What does the indicator show?
Water use is regulated in Alberta through a system of water licenses issued by Alberta Environment. A municipality, private company, individuals and others can apply for permission to use water. This water may be used for drinking water, irrigation, industrial processes and many other uses. An allocation sets out the maximum volume that can be used under the terms of the license. Additional restrictions may apply based on other needs and environmental considerations. More information about water allocation is available on Alberta Environment's website.
At first glance the Battle River basin appears to be over allocated (more than 100%) but in fact the basin contains large licenses that return most of the water that is initially diverted, allowing for much of the water to be reused or passed downstream. With this in mind, the indicator shows that demand for water is very high in the South Saskatchewan River Basin. Allocations there have reached nearly 70% of natural flows upstream of the meeting point with the Red Deer River. This means that water supply is becoming an increasingly important issue in these areas. More efficient ways must be found to use water if growing economic and human needs are to be met. The Milk River and the North Saskatchewan Basins also experience heavy licensing, although not to the same extent as the South Saskatchewan. The basins facing the least pressure compared to supply are in the north (Peace, Athabasca and Hay).
To view the historical trend (maps of water allocations in 1900, 1930,1960 and 1990), click here.
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