The NSWA is involved in many initiatives that work to maintain or improve the water quality of the North Saskatchewan River. This includes being a member of the implementation committee for the Water Quality Framework for the Industrial Heartland / Capital Region. The committee includes representatives from:
- Alberta Environment and Parks
- Alberta Capital Region Wastewater Commission
- EPCOR
- Chemical Industry Association of Canada
- Northeast Capital Industrial Association
- Strathcona Industrial Association
- North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance
Reports
Water Quality Management Framework for the industrial heartland and capital region (2008)
The Framework is a cumulative effects management approach to protect the reach of the North Saskatchewan River, from Devon to Pakan, which is directly impacted by municipal and industrial effluent discharge. The vision of the framework is:
A world class integrated water management system within the North Saskatchewan River system to sustainably support the environment and social and economic development.
WATER Quality MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK FOR THE INDUSTRIAL HEARTLAND AND CAPITAL REGION: 8 YEARS OF IMPLEMENTATION (2015)
A 2015 report describing the advancement on the goals, priorities and next steps of the Framework after 8 years of implementation. Key Points:
- The Water Management Framework for the Industrial Heartland and Capital Region was endorsed in 2007, and will be incorporated into the North Saskatchewan Regional Plan.
- Water quality in the Devon to Pakan reach of the North Saskatchewan River has been improving. Water management will continue to pursue the goal of maintaining or improving water quality.
- Continue to optimize the use of existing and new withdrawal infrastructure, along with the increased use of reclaimed water, helps minimize the footprint on the North Saskatchewan River.
- Modelling and other tools to support cumulative effects management are being further developed and maintained to maximize water quality knowledge and improve decision-making processes in support of Framework goals. Projects such as the Effluent Characterization Program are being undertaken to generate the data needed by these tools.