The Athabasca River is one of the largest basins in Alberta.
In this drought year, Alberta's water allocation is under the microscope. Here's what the data says | CBC News LoadedWith much of its population in the south, and much of its water in the north, the way Alberta allocates its water varies widely across the provinceAcross Alberta, communities and experts are concerned about the potential for worsening drought conditions this year, and an increased frequency and severity of droughts in the future due to climate change.
Consumed water is water that is taken and not returned. Some water users, such as municipalities, divert large amounts of water. However, because much of that water is later treated and returned to the same water body, the consumptive use is relatively low.The data also details the major and minor river basin of each licence, as well as the broad and specific categories of water use.Importantly, the data is not a representation of how much water is actually being used.
"This is kind of the case all over Canada where we have about 20 per cent of the water supply that exists within Canada within about 200 kilometres of the Canada-U.S. border, but about 80 per cent of the Canadian population lives in that area." Heading up the map, the picture quickly changes. The North Saskatchewan River basin, which serves the Edmonton area, isn't dominated by any one category — the largest is power generation at 30 per cent, followed by oil and gas production at 25 per cent.
Not all kinds of water use are equal. Much depends on what the water is used for, and what happens to it after that use. "It is not uncommon for us — in periods of even short-term water scarcity like we saw over the last couple years — to dip below the minimum required amount of water in a stream that is needed for fish and aquatic health," she says.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pierre Poilievre defends Alberta Premier Smith on transgender policiesConservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre speaks about his car theft policy during a news conference at the Port of Montreal on Tuesday
Read more »
Danielle Smith, Liberals trade shots over transgender policies during her trip to OttawaAlberta Premier Danielle Smith addresses a news conference in Ottawa on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024.
Read more »
Protests in Alberta against transgender rights policiesProtests were held in Alberta against provincial policy proposals targeting transgender rights. The pushback could have political implications beyond Premier Danielle Smith and her United Conservative Party.
Read more »
Serious bacterial infections causing pneumonia, meningitis on the rise in AlbertaFocus on the hand of a patient in hospital ward; Shutterstock ID 589302497
Read more »
Students stage walkouts to oppose Alberta's gender identity policies for children and youthHigh schooler Aspen Cervo says he began thinking about a student walkout over the Alberta government's planned policies around transgender youth right after Premier Danielle Smith announced them last week. Cervo, 16, poses for a portrait at Leduc Composite High School, in Leduc, Alta., Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024.
Read more »
Canada hosts summit on auto thefts, but Calgary and Alberta bucking the trendAccording to the Calgary Police Service, the city saw carjackings rise last year while car thefts dipped.
Read more »