority for groundwater, ongoing care must be exercised to ensure both its availability and protection from contamination.

Wastewater treatment improvements have occurred in major centres but much more must be done to reduce risks to both human and environmental health in some areas of the province. Municipal wastewater managers must keep in step with technology and contemporary best wastewater management practices in order to prevent water quality and aquatic health from deteriorating.

Contaminants in fish are decreasing in the North as existing industrial plants improve wastewater effluents. Some concerns also relate to the combined effects that occur when municipal and industrial discharges mix and produce a new set of aquatic circumstances.

Water monitoring has been greatly expanded in Alberta since the 1970s and substantial monitoring of both water quantity and quality is taking place. Good information is essential to good water management.

Sportsman dinners are great fun and effective fundraisers, however they should not overshadow the Alberta Fish and Game Association’s (AF&GA) critical habitat conservation programs. Established over 90 years ago, the AF&GA, together with government and other environmental organizations, plays a vital role in preserving the province's fish and wildlife habitat. This includes everything from transplant projects, fish-stocking projects, developing new wetlands and uplands habitat to conserving what already exists. Not only is this great for hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, and the more than 15,000 members in 120 clubs, but is also beneficial for the environment. 

Scientific uncertainty

Science doesn't claim to have all of the answers. Sometimes information may be lacking or conditions may be so subject to change that scientific analysis becomes difficult to apply. Outcomes are sometimes difficult to predict. There are occasions when not all scientists will agree on the science itself.

To address such cases scientists have developed what is known as the precautionary principle. This means that where science is uncertain about outcomes, and the outcomes could be potentially very harmful, society should err on the conservative or safe side when making decisions.

Misuse of the precautionary principle can occur and if taken to extremes can paralyze most decisions in society. On the other hand, application of the precautionary principle to recognize the potential range of results and risks before proceeding with an important project can be a wake up call that is ignored at our peril. The challenge is understanding how to assess the data and possible risks.

• Focus on Alberta
• Alberta’s Water Resources
• The Land
• Best Judgements
• Forestry
• Real People
• Water Workers
• Mixing Oil & Water
• Water Knowledge
• Saving Water with Wind
• Providing for the Public
• Sponsors