Why are we teaching this course?

• To increase public awareness in water, sharing knowledge and expertise available, and

• Identify ways water use, management, and protection can be sustained and strengthened.

Who are the guests?

• Individuals with knowledge and experience in water use, management, protection, and the effects on communities, the economy and environment.

Where are we in this process? Irrigation, the Environment, and Stewardship areas are complete. “The Future” will begin in September.

When is the course? This course began in May and concluded in December 2025.

• The History of Irrigation (Season 2, Episode 9) aired on May 30th.

• The Impacts of Resource Extraction on Water (Season 2, Episode 10) aired on June 18th.

• The Water Act and Licence Transfer System (Season 2, Episode 11) aired on 20th.

• The Water Cycle and Modelling (Season 2, Episode 12) aired on June 30th.

• Watershed and Lake Stewardship (Season 2, Episode 13) aired on July 2nd.

• Farming Dryland, Irrigated, and Ranchland (Season 2, Episode 14) aired on July 5th.

• Markham Hislop joined me as guest co-host for a conversation on The Impacts of Climate Change (Water) on Insurance with Derek Connick.

• Land Use Impacts and Limits (Season 2, Episode 16) aired on November 10th.

• Coping with Climate Chang (Season 2, Episode 17) aired on November 14th.

• Water Security in Southern Alberta (Season 2, Epiode 18) aired on November 19th.

• Aquatic and Riparian Health (Season 2, Episode 19) aired on November 20th.

• The Future of Water in Southern Alberta (Season 2, Episode 21) aired on November 28th.

What have we discussed? Various aspects of water conservation, management and environmental challenges in Alberta. In Southern Alberta, irrigation is a significant water use, with the Bow and Oldman basins allocating about 80% of their water to irrigation, compared to only 21% in the Red Deer Basin [0:00]. The Saskatchewan Rivers Development Association advocated for water infrastructure projects, despite limited support from farmers who preferred dryland farming [1:25]. The Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration’s role in state investment and its limitations in considering indigenous interests are highlighted [5:22].

Clearcut logging exacerbates flood risks in mountainous regions, reducing natural flood protection [6:51]. Gravel mining in riverbeds poses significant environmental challenges, impacting river ecosystems [8:16]. The lack of water royalties in Alberta contrasts with the need for industrial licensing and resource conservation [9:51]. The fossil fuel industry consumes significant freshwater, with much of it lost permanently [11:20].

The Water Act’s limitations in addressing water shortages and recognizing indigenous water rights are discussed, alongside the challenges of climate change and water allocation [13:07]. The South Saskatchewan River Basin faces water deficits, with irrigation and potash mining as major water consumers [17:05] [33:47]. The Milk River Watershed’s transboundary management and historical water projects are noted [18:35].

Pigeon Lake’s community efforts to improve lake health highlight the importance of living harmoniously with nature [20:23]. The Bow Basin’s water management impacts downstream users, with climate change posing additional challenges [21:49]. The transcript also addresses rural depopulation, farm size, and the economic pressures on young farmers [4:23] [24:28].

The environmental and economic impacts of water management, including biodiversity loss and the need for comprehensive ecosystem management, are emphasized [46:12]. The transcript concludes with a call for better integration of indigenous knowledge and Western science in water management [42:06].

How does your work integrate into this series? Do you have recommendations for further conversations or use of this program? Please contact Jenny below.

This episode about the future, is the last of the 2025 mini-series on Water in Southern Alberta. It features experts J. Bruce Smedley, a 50-year engineer, and Kennedy Halverson, a conservation expert with the Alberta Wilderness Association. We discuss topics such as irrigation, resource extraction, and water security. The conversation highlights the over-allocation of water resources, the need for comprehensive water management, and the importance of biodiversity conservation. The podcast advocates for a dedicated water preservation agency to address these challenges and emphasizes the role of public pressure in driving much-needed change. A wonderful conversation!

Find the full episode and transcript of The Future of Water in Southern Alberta under The Gravity Well Podcast with Jenny Yeremiy. Please watch, like, share and provide highlights (time time stamp and brief description of the point made) that I missed.

The Water in Southern Alberta podcast miniseries covers topics such as irrigation, resource extraction, water security, and climate change, featuring experts like Dr. Brad Stelfox and Dr. David Swann. The series seeks feedback to provide summaries and recommendations for legislative change.

This episode features Cheryl Bradley, Judy Stewart, and David Barrett who bring diverse expertise in environmental management, law, and aquatic health. Cheryl Bradley has been involved in water management planning in southern Alberta for decades, focusing on river conservation. Judy Stewart, a retired lawyer and poet, emphasizes the importance of water management in municipal planning. David Barrett, a researcher at the University of Calgary, studies aquatic ecosystems and advocates for water protection.

