With Alberta notorious for having extreme weather events, the Alberta Government is looking at alternative ways to mitigate flood and drought risks on the Bow River.
According to the province, feasibility studies commissioned by Environment and Protected Areas began in 2021. The government continues to examine flood and drought reservoir mitigation options, looking at three possibilities in the Bow River basin.
The options presented by the Bow River study include a new reservoir located between Seebe and Morley that would be located on Stoney Nakoda Nations reserve. The potential to expand the already existing Ghost reservoir. Or build another new reservoir between Cochrane and the Bearspaw Dam, located at the west edge of the City of Calgary.
The projected timeline of the Bow River reservoir options currently puts the province in phase two, continuing until 2024. Phase three would see engineering and regulatory approval processes, and phase four would ultimately see the construction and commissioning of any new or updated reservoirs.
According to Rocky View County, the feasibility portion is set to be completed by winter 2023. Those looking to learn more about the Bow River reservoir options can visit the Alberta Government website at www.alberta.ca.
Drought has been a significant problem within Airdrie and surrounding areas. On Aug. 15, the Cities of Airdrie, Calgary, and Chestermere declared water restrictions due to an increase in dry conditions within the region.
According to the City of Airdrie, restrictions include the limiting of lawn and plant watering, banning the cleaning of the exterior of buildings and windows, banning the filling of recreational water features such as hot tubs and pools, and banning the use of fountains and decorative features.
The City did note the use of water is permitted for construction, which would include grading and dust control. Additional information regarding the water restrictions in Airdrie can be found at www.airdrie.ca
Chestermere has similar restrictions that include the inability to wash outdoor surfaces, wash cars on driveways or streets, and fill of decorative fountains. In addition, the City of Chestermere is asking residents to also limit lawn and garden watering. To learn more about Chestermere’s restrictions and availability for watering, visit www.chestermere.ca.
Rocky View County has not declared a water emergency but is currently watching the situation closely.
“Rocky View County’s Utility Services is currently monitoring the water shortage situation in southern Alberta, and at this time has not declared a water emergency,” the County said in a statement released to local media. “Alberta Environment and Protected Areas’ Water Shortage Response has not been activated for our service areas, but we are watching the situation closely. The County encourages all residents to be water wise at all times. We will respond accordingly if the situation changes locally and/or provincially.”
