Larissa Sommerfeld says western Canadian water experts agree on most water issues and are optimistic about future water management options.
The lead researcher for the Canada West Foundation’s water study said more than 50 experts participated in discussions leading to a report entitled Water, Wave of the Future,released by the foundation earlier this year.
“Our key finding was that, among the four western provinces, we found that there were way more similarities than differences among the views of the water experts. We concluded that there appeared to be a western Canadian water policy outlook, as well as a similar sense of priorities.”
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Sommerfeld explained common themes of the report Nov. 29 to members oftheAlbertaIrrigationProjectsAssociation’s annual meeting in Lethbridge.
Planning for unknown:Climate change, and intensity and frequency of floods and droughts emerged as a concern, said Sommerfeld. Planners may not be able to rely on historic hydrological data, and water infrastructure will have to withstand more extreme weather conditions.
In southern Alberta, Sommerfeld said there was concern about inability to attract business if the water supply is seen as unstable.
Muddy waters:Sommerfeld defined this as issues that impede water policy development, such as data shortage and polarized views on use that pit farm irrigators against environmentalists and the energy industry.
Governance:Experts agreed water policy should be higher on government agendas, Sommerfeld said.
Valuing natural capital:Sommerfeld reported agreement among experts on the need to define what constitutes a healthy water source, and then reinforce that message with strong environmental protection.
Many experts also said putting a dollar value on ecological goods and services would help decision makers with the challenge of preserving environmental integrity while encouraging economic growth.
Management and pricing:Experts said water is best managed on a local level but within a regional or provincial framework, and equipped with federal standards. Their idea that politics should be removed from water policy decisions is “probably more of a wish than a reality,” Sommerfeld said.
Support for establishment of an Alberta Water Authority was noted. An independent body could make more long-term plans that wouldn’t change with political whims.
Sommerfeld said there was no agreement on using water pricing as a tool.
“Whether people agreed with pricing or not, there was a common senti-m e nt that there is a disconnect between the current cost of water and the way that we use water.”
Sommerfeld said experts also agreed that Canadians have a culture of water waste. Greater awareness about water is needed, and the gap between rural and urban attitudes to water must be bridged.