The podcast discusses complex water management issues, including the impact of irrigation on river health, the role of municipalities in land use planning, and the need for comprehensive data collection to monitor water quality and flow. Concerns are raised about recent amendments to the Water Act, which may increase director discretion and affect water conservation efforts.

Find the full episode and transcript of Aquatic and Riparian Health under The Gravity Well Podcast with Jenny Yeremiy. Please watch, like, share and provide highlights (time time stamp and brief description of the point made) that I missed.

This is episode 10 of a miniseries on Water in Southern Alberta with co-host Bob Morrison, discussing topics such as water security, irrigation history, resource extraction impacts, and climate change. Guests include Dr. David Swann, a retired medical doctor and former politician and founder of the Fish Creek Watershed Association (FCWA), who emphasizes the importance of water quality and quantity, and Jason Unger, executive director of the Environmental Law Centre, who discusses legal frameworks and environmental accountability. The conversation highlights challenges in water management, including the need for better monitoring, compliance, and public engagement to ensure sustainable water use and protect aquatic ecosystems. This conversation underscores the urgency of addressing water issues in the face of climate change and the importance of community involvement in water policy decisions.

Find the full episode and transcript of Water Security in Southern Alberta under The Gravity Well Podcast with Jenny Yeremiy. Please watch, like, share and provide highlights (time time stamp and brief description of the point made) that I missed.

This episode of a podcast mini-series focused on Water and Southern Alberta, co-host Bob Morrison joins Jenny to discuss topics such as irrigation history, resource extraction impacts, water legislation, and climate change effects on insurance. The series features experts like Dr. David Sauchyn, who studies climate and hydrology in Canada’s Western interior, contributing to future climate and water supply scenarios. Dr. Sauchyn has served as an expert witness on climate change in Canadian legislative bodies.

This conversation highlights the incremental nature of global climate change, emphasizing regional climate phenomena over global statistics. Southern Alberta faces unique challenges, with drought identified as a significant risk due to its creeping nature and potential for long-term impacts. The discussion underscores the importance of local adaptation within regulatory frameworks, with provincial governments playing a key role in water allocation.

This episode also addresses the need for transformational adaptation strategies, focusing on reducing water demand and enhancing soil and land water retention. The conversation concludes with reflections on the emotional response to climate issues and the challenge of reducing consumption to mitigate climate impacts.

Find the full episode and transcript of Coping with Climate Change under The Gravity Well Podcast with Jenny Yeremiy. Please watch, like, share and provide highlights (time time stamp and brief description of the point made) that I missed.

Bob Morrison is welcomed back to discuss the second half of the series on Water in Southern Alberta. The series began with discussions on irrigation history, resource extraction impacts, and water management, featuring experts like Professor Shannon Stunden Bower, David Mayhood, and Dr. Trisha Stadnik. This episode features Dr. Brad Stelfox, a scientist and thought leader, who groundbreaking work has influenced land management across Alberta and beyond, ensuring a balance between development and ecological integrity. Brad was also a guest on The Gravity Well podcast, Season 2, Episode 2 where we discussed The Harms of Coal Mining in Southern, Alberta.

Brad highlights the challenges of linking social, economic, and environmental models, emphasizing the need to understand trade-offs and prioritize sustainable land use. He discussed the degradation of natural capital in Alberta, particularly in the eastern lowlands and the foothills, due to excessive land use and the failure to account for environmental liabilities. The conversation also touched on the importance of the Eastern Slopes for water quality and quantity, advocating for careful land use management to preserve these critical areas.

The podcast concluded with a call for a shift in economic models to prioritize natural capital to ensure a sustainable future for Alberta’s landscapes.

Find the full episode and transcript of Land Use Impacts and Limits under The Gravity Well Podcast with Jenny Yeremiy. Please watch, like, share and provide highlights (time time stamp and brief description of the point made) that I missed.

In episode 15 of Season 2, the 7th episode of a podcast mini-series on “Water in Southern Alberta”, Jenny is joined by Markham Hislop, an energy journalist, and Derek Connick, a commercial insurance broker, to discuss the impacts of climate change on insurance. The conversation highlights the increasing frequency and severity of climate events, which are challenging traditional insurance models and affecting premiums. The discussion covers various types of insurance, including homeowner and commercial insurance, and the difficulties in obtaining coverage for flood and hail damage. The podcast also explores the role of government in backstopping insurance when private companies limit coverage due to high risks. The episode emphasizes the need for proactive measures in insurance and the importance of treating water as a valuable resource amidst growing environmental challenges. The Gravity Well Podcast is available on YouTube and streaming platforms, inviting listeners to engage with the content and provide feedback.

Find the full episode and transcript of Season 2, Episode 15 under The Gravity Well Podcast with Jenny Yeremiy. Please watch, like, share and provide highlights (time time stamp and brief description of the point made) that I missed.

