This podcast mini-series is focused on “Water in Southern Alberta”. Co-hosted by Jenny with Bob Morrison, of Calgary Citizens on Climate Change (4C), a retired planner with experience in water management, transportation, and municipal issues. This series explores the ways to restore, protect, and manage water in Southern Alberta.
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.
