Water Levels in Alberta Reservoirs

Indicator Type: Stewardship Indicator

This indicator shows the status of storage levels for 25 selected Alberta reservoirs.

Return to Top

Trend: Improving

What does the indicator show?

The indicator shows the levels of individual reservoirs from year to year. These levels are compared with past levels to identify trends. Following relatively low levels in 2000 and 2001, reservoir levels returned to more normal levels in 2003.

Although the current reservoir water supply is generally satisfactory, there may be concerns in the future. This could result from climate cycles with less precipitation. Water supply concerns could also result from increases in population and industrial development. These changes increase demand for water.

Also see the related indicator, Lake Levels.

Return to Top

Why is this indicator important?

Alberta reservoirs play an important role in how water is managed. They store water for later use in irrigation, electricity generation and other needs. Short-term changes in reservoir levels may result from the water being used for these purposes. Over the long term, reservoir levels can give a "snapshot" of changes in the environment that affect water supply. This information can be valuable to the public and to water managers.

Return to Top

What actions are being taken?

This indicator is provided to help water managers and others manage Alberta's storage reservoirs. Further study is under way on how much water flows into the province's reservoirs each year. This information will lead to more understanding of the effects of climate trends and changes in water demand.

Return to Top

Links to additional information

Current water supply information: http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/water/ws/WaterSupply/Index.html

Return to Top

Feedback

E-mail the SOE Coordinator: SOE.Coordinator@gov.ab.ca or complete this short on-line questionnaire to provide your feedback: http://www.zoomerang.com/
survey.zgi?p=WEB224DW6P3E2K.

Return to Top