Low water levels seen on the Smoky River near Highway 43 in June. (Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

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Alberta government updates Drought Response Plan

Aug 14, 2024 | 3:30 PM

The Government of Alberta has released an updated Drought Response Plan that classifies drought stages by river basin.

While an initial Drought Response Plan was released in May of 2024, officials say varied amounts of rain across the province have made it clear that a more targeted and diverse plan was needed.

Alberta’s Drought Response Plan is described as a multi-stage roadmap, covering everything from conservation plans and water-sharing agreements to declaring an emergency and prioritizing water for human health and safety. Officials say the plan is intended to help the government, irrigators, communities, businesses and others respond quickly and effectively to a wide range of drought conditions.

Officials say the updated plan better reflects the conditions in each region by assigning each region a ranking from Stage 0 (no drought conditions) to Stage 4 (significant drought conditions in multiple water management areas).

The government says the Oldman and Milk River basins remain at Stage 4 due to very dry conditions. However, the other basins have been downgraded to Stage 0, 1, 2 or 3 to reflect their current moisture levels. No basins are at Stage 5 (urgent and critical escalation of drought conditions leading to a water emergency declared under the Water Act).

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Additionally, Albertans can now see drought stages and check conditions in their area using the new online map.

Regardless of classification, smaller areas within each basin can still experience water shortages or challenges separate from drought, and officials say they will provide support wherever needed.

Moving forward, officials say drought classifications will be updated as needed based on the weather conditions, water supply and demand. Regardless of drought stage, all Albertans are encouraged to consider ways to use water wisely.

As of Aug. 14, there are 36 water shortage advisories in place for select water management areas across Alberta.

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