Media release from the Pembina Institute: February 9, 2009 - With available fresh water resources expected to decrease as a result of climate change, Alberta faces the challenge of meeting its growing demand for water in a sustainable manner, according to a new report by the Pembina Institute. "We need to plan ahead and consider the impact that climate change is likely to have on fresh water resources in Alberta," says Mary Griffiths, the lead author of the report, Heating Up in Alberta: Climate Change, Energy Development and Water. The report draws attention to the decline of summer river flows, the future effects of climate change on water supply and the projected growth in demand for water for energy production ... continue reading.

News Release from Ecojustice: Calgary, Nov 5, 2008 - A draft policy suggesting Alberta will retain strong public control of its freshwater has won the cautious support of two environmental groups reviewing it. In its current form, the draft water licence amendment policy would prevent the Eastern Irrigation District from reallocating up to 900 billion litres of freshwater ­to non-farming purposes. The Eastern Irrigation District proposal sparked mass public opposition when it emerged in 2007 and has since been on hold pending provincial review. "While we would prefer that the amendment policy would prohibit any transfer of water to other users, it is encouraging that the Alberta government is now pushing back on the widescale use of amendments for this ... continue reading.

In periods of changing climate, winners can quickly become losers -- and vice-versa, especially when it comes to the ready availability of fresh water. In that regard, Alberta is emerging as the province to watch as the effects of anthropogenic global heating play out across Canada. Even in the 20th century, now known to be the wettest of the past several, some parts of southern Alberta had average evaporation that exceeded average precipitation. Without water from the snow packs and glaciers of the Rockies, there would be no cities or agriculture in these areas. Read the Globe's full article... ... continue reading.

The majestic Athabasca River has long been a source of inspiration for Albertans. It flows with seeming perpetuity across Alberta's history and landscape but the river and watershed are at risk. Unprecedented industrial development and environmental threats such as climate change are threatening the future of the Athabasca River Basin. Connecting the Drops is an outreach and awareness campaign that culminates in a two-month expedition along the entire length of the Athabasca River. The expedition celebrates this extraordinary western waterway, a symbol of Canadian identity and wilderness. ... continue reading.

Acknowledging that all the deaths attributed to the lack of clean drinking water amount to more than 10 times the amount of deaths attributed to armed conflict since World War II; Earth Water’s mandate is to help provide water to those who need it the most. Our corporation is one that does not pillage the developing world to improve its bottom line, because our bottom line is to save the lives of people in the most desperate of situations. As citizens are becoming more socially conscious, by maintaining a globally responsible mandate, Earth Water International seeks to bring incremental change in the global community by generating a culture that recognizes the need to be responsible for the sustainability of our ... continue reading.

EDMONTON — Contaminated drinking water on Alberta reserves is to blame for sickness and possibly even deaths, a federal review panel was told Thursday. ... continue reading.

The Alberta government may be willing to spend $1 billion over the next decade to improve drinking water systems across the province, says Environment Minister Guy Boutilier. ... continue reading.