2024 Environmental Forum: Water Use Adaptation Recap
On September 25, 2024, the 2024 Environmental Forum: Water Use Adaptation brought together passionate individuals and experts in water security to discuss a pressing environmental challenge Albertans have been hearing a lot about this year. The event was a resounding success, providing valuable insights and fostering collaboration among attendees who share a common interest in sustainable water use.
Opening Remarks
The forum kicked off with welcoming words from Scott Hierath, Executive Director at the Alberta Chamber of Resources. He set the stage for a morning filled with engaging discussions and introduced Brian Van Vliet, Manager of Environment Solutions at Spartan Controls, who served as the emcee.
Government Strategies for Drought Management
Roger Ramcharita, Executive Director of the Southern Region at Environment and Protected Areas, Government of Alberta, took the stage to discuss the government’s approach to drought management. Roger highlighted the FITFIR (first in time, first in right) system that prioritizes older water licenses during droughts. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to fairly redistribute water resources.
Roger also presented the four pillars for water management released by the Government of Alberta:
Investing in new water storage infrastructure
Modernizing policies and regulatory tools
Collaborating with water users to enhance conservation and efficiency
Providing access to real-time water data
His insights underscored that effective drought response is rooted in ensuring that water demand does not exceed supply.
Roger Ramcharita, Executive Director of the Southern Region at Environment and Protected Areas, Government of Alberta
Innovations in Irrigation
Following Roger, Margo Jarvis Redelback, Executive Director at the Alberta Irrigation Districts Association, shared how irrigation practices can enhance water efficiency in agriculture. She explained that Southern Alberta relies on surface water to support eleven irrigation districts, using advanced on-farm application systems and infrastructure rehabilitation to minimize water use and get the most crop for every drop of water.
Collaborative Watershed Management
After a quick coffee break, attendees reconvened for Alison Reagan, Director of Projects at WaterSMART Solutions Ltd. She addressed the importance of Collaborative Watershed Management in the South and North Saskatchewan River Basins. Her presentation focused on the impact of climate extremes and the need for systems that sustain water availability. Through stakeholder engagement and innovative modelling, WaterSMART is making strides in ensuring that all stakeholder perspectives are considered, utilizing EcoMetrics to evaluate economic, environmental, and social values.
Research and Technological Innovations
Vicki Lightbown, Executive Director of Environmental Innovation at Alberta Innovates, presented groundbreaking research and technologies aimed at reshaping our water future. Her discussion covered exciting advancements, such as using oilfield water for irrigation, reusing water in food processing, and passive treatment of industrial effluents. Vicki emphasized the dual necessity of monitoring both the quantity and quality of water resources.
Vicki Lightbown, Executive Director of Environmental Innovation at Alberta Innovates
Industry Perspectives on Water Management
To conclude the morning session, Chris Martel, Water Operations Team Lead at Tourmaline Group, offered a unique perspective from the industry. He challenged conventional views of water as a waste byproduct, advocating for a shift in perception. At Tourmaline Group, they see water as an opportunity, leading to significant benefits including:
Reduced water disposal costs
Collaborative opportunities with other companies
Decreased freshwater procurement
Enhanced reputation and social license to operate
Q&A Session and Closing Thoughts
The forum wrapped up with an engaging Q&A session, allowing attendees to delve deeper into the topics discussed. The passion and expertise displayed throughout the morning reflected the commitment to advancing water use adaptation in our communities and in the resource sector.
Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to a wonderful morning of discussions. Together, we can ensure a sustainable water future for all!
