Identify aquatic issues, drivers, indicators & objectives (Golder Associates)

NSWA and Golder Associates will work with experts and key stakeholders to select reach-specific water quality and ecosystem health indicators for the main stem of the North Saskatchewan River.  Objectives for water quality and ecosystem health will be developed for the selected indicators.  Golder Associates will produce a report on the methodology and results of the objective setting process.

Surface water quality modeling and assessment (Tetra Tech)

NSWA is working with Alberta Environment and Tetra Tech to develop a surface water quality model for the main stem of the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta.  The open-source EFDC model will be set up and calibrated for water level,  flow, sediment transport, temperature and water quality variables including TDS, organic carbon, nutrients, dissolved oxygen, pH, algae, bacteria and other priority variables.  At this time, major tributaries will be treated as "point sources" in the model; however the model will be flexible enough to incorporate future modeling of tributary systems.

Surface Water Quantity Modeling and Assessment (Golder Associates)

NSWA worked with Golder Associates to assess the effects of climate change on future water supply in the North Saskatchewan River Basin.  The assessment included analysis of potential effects of climate change on future water yield and seasonal flow patterns in the North Saskatchewan River.

Watershed Ecosystem Studies - Scoping Study (Dr. Michael Sullivan - ALCES Group)

This project will develop and calibrate the ALCES model for the NSRB.  The model will screen issues and identify indicators relating to watershed ecosystem components.  The model will assist NSWA by evaluating historical and future trends in relationships between land use, watershed ecosystem components and water quality.

Groundwater  Assessment (WorleyParsons)

This project will provide an overview report on the groundwater conditions, issues, and management challenges in the North Saskatchewan River Basin.  The study and ensuing report will provide a snapshot of the current state of knowledge regarding groundwater resources in the NSRB as well as integrate recent available information on water use and human activity to support assessment of groundwater vulnerability.

Build partnerships and test the shared governance model (Teleologic Strategic Communications)

NSWA is engaging in a collaborative process with municipal stakeholders towards developing extensive support for the Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP).  This project will review information on NSWA projects, explore the collective view of watershed planning and management, identify municipal stakeholder representation and explore their planning issues.

IWMP Preparation

NSWA is preparing to develop the introduction, consolidate the information base and write the policy background and context of the plan in accordance with the IWMP Terms of Reference (approved May 2005) and the draft Table of Contents (March 2008).