Alberta launches water studies as demand continues to grow

As Alberta looks ahead to continued population growth and increasing demand for water, the province is moving forward with two studies focused on water storage and future supply needs.

The work comes as communities, industry and agriculture face growing pressure on existing water resources, particularly in areas where demand is expected to increase over the coming decades.

Assessing future needs and storage options

One study, the Water Storage Needs Assessment, will examine water supply and demand across Alberta’s river basins. It will consider factors such as population growth, economic activity, and future water use to identify regions where water shortages could become a concern.

A second study, the Water Storage Cost-Benefit Review and Guidelines, will look at how water storage and other infrastructure projects are evaluated. The goal is to create a consistent approach for comparing projects and deciding which ones should move forward for further consideration.

For agriculture, the studies could provide a clearer picture of where additional water storage may be needed in the future.

“Reliable access to water is essential for the long-term prosperity of Alberta’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities,” says Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Tara Sawyer.

“These studies will provide the insights we need to expand water storage capacity and build infrastructure to deliver water reliably to Albertans when they need it the most.”

The province says the information gathered through the studies will help identify future water needs and support decisions around infrastructure investments.

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter says the work will help determine where future demand is expected and provide a consistent way to compare potential projects.

The studies will also support Alberta’s ongoing work on its proposed 100-year water security plan.