As of Jan. 15, the Oldman River reservoir's storage sat at 28 per cent. Normal storage at this time of year is 62 to 79 per cent. (Photo provided by the Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area)

By Joel Mendelson

Alberta government looking to mitigate drought risks

Jan 15, 2024 | 10:55 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta has awarded WaterSMART Solutions a contract to improve drought modeling, in order to lessen the risk of severe droughts in 2024.

Alberta relies on melting snow and rain for the majority of its water. This winter, snowfall rates are well below average and many rivers and reservoirs are well below capacity.

This leaves Alberta at a high risk of drought conditions, however, the government is now relying on WaterSMART to help prepare the province.

Rebecca Shulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, said, “We are taking action to make sure Alberta is fully prepared to navigate drought in 2024. The work we are announcing will help the province conduct advanced drought modeling and explore innovative ways to maximize Alberta’s water supply.”

She continued, “This is all a key part of our efforts to continue our work to help conserve and manage water now and be prepared for uncertain conditions in the future.”

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According to officials, WaterSMART has unique and proven expertise in watershed management, which includes working in the South Saskatchewan River Basin.

In the coming months, WaterSMART will model realistic river flow scenarios that Alberta may experience.

Kim Sturgess, CEO of WaterSMART Solutions said, “People, industry, agriculture and the environment all depend on water for survival.”

She continued, “This project will help ensure effective water management practices are in place by bringing together the largest water users to collaboratively determine the best solutions for managing through uncertain water conditions this year.”

The government of Alberta said it will continue to work with municipalities, water users and farmers across the province to help ensure everyone is prepared for the possibility of drought in 2024.

More information on these initiatives will be announced in the coming weeks.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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