In this episode, Episode 14 of Season 2, Jenny is joined by Bob Morrison and three guests: Dwight Popowich, Julian Vandenberg, and John Smith, who represent different farming sectors—dryland, irrigated, and rangeland farming. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by farmers, including water shortages, drought conditions, and the impact of climate change on water resources. The guests share their experiences with water management, the economic pressures of farming, and the mental health challenges within the agricultural community. They emphasize the importance of community support, policy advocacy, and technological advancements in sustaining farming operations. The conversation underscores the interconnectedness of water, agriculture, and community well-being, advocating for greater awareness and support for rural farmers.

Find the full episode and transcript of Season 2, Episode 14 under The Gravity Well Podcast with Jenny Yeremiy. Please watch, like, share and provide highlights (time time stamp and brief description of the point made) that I missed.

Find the full episode and transcript of Season 2, Episode 13 under The Gravity Well Podcast with Jenny Yeremiy. Please watch, like, share and provide highlights (time time stamp and brief description of the point made) that I missed.

In this episode, Episode 12 of Season 2, Dr. Trisha Stadnyk, a hydrologic modelling expert, discusses the intricacies of water modelling and its implications for future water availability and quality. The conversation highlights the challenges of integrating various models, such as climate, hydrology, and water resource management, to address local and global water issues. Dr. Stadnyk emphasizes the importance of adaptive risk-based management over traditional standards-based approaches, advocating for a shift towards resilience in water policy: a water first philosophy. The discussion also touches on the need for improved data collection and monitoring, particularly for groundwater and small streams, to enhance model accuracy and inform decision-making. The episode concludes with a call to action for individuals to become more aware of their water usage and for policymakers to prioritize water conservation and sustainable management practices. The podcast invites listeners to engage with these pressing issues and consider the broader implications of water management on future generations.

Find the full episode and transcript of Season 2, Episode 12 under The Gravity Well Podcast with Jenny Yeremiy. Please watch, like, share and provide highlights (time time stamp and brief description of the point made) that I missed.

In episode 11 of season 2, part of a water series, the discussion centers on the legal system and water market in Southern Alberta. The podcast features guests Arlene Kwasniak, a law professor, and Davin MacIntosh, a water rights facilitator, who explore the intricacies of water law and transfers. The conversation highlights the historical and current frameworks governing water rights, the challenges of the “first in time, first in right” principle, and the complexities of water transfers. The episode also addresses the need for reforms in water management to ensure sustainability, equity, and adaptation to climate change. Listeners are encouraged to engage with ongoing consultations on water availability and management in Alberta.

Find the full episode and transcript of Season 2, Episode 11 under The Gravity Well Podcast with Jenny Yeremiy. Please watch, like, share and provide highlights (time time stamp and brief description of the point made) that I missed.

Season 2, Episode 10 is the second conversation of a podcast mini-series on Water in Southern Alberta focused on The Impacts of Resource Extraction. Co-host Bob Morrison and I are joined by experts Dave Mayhood, an aquatic ecologist; Dr. Younes Alila, a professor specializing in forest hydrology; a

nd Jason Unger, executive director at the Environmental Law Centre. Key topics include the ecological effects of gravel extraction, the hydrological impacts of clear-cut logging, the pollutive and destructive uses of freshwater in oil and gas development, and the legal frameworks surrounding water management. The conversation highlights the need for regulatory innovation, cumulative effects analysis, and the importance of federal intervention in environmental protection. The podcast encourages listeners to find common ground and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of water and resource management.

Find the full episode and transcript of Season 2, Episode 10 under The Gravity Well Podcast with Jenny Yeremiy. Please watch, like, share and provide highlights (time time stamp and brief description of the point made) that I missed.

Season 2, Episode 9 is also the first episode of a mini-series on Water in Southern Alberta. This first episode features co-host Bob Morrison and guests discussing irrigation, environmental stewardship, and future challenges. Co-Host Bob Morrison is a retired planner with expertise in water management. Shannon Stunden Bower rejoins us (Season 1, Episode 18), an associate professor of history specializing in environmental history, and Jordan Christiansen, former chairperson of the Special Areas Board are our guests. The conversation delves into the historical and current challenges of irrigation, the role of government agencies like the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA), and the socio-economic impacts on rural communities. You receive highlights like the importance of defining public interest and efficiency in agricultural practices, considering indigenous perspectives, and balancing economic and environmental needs. The discussion underscores the need for collaborative efforts and thoughtful use of state resources to achieve sustainable development.

Find the full episode and transcript of The History of Irrigation under The Gravity Well Podcast with Jenny Yeremiy. Please watch, like, share and provide highlights (time time stamp and brief description of the point made) that I missed.