A report published by the renowned Rosenberg International Forum on Water Policy has said that Alberta is putting itself in jeopardy by not devoting more resources to properly map and protect groundwater.  Alberta Environment requested this study at a meeting in Banff last year.  Here are a few of the recommendations:

-Spend more to implement the water strategy — “without proper and timely funding for the initiative, both inside and outside government, all gains made to date could be negated;”

-Set up comprehensive monitoring — “existing monitoring systems, especially those for groundwater, are inadequate, and without effective monitoring, the goals of the strategy cannot be achieved;” and

-Recognize the link between science and policy — “in the management of Alberta’s economy, water should be viewed as being every bit as important as oil.”

When asked about Alberta’s future water supply if the status quo remains, Henry Vaux Jr. – chairman of the panel states, …”it is frankly, scary”. Read the whole article by Renata D’Allesio here: Water Panel Issues Warning

Alberta Environment, after requesting the study, is now claiming that everything’s under control despite the report findings that it’s not.  This is another example of an arrogant government hell bent on development while not considering the vital interests of Alberta’s citizens who rely on groundwater.

Currently in the town of Nanton, the mayor is publicly asking for Compton Petroleum to stop it’s seismic activity.  According to him, the source of the town’s famous water is still unknown and without proper knowledge of the groundwater in the area, many fear that their only water source will be contaminated.  This example is a perfect antidote to the Government’s continued arrogance.  People’s livelihoods are at stake and the best the government can do is to downplay the advice of international experts???

View the report here: Rosenberg Report on Alberta Water