Between 2024-2025, the NSWA brought together agricultural producers, municipalities, industry, Indigenous and government representatives in the North Saskatchewan River basin to ask some big questions: Do we have enough water for people and the environment? Will growth and climate change outpace our water supply? What happens when our glaciers melt? How does water availability in smaller streams compare to the mainstem river?

A hydrologic and water use model was developed to explore a range of “what if” scenarios based on changing land use, climate, and management decisions in the North Saskatchewan River Basin (NSRB). For example, the model examined questions such as: What if industrial water use doubled? or What if new conservation targets were introduced?

By testing these scenarios, the project team gained a clearer understanding of the trade-offs involved in water management decisions and how they may affect the sustainability of future water supply and demand.

It is important to note that the model was not designed to predict extreme floods or droughts, which communities must still be prepared to address.

Key findings from model explorations:

• The mainstem of the North Saskatchewan River has enough water to support some population and industrial growth.
• Drinking water from the mainstem appears to be secure in relation to climate pressures.
• Additional large water storage projects on the mainstem are not needed.
• Tributaries (such as Sturgeon and Vermilion Rivers) are at risk of impact from climate pressures and cannot sustain economic and population growth demands
• Management of the current reservoirs has a big impact on the river.

The project team summarized the model results in a Web Portal, which is available upon request.

Summary of the Water Management Roadmap:

The Roadmap outlines the sustainable water management adaptations that the working group identified as the most effective and achievable. It does not include all the adaptations examined during the Project.

A summary of the selected strategies is provided below. The full Roadmap Report offers more detailed descriptions of each strategy, along with related actions for communities, governments, industries, and individuals to consider.

Water Management Adaptations:

1. Establish an Approved North Saskatchewan River Basin Water Management Plan to Guide Sustainable Water Management
2. Establish Basin-Scale Conservation, Efficiency, and Productivity (CEP) Targets for Municipalities, Industry, and the Agricultural Sector to Incentivize Sustainable Water Use
3. Support the Development and Implementation of Water Reuse Projects in Collaboration with Industry and Municipalities
4. Improve Access to and Use of Alternative Water Sources for Consumptive Operations, Including Improved Data Availability  
5. Develop Aquifer Management Plans Informed by Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) and Government of Alberta (GoA) Objectives
6. Develop Natural Asset Programs and Tools to Support Ecosystem Services and Fill Key Information Gaps
7. Implement the NSR Wetland Strategy
8. Improve Water Quality in Non-Mainstem Drinking Water Sources, Including Lakes and Tributaries
9. Improve Water Security for Indigenous Communities, Ensuring Adequate and Safe Water is Available for Drinking, Household, Community Needs, and Emergency Services
10. Create an Indigenous-Guided Future Roadmap for Water in the North Saskatchewan River Basin  
11. Enhance Connection with Alberta’s Land-Use Framework and Other Existing Regulatory Frameworks
12. Explore Establishing a Collaborative Relationship with Hydro Facilities, in Support of Shared Understanding

Roadmap Final Report

With these strategies in mind, the working group is now deciding on a path forward. This begins with communicating the results and importance of the project with the public, decision-makers, and representatives from the many industries that make up the local economy.  Through collaboration across sectors, and with a diversity of voices and views, we can collectively shape the future of this basin into a more sustainable and resilient place to live and work.