Water News
Alberta Water News is a free, subscription-based service that provides the latest information on water news across Alberta and upcoming events.
The news is distributed weekly on Mondays via a collated email and Monday to Friday via WaterPortal social media (X was Twitter). Please note that news will not be distributed on Holiday Mondays and will be released the following Tuesday.
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Fort McPherson, N.W.T., ends state of emergency as water levels continue to drop
CBC News
The community of Fort McPherson, N.W.T., has lifted the local state of emergency as floodwaters recede and the hamlet begins repairs to damaged roads. The hamlet of about 650 declared an emergency last Tuesday after flooding from the Peel River washed over both roads out of the community, blocking access to the airport as well as the hamlet’s source of clean drinking water. Click here to continue reading
How a drought affects trees depends on what’s been holding them back
Science Daily
Droughts can be good for trees. Certain trees, that is. Contrary to expectation, sometimes a record-breaking drought can increase tree growth. Why and where this happens is the subject of a new article. Click here to continue reading
Compare and Contrast: Historic Colorado River deal not enough to stave off long-term crisis, experts say
The Guardian
A hard-fought agreement between California, Arizona and Nevada to slash the states’ use of the shrinking Colorado River is only a temporary salve to a long-term water crisis that continues to threaten the foundations of life in the American west, experts have warned. Click here to continue reading
‘Last dance vibe’: After 100 years, the International Ice Patrol is winding down N.L. iceberg flights
CBC News
The U.S. navy started the program in 1914 — soon after an iceberg collision sank the Titanic — to track icebergs off Newfoundland’s coast and deliver up-to-date information to ships trying to safely navigate the north Atlantic. Click here to continue reading
Canada and British Columbia invest in District of Taylor’s Wastewater Treatment Plant
Water Canada
Through this funding, a concrete sludge management facility will be built at the plant. Work includes new valves, pipes and pumps, associated electrical work, and the installation of a centrifuge to separate different liquids to reduce sludge accumulation. These upgrades will create a more sustainable wastewater management system that will protect the health of the environment and residents. Click here to continue reading
Heavy rains in Canada offer relief from wildfires but could lead to flooding
The Guardian
Heavy rains have brought relief to western Canada, in what crews hope could be a “turning point” in a protracted fight against wildfires, but officials also warned the much-needed downpour could lead to catastrophic flooding – and fresh blazes from lightning strikes. Click here to continue reading
Canada urged to start national water dialogue
The Western Producer
Canada’s most valuable resource might be fresh water, a commodity so short in some parts of the world that it causes intense conflicts. Despite this, Canada treats water issues with inattention and disregard, some say. Now, leading water management experts hope to see that changed with a new federal water agency. Click here to continue reading
Intense rain, deadly torrents of mud destroy homes and farmland in northern Italy
CBC News
Rescue crews worked Thursday to reach towns and villages in northern Italy still isolated by heavy rains and flooding, as the death toll rose to 13 and authorities began mapping out cleanup and reconstruction plans. Click here to continue reading
Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area closed this summer
Red Deer Advocate
Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area will be closed this summer to support construction activities to upgrade the site. Alberta Forestry, Parks and Tourism recently announced the area will be closed from June 1, 2023 to June 2024 to reduce danger to the general public as contractors work in the area with heavy equipment and materials on land and near water, and to make construction more efficient. Click here to continue reading
More than half of the world’s lakes have shrunk in past 30 years, study finds
The Guardian
More than half of the world’s large lakes and reservoirs have shrunk since the early 1990s – chiefly because of the climate crisis and human consumption – intensifying concerns about water supply for agriculture, hydropower and human consumption, a study has found. Click here to continue reading