Bow Riverkeeper Calls for Moratorium on New Water Permits for Bow and Oldman Rivers

Published April 22, 2008 by Bow Riverkeeper and EcoJustice

This report reviews Alberta's framework for dealing with water scarcity and examines some recent, highly controversial water supply schemes that may offer a glimpse into Alberta's future. Two case studies of water scarcity from 2007 in southern Alberta illustrate the troubling public policy issues to be addressed.

With population and economic growth continuing to surge in the province, dramatic changes in how water is used and who uses it are inevitable. And, as elsewhere, the reallocation of water could benefit certain people, communities and industries while harming others and the environment.

» Read the Executive Summary
» Download the Report

Latest revision: January, 2008

A coalition of citizen-based organizations came together and submitted a report to the Alberta Water Council outlining its analysis and review of the strategy. Issues addressed in this report include: funding, protection of drinking water sources, progress made on protecting healthy aquatic ecosystems, watershed planning, shared governance, and water conservation.

» Read the coalition's analysis and review of Water for Life

Released: May 6, 2006 

In this opinion editorial, published in the Calgary Herald, Danielle encourages the government to follow through on the proposed moratorium on new water licenses for the Bow and Oldman Rivers - as a first step in better water management for these watersheds. Read the op-ed.