‘Situation is not ideal’

By Alex McCuaig, Western Producer

A generational hydrological drought is occurring in rivers in southern Alberta, resulting in water levels rivaling the lowest seen in 50 years, the activation of a county’s emergency operations and a warning from the province.

“While it appears we will be able to complete the 2023 irrigation season without significant detriment, the situation could become more dire for the 2024 season if we do not receive a normal volume of spring snowmelt,” stated Alberta Agriculture Deputy Minister Jason Hale in an Aug. 28 letter to all the irrigation districts.

Hydrological drought refers to the effects of precipitation shortfalls on surface or subsurface water, such as stream flows, reservoirs, lake levels and groundwater.

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