|
Indicator Type: Stewardship
This indicator shows the volumes of water crossing at Alberta's borders with adjacent jurisdictions. It is based on two water-sharing agreements. The first is the “1909 Boundary Waters Treaty” between Great Britain and the United States. It outlines the division of the waters of the St. Mary and Milk Rivers. The second is the “1969 – Master Agreement on Apportionment” between Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. This agreement outlines the division of waters that flow eastward. For a list of the affected water bodies, click here.
The analysis covers eight of the water bodies that are subject to these agreements. It includes a comparison of the volumes committed to in the agreements to the volumes actually delivered.
Return to Top
|
Trend: Mixed trends
|
What does the indicator show?
The surplus delivery volume shows the volume of water not consumed or stored by the upstream “user”. A decreasing trend in surplus delivery volume would indicate increased water demand upstream. The cause may be increases in population or industrial demand.
The comparison of delivery versus entitlement provides a visual comparison between how much water is actually delivered and the maximum amount that has been allotted to the downstream user.
Between 1985 and 2003, three of the monitored locations experienced years where the upstream user was unable to supply the agreed-upon amount of water. These locations are Middle and Lodge Creeks, which flow from Alberta to Saskatchewan, and the St. Mary River, which flows from the United States into Alberta. Although there were some years when Alberta could not deliver this required flow, there is no noticeable trend in supply.
Return to Top
|
Why is this indicator important?
The surplus water volume is an important measurement for managing rivers that originate in Alberta. This measurement shows the surplus that exists between the amount of water that downstream users are allocated, and what is actually delivered to those users. It represents the upper limit of the water that Alberta has available to meet future demands.
For those rivers that originate outside of Alberta, the surplus water volume that exists between what Alberta is entitled to and what is delivered represents an amount of water that Alberta could potentially go without.
Changes in these surplus values need to be tracked in order to assist in future water management decisions.
Return to Top
|
What actions are being taken?
This indicator is intended to help guide management decisions regarding the storage and use of water within the province. As described in Alberta's Water for Life strategy, one of the goals is to ensure “reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy.”
Currently, in basins where water use is high, Alberta meets its water-sharing agreements to downstream users through careful operation of the province's water supply reservoirs.
As Alberta's population and economy grow, the demand for water will increase. Water conservation programs and improved water management practices will be an important part of ensuring that Alberta can meet the water demands for humans and the environment, while continuing to meet agreements with downstream neighbors.
Return to Top
|
Links to additional information
Text
Alberta Environment Website – Apportionment Agreements: http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/water/gwsw/quantity/waterinalberta/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
|